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The History of the Peloponnesian War (Classics)
£12.30£14.20 (-13%)
‘With icy remorselessness, it puts paid to any notion that the horrors of modern history might be an aberration – for it tells of universal war, of terrorism, revolution and genocide’ Tom Holland
The long life-and-death struggle between Athens and Sparta plunged the ancient Greek world into decades of war. Thucydides was an Athenian and achieved the rank of general in the earlier stages of the war, and in this detailed, first-hand contemporary account he writes as both a soldier and a historian. He applies a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth and romance in compiling a factual record of a ruinous conflict that would eventually destroy the Athenian empire.
Translated by Rex Warner with an introduction and notes by M. I. Finley
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Additional information
| Publisher | Penguin Books, Revised edition (28 Feb. 1974) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 656 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0140440399 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0140440393 |
| Dimensions | 22 x 15 x 2.5 cm |
by therealus
For all the problems Thucydides’s work poses for the contemporary reader – the dryness of the prose, the author’s own admission that the speeches are unlikely to be accurate reporting, his inability to transcend the particular for the universal – it is beyond churlish to criticise the man who may be seen as the first real historian, the first to consider history as a product of human agency, not as something predetermined by the whims of the gods.
By his own admission, Thucydides’s account is short on literary merit. There are occasional references to human emotions, especially fear and panic, but in general the history presents us with little but a litany of events on a grand scale, free of any descriptions of the actions of individuals. Early on there are instances where the speeches in particular offer the potential for learning, but these are implicit rather than explicit. It has been left to his successors to generalise the lessons.
But what lessons! The greatest, of course, is that succumbing to the apparent need to wage war on a challenger or incumbent has enormous and often unforeseen consequences. When Sparta and Athens allowed themselves to be sucked into conflict with each other they were both great nations. By the end of the war they were depleted almost to the point of no return, leaving a power vacuum for others to exploit. In the 20th Century, the parallels include Great Britain, Germany and the United States in that respect.
On another level, there is the sheer brutality of the way war is waged. Even with individual suffering overlooked, it is difficult not to be horrified by the merciless and summary killings that take place, of soldiers and civilians alike; the calamities that befall both sides due to overreach, miscalculation, hubris, treachery, caprice, forces of nature such as earthquakes, plagues, volcanoes, storms and the tides, and sometimes pure stupidity; and the way in which some people, through no fault of their own, are caught in the middle with no viable means of escape. I lost count of the number of times one side or the other lay waste a region.
This Penguin edition, it has to be said, has a few faults of its own. MI Finley’s Introduction is scholarly and informative but in a 1970s kind of way. (I found Graham Allison’s overview in Destined for War, which I have also reviewed, a useful, though by no means complete, supplement.) Rex Warner’s translation dates back to the 1950s, and it shows, and could at least do with an up-to-date commentary. There are numerous typos, problems with the tiny typeface, a number of examples of poor proofreading, including a few times where infinitives have “to” preceding them twice due to a line change, and at least one sentence which, no matter how many times I read it, made no sense at all. Additionally, having read about a quarter of the book wishing there were maps I found them, at the back. But they’re useless, not only committing all the cardinal sins of maps but also giving the appearance of having been printed on blotting paper.
It’s impossible, however, to give Thucydides anything less than five stars, no matter how he’s packaged.
by Sara Mckay
An amazing book! As a fellow college student myself I really needed something quick and easy to understand with lots of knowledge and facts to dig myself into! This is one of the best! I recommend it to any students studying this subject, or parents wanting there children to succeed! -Sara
by William Tomlinson
Arrived quickly in good condition and well packed. Since my purchase was so small, it is particularly creditable.
by MD
The next time I read this book – and it will have to be read again as there is a lot to absorb in one reading – I intend to set a room in my house aside and have a large map of the med to cover the floor. Then with the aid of lots of wooden model boats for the different triremes and blocks for the different armies I can move them around on a page by page basis (probably dressed appropriately in a horse haired helmet and metal greaves and pushing the markers with a wooden spear) and fully immerse myself in the experience. Maybe a few dioramas of the various battles which are explained in exhaustive detail, would also add to the effect. A book for armchair generals of all ages. It basically reads as most modern histories. The strong take from the weak and nations attack others if it it is in their self interest to do so. Some of the personalities of the combatants are also described, though this is almost in passing. And the leaders then seem to have been just as unscrupulous and deceitful as they are now. Totally fascinating.
by Al Hatfield
Brilliantly translated page-turner from 400 BC. It is packed with wisdom and human nature is the same now as then.
by E. A. Jones
I have read this book seven times. A contemporary blow by blow account of the 27 year long war between two super powers of the ancient world. The Most powerful Navy versus the most powerful Army. Written by a man who was there and took part. Immense detail and reported speeches from the time. This story could be made into a Televison blockbuster series and I am surprised it never has. If you only ever read one history book, read this.
by Aaron
Surprisingly readable for a record from the ancient era. Every page leaves you eager to learn more and if you are interested in learning this period of Greek history then it will absolutely keeped you hooked from beginning to end.
Honestly one of the best books I have ever read but that is because I already have a great interest in Ancient Greek history and especially the Persian and Peloponnesian War eras.
In short, an essential read for anybody desiring to learn more about classical history. This book briefly describes the rise of (arguably) the most influential metropolis in European history and spares no detail in it’s eventual downfall. And that’s just Athens. The fate of all other participants in Greece’s greatest war, including Sparta, are given just as much respect in regards to why they chose to declare war and how they faired in the conflict.
This is not really a review in all honesty. I just typed this up because I was looking at my bookshelf and remembered just how great this book is. Just looking at it reminded me of all I had learned from the book.
Possibly my favourite historical book of all time from my favourite historical era of all time. Worth every penny.
by MS L A McPherson
Seems to be a god translation and easy to read even if the ancient Greek name are very hard to pronounce!