Written four hundred years before the birth of Christ, this detailed contemporary account of the struggle between Athens and Sparta stands an excellent chance of fulfilling the author's ambitious claim that the work was done to last forever. The conflicts between the two empires over shipping, trade, and colonial expansion came to a head in 431 b.c. in Northern Greece, and the entire Greek world was plunged into 27 years of war. Thucydides applied a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth and romance in compiling this exhaustively factual record of the disastrous conflict that eventually ended the Athenian empire.

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The greatest historian that ever lived. Such was Macaulay's assessment of Thucydides (c. 460-400 BC) and his history of the Peloponnesian War, the momentous struggle between Athens and Sparta that lasted for twenty-seven years from 431 to 404 BC, involved virtually the whole of the Greek world, and ended in the fall of Athens. A participant in the war himself, Thucydides brings to his history an awesome intellect, brilliant narrative, and penetrating analysis of the nature of power, as it affects both states and individuals. Of the prose writers of the ancient world, Thucydides has had more lasting influence on western thought than all but Plato and Aristotle. This new edition combines a masterly new translation by Martin Hammond with comprehensive supporting material, including summaries of individual Books; textual notes; a comprehensive analytical index; an appendix on weights, measures and distances, money, and calendars; ten maps; an up-to-date bibliography; and an illuminating introduction by P.J. Rhodes.

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An accessible modern translation of essential speeches from Thucydides's History that takes readers to the heart of his profound insights on diplomacy, foreign policy, and war

Why do nations go to war? What are citizens willing to die for? What justifies foreign invasion? And does might always make right? For nearly 2,500 years, students, politicians, political thinkers, and military leaders have read the eloquent and shrewd speeches in Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War for profound insights into military conflict, diplomacy, and the behavior of people and countries in times of crisis. How to Think about War presents the most influential and compelling of these speeches in an elegant new translation by classicist Johanna Hanink, accompanied by an enlightening introduction, informative headnotes, and the original Greek on facing pages. The result is an ideally accessible introduction to Thucydides's long and challenging History.

Thucydides intended his account of the clash between classical Greece's mightiest powers--Athens and Sparta--to be a possession for all time. Today, it remains a foundational work for the study not only of ancient history but also contemporary politics and international relations. How to Think about War features speeches that have earned the History its celebrated status--all of those delivered before the Athenian Assembly, as well as Pericles's funeral oration and the notoriously ruthless Melian Dialogue. Organized by key debates, these complex speeches reveal the recklessness, cruelty, and realpolitik of Athenian warfighting and imperialism.

The first English-language collection of speeches from Thucydides in nearly half a century, How to Think about War takes readers straight to the heart of this timeless thinker.

Thucydides, an Athenian, wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians, beginning at the moment that it broke out, and believing that it would be a great war and more worthy of relation than any that had preceded it. This belief was not without its grounds. The preparations of both the combatants were in every department in the last state of perfection; and he could see the rest of the Hellenic race taking sides in the quarrel; those who delayed doing so at once having it in contemplation. Indeed this was the greatest movement yet known in history, not only of the Hellenes, but of a large part of the barbarian world-I had almost said of mankind. For though the events of remote antiquity, and even those that more immediately preceded the war, could not from lapse of time be clearly ascertained, yet the evidences which an inquiry carried as far back as was practicable leads me to trust, all point to the conclusion that there was nothing on a great scale, either in war or in other matters.

Thucydides' classic work is a foundational text in the history of Western political thought. His narrative of the great war between Athens and Sparta in the fifth century BC is now seen as a highly sophisticated study of the nature of political power itself: its exercise and effects, its agents and victims, and the arguments through which it is defended and deployed. It is therefore increasingly read as a text in politics, international relations and political theory, whose students will find in Thucydides many striking contemporary resonances. This edition seeks to present the author and the text in their proper historical context. The new translation is particularly sensitive to the risks of anachronism, and the notes and extensive reference material provide students with all the necessary historical, cultural and linguistic background they need to engage with the text on its own terms.

Dive into Thucydides' timeless account of the History of the Peloponnesian War, a brutal conflict between Athens and Sparta. This masterpiece explores the complexities of power, politics, and human nature, offering profound insights into the rise and fall of civilizations. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of Western history and thought.

Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket

Amid the turbulence of ancient Greece, the epic struggle between Athens and Sparta unfolds, capturing a clash of ideals, ambitions, and alliances. This gripping narrative explores the rise and fall of power, the fragility of democracy, and the brutal realities of war. Through vivid accounts of battles, political intrigue, and human resilience, the story immerses readers in the complexities of a world striving for dominance. It's a tale not only of strategy and conflict but also of the enduring human spirit navigating the chaos of history.

The History of the Peloponnesian War is a timeless work and cornerstone of historical and political thought, offering an unparalleled analysis of power, war, and human nature. Thucydides' meticulous account transcends its era, providing lessons on leadership, strategy, and the fragility of civilizations. By focusing on the motives and decisions of individuals and states, it shaped the field of historiography with its emphasis on realism. Its insights into democracy, alliances, and conflict remain profoundly relevant, making it a guide to understanding the complexities of human history.

This edition of Thucylides epic chronicle, The History of the Peloponnesian War, contains all eight books in the authoritative English translation of Richard Crawley. Thucylides himself was an Athenian general who personally witnessed the various skirmishes of the war. Ordering all of the events chronologically - a first for any work of history - he offers a straightforward account of the conflict, straying little to personal opinions or permitting his history to be influenced by the politics of the era. For this, Thucylides' is lauded for his methodical telling of each battle, which offers the reader insight into Greek and Spartan tactics and cultures. Throughout the history, we are given transcripts of various speeches. Although the inclusion of such lengthy quotations of sources is unheard of in modern history books, the presence of lengthy oratory in Thucylides' history is considered to be a cultural trait: speech and rhetoric were prized in Greece as the prime means of transferring knowledge.

One of the greatest history books ever written now features a new introduction, which provides the first comprehensive overview of this seminal work for contemporary readers.

The new introduction is divided into four parts:

(A) 'The Causes of the Peloponnesian War';

(B) 'A Brief Overview of the Course of the War' (this is necessary as Thucydides' work ends abruptly in 411 BC, six years before the actual end of the conflict);

(C) 'A Biography of Thucydides'; and

(D) 'The Significance of The History of the Peloponnesian War'. This final section places the work in its broader context, explores its style, and discusses its ultimate significance for historical documentation and its relevance to the present day.

In this enduring masterpiece of historical literature, Thucydides meticulously chronicles the monumental conflict between Athens and Sparta that rocked the ancient world - The Peloponnesian War. This seminal work paints a vivid tableau of political intrigue, valorous battles, and momentous events that marked the climax of classical Greece's golden age.

Thucydides' narrative, at once scrupulously factual and profoundly insightful, traces the twenty-seven-year-long war, from its incipience to the ultimate fall of the mighty Athenian Empire. As an Athenian general himself, he provides readers with an unparalleled firsthand perspective, suffusing the account with a profound understanding of the strategic decisions, the pivotal battles, and the complex political landscape of the era.

However, The History of the Peloponnesian War is more than a record of historical events; it is a timeless examination of the human condition. Thucydides scrutinizes the motivations, virtues, and follies of political and military leaders, illustrating the inextricable interplay of power, fear, and ambition.

This seminal work is not just an account of war, but a thoughtful inquiry into the nature of power, the causes of conflict, and the human capacity for both nobility and cruelty. Its lessons remain strikingly relevant today, making it an essential read for historians, students, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world's past to illuminate the complexities of the present.

This is not a mass market edition but a quality printing on white paper.

This school/university student edition of Thucydides: Book I by E.C. Marchant, consisting of Greek text, extensive philological notes and indexes, is supplemented by a useful later introduction and bibliography by Thomas Weidemann, covering the context and aims of the work and giving essential background to the events described.

One of the greatest history books ever written now features a new introduction, which provides the first comprehensive overview of this seminal work for contemporary readers.

The new introduction is divided into four parts:

(A) 'The Causes of the Peloponnesian War';

(B) 'A Brief Overview of the Course of the War' (this is necessary as Thucydides' work ends abruptly in 411 BC, six years before the actual end of the conflict);

(C) 'A Biography of Thucydides'; and (

D) 'The Significance of The History of the Peloponnesian War'. This final section places the work in its broader context, explores its style, and discusses its ultimate significance for historical documentation and its relevance to the present day.

In this enduring masterpiece of historical literature, Thucydides meticulously chronicles the monumental conflict between Athens and Sparta that rocked the ancient world - The Peloponnesian War. This seminal work paints a vivid tableau of political intrigue, valorous battles, and momentous events that marked the climax of classical Greece's golden age.

Thucydides' narrative, at once scrupulously factual and profoundly insightful, traces the twenty-seven-year-long war, from its incipience to the ultimate fall of the mighty Athenian Empire. As an Athenian general himself, he provides readers with an unparalleled firsthand perspective, suffusing the account with a profound understanding of the strategic decisions, the pivotal battles, and the complex political landscape of the era.

However, The History of the Peloponnesian War is more than a record of historical events; it is a timeless examination of the human condition. Thucydides scrutinizes the motivations, virtues, and follies of political and military leaders, illustrating the inextricable interplay of power, fear, and ambition.

This seminal work is not just an account of war, but a thoughtful inquiry into the nature of power, the causes of conflict, and the human capacity for both nobility and cruelty. Its lessons remain strikingly relevant today, making it an essential read for historians, students, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world's past to illuminate the complexities of the present.

This is not a mass market edition but a quality printing on white paper.

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The entire Greek world plunged into three decades of bloodshed in 431 B.C., when the ongoing friction between Athens and Sparta exploded into war. Ten years into the struggle, the Athenian general Thucydides was dismissed for a military failure that led to a triumph for posterity: the former general retired to write an account of the war, resulting in one of the world's great history books.
Thucydides' chronicle of the disastrous 27-year conflict between the Greek city-states resonates with tales of heroism and villainy, deeds of courage and desperation, and the eternal folly of human nature. As an insightful amateur historian, he traces the war's roots to prior hostilities between Greece and Persia and examines the relative merits of the Athenian League and the Spartan alliance. Scrupulously impartial and accurate, Thucydides presents detailed, knowledgeable analyses of battles in addition to dialogues reflecting the political atmosphere. This ancient tale of the rise and fall of a democratic empire remains enduringly relevant to modern times.

Thomas Hobbes's translation of Thucydides brings together the magisterial prose of one of the greatest writers of the English language and the depth of mind and experience of one of the greatest writers of history in any language. . . . For every reason, the current availability of this great work is a boon.--Joseph Cropsey, University of Chicago

The History of the Plague of Athens is a historical account of the devastating epidemic that struck Athens in 430 BC, written by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. The book describes the symptoms of the disease, the social and political impact of the epidemic, and the efforts of the Athenians to cope with the crisis. Thucydides, who himself contracted and survived the plague, provides a detailed and vivid description of the suffering and death that swept through the city, as well as the panic and chaos that ensued. The book is considered a classic of ancient Greek literature and is still studied today for its insights into the nature of disease, society, and human behavior in times of crisis.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

The History of the War Between the Peloponnesians and Athenians by Thucydides is a historical account of the conflict between the two major Greek city-states during the Peloponnesian War. This particular edition focuses on Books 3-4, which detail the events of the war from 427-425 BCE. Thucydides, an Athenian historian and general, provides a detailed and objective account of the war, including the political and military strategies of both sides, key battles and sieges, and the impact of the war on Greek society. The book also explores the causes of the war, including the rivalry between Athens and Sparta, and the complex alliances and power struggles between other Greek city-states. Thucydides' work is considered a seminal piece of historical literature, and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars today. This edition was originally published in 1891 and includes an introduction by the translator, Charles Forster Smith.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

In the opening book of his seminal work, Thucydides lays the groundwork for his detailed chronicle of the Peloponnesian War, a brutal conflict between Athens and Sparta. Known for his rigorous approach to historical accuracy, Thucydides explores the causes of the war, key political maneuvers, and the underlying tensions between the Greek city-states. His analysis provides timeless insights into power, politics, and human nature.

Thucydides (c. 460-395 BCE) was a Greek historian dubbed the father of scientific history because of his strict standards of evidence-gathering and analysis of cause and effect without reference to intervention by the gods.

This volume, originally published in 1978, offers some 800-850 lines of
the 'Anabasis' in Greek with English summaries of the intervening
passages to give an idea of the whole of Xenophon's exciting adventure.
Notes at the foot of each page assist with content and language; they
assume only basic grammatical knowledge. The edition includes a consolidated
vocabulary.

The book was specifically designed to offer a number
of reasonably self-contained prescriptions for GCSE to replace
the old 'blue Macmillan' editions of individual books.