The landmark Thucydides
a comprehensive guide to the Peloponnesian War
by Thucydides · first published 1996
50% recommend50% neutral
Thucydides called his account of two decades of war between Athens and Sparta "a possession for all time," and indeed it is the first and still the most famous work in the Western historical tradition. Considered essential reading for generals, statesmen, and liberally educated citizens for more than 2,000 years. The Peloponnesian War is a mine of military, moral, political, and philosophical wisdom. However, this classic book has long presented obstacles to the uninitiated reader. Written centuries before the rise of modern historiography. Thucydides' narrative is not continuous or linear.
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The idea is superb. I read the Landmark Thucydides, Herodotus, and Xenophon. For Thucydides, the maps are a wonderful addition. For Herodotus, they are less useful since the locations don't matter as much for the narrative arc. Or at least, having a map…
on “The Landmark Ancient Histories (2017)” ↗If you are interested in physical copies, I highly recommend "The Landmark Thucydides: A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War" , and others in the Landmark series. I got a lot more out of it with all the maps and explanations. Very well done.
on “How to Roman Republic 101” ↗…Herodotus [2] both qualify as "big, difficult" books, but the book comes with additional secondary sources that aid in the reading to orient the newbie in how to approach the text. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Landmark-Thucydides-Comprehensive-Gui... [2] https://www.amazon.com/Landmark-Herodotus-Histories-Robert-S...
on “A note on reading big, difficult books” ↗…told Persia no, they would not accept Hippias and that was what ultimately lead to the Ionian revolt and Darius's first Persian campaign into greece, whee. I might be a bit off here as I've not read Landmark Thucydides since the beginning of covid (I have a hardcopy). What did I get wrong? Besides Athens inventing democracy, I think we're mostly in agreement.
on “Night of the Guillotine: The Fall of Robespierre” ↗