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Title: History of the Peloponnesian War (Penguin Classics) by Thucydides, Rex Warner, M. I. Finley ISBN: 0-14-044039-9 Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: September, 1954 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.47 (30 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A History/Political Science Masterpiece
Comment: Thucydides, an Athenian living in the 5th Century BC, writes the history of the Peloponnesian War, a war between the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history or Western civilization/thought and, so I have been told, for military strategists. Given that it is the story of a war that took place over 2400 years ago, however, it is probably not for anyone looking for an interesting diversion from the workaday world. For that, in the classical history genre, I would turn to Herodotus who provides a much more lively history, or for military history to Blackhawk Down, or for those interested in the grimmer parts of history, Daniel Judah Goldhagen's book on ordinary Germans' role in the holocaust and the glut of refuting books written in response. Those are better page-turners, so to speak.
However, for those who are assigned to read Thucydides in a classroom or for those interested in the classical studies or the origins of Western Civ, you will not regret having read Thucyides. Along with Herodotus' Histories, it is the foundation of modern historical writing and research (i.e., the telling of events from first hand knowledge or from original sources). Both Herodotus and Thucyidides were not above making up speeches out of whole cloth, but the events that they recounted were all based on actual accounts (although Herodotus was more willing to recount seemingly fantastical tenth hand accounts and therefore can be seen as a bridge between the myth-telling of Homer and the more rigorous history of Thucydides).
As stated above, Thucydides does obviously make up some of the speeches, but given the recent controversy over the authorized biography of Ronald Reagan, it seems that some modern historians are also guilty of this and Thucydides did his work before academic standards were created to say that this shouldn't be done.
Along with an account of the actual events of the War which is most interesting to classicists and military historians (neither of which I am, so I will not comment further on this), Thucydides gives us timeless lessons in politics, the risks of relying on luck and international relations/diplomacy. He also gives us his take on the dangers of too much democracy and mob rule (although he is likely biased on this issue since, although he was a general during the Peloponnesian War, the Athenians voted to banish him after one battle).
So, to some up, Thucydides History is not for the casual reader, but is an extremely interesting work and is a must-read for those interested in classical history.
Rating: 4
Summary: The Classic Work of History
Comment: All serious students of military history should read Thucydides. It took me many years to get around to him, but it was well worth it. In order to understand all the popular topics of military history, US Civil War, WW2, etc., a reading of this work should be required. So much in this book relates to the Western experience of war throughout the centuries. Indeed, this work is considered one of the original primary sources of Western History, and one can easily see why.
Thucydides speaks of human nature, which from reading him we can see has not changed much over the centuries. The clash between Athens and Sparta can rightly be considered one of the classic confrontations of all time. One a naval power and the other a land power. Such a war was bound to shack the very foundations of the classical world as the old traditions of Greek Hoplite warfare were forever changed by this conflict. Thucydides provides us a stunning portrait of city states at war. The arrogance, greed, cunning, desperation and cruelity are all there for us to see. One can chart the progress of this conflict and see the effects at had on both protagonists. Over time the original reasons for the conflict become obscure as the war takes on a life all its own, which neither side seemingly willing or able to end it. Some of the names mentioned are well known in Greek History. Pericles and Alcibiades must surely be the best known, but there are also Cleon, Brisadas and others. The character of Alcibiades must surely be the most interesting, and one that we can certainly relate to in our own times. Former US President Bill Clinton probably most resembles him. Both are brilliant men of low social character and absolute opportunists.
Pure military historians may find this book a slow read at times. There are relatively few stand up batttles except for Nemea and Mantinea, and these are given cursory descriptions at best. The conflict consists mostly of sea-borne operations and raids. One can see the early development of combined land and naval operations here. The highlight of the book is surely the Sicilian campaign of 415-413. Here Athens gambled all to become the supreme power of the classical world. Had she prevailed Western History might have developed quite differently. Again, arrogance and mis-judegment would undo her.
The constant references to strange sounding locales and peoples does not make Thucydides an easy read. At times one will almost feel lost in the details. The Penguin edition could use a new look with a lot more maps and visuals to aid the reader in keeping track of the action. The existing maps are woefully inadequate. This is the only reason why I have given this book a four star rating. The presentation needs to be improved with a newer edition. Those seeking to get more out of this work should consult Donald Kagan's new book on the Peloponnesian War. The reader will find invaluable assistence here to help in their understanding of this classic work of history.
Rating: 4
Summary: A milestone, and recurrent justifications ....
Comment: "History of the Peloponnesian War" is, superficially, merely an account of a war that happened centuries ago, the Peloponnesian War, between Athenas and Sparta. Of course, you might think that the subject is trivial to you. After all, how important can a book like that be?. Well, if you were to think that, you would be enormously mistaken.
To start with, this book is a milestone you need to be aware of. Thucydides, its author, is very possibly the first modern historian. He tried to explain the causes of the Peloponnesian War, without reducing its complexity by saying that the gods had motivated it. Thucydides doesn't follow the easy path; instead, he searches those causes in human nature, and in power. He doesn't weave tales, but tries to write History.
It is rather astonishing how objective this Athenian was when he analyzed the war, and all that happened immediately before it. He examines methodically many events, paying special attention to facts. The author also gives his opinion from time to time, but he doesn't judge whether an action is good or evil: he merely shows that those that have power can use it as they see fit. Due to that, Thucydides is called by many the first realist theoretician. I was especially taken aback by how well he expresses his ideas regarding the fact that "power makes right" in the Melian debate. I don't agree with him, but I cannot deny that he makes a powerful case, and that his point of view is shared nowadays by many noteworthy thinkers.
It is important to point out that in "History of the Peloponnesian War" you will find a painstaking account of many things that actually happened, but also some speeches that weren't made by the actors, but could have been made by them. To explain that more clearly: Thucydides wrote some political dialogues and monologues that allow us to understand some aspects of the conflict (and many of his ideas) better. The introduction to this edition also highlights that the author sometimes made up some of the speeches (from the data he had), and was present when others were pronounced. My favorite speech is the one made by Pericles, in honor of the men who died during the war. In that discourse, he explains why those men fought and died to defend Athens, and what Athens meant not only for Athenians but also for Greece.
This book isn't easy to read, but it is well-worth the effort. The translation is quite good, so that will make your task a little easier. If you don't feel like reading this book all at once, try to read it little by little. The results will be the same, but you won't feel dismayed by the need of finishing it immediately.
Also, if you can, try to relate some of Thucydides themes to our modern world. You will find that easier that you might think, and it will make you pay more attention to what you are reading. You are likely to be very surprised, for example, at how similar some of nowaday's justifications for taking advantage of power without paying attention to justice are to those that Thucydides already made a long time ago. On the whole, I highly recommend this book :)
Belen Alcat
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Title: The Iliad of Homer by Homer, Richmond Lattimore ISBN: 0226469409 Publisher: University of Chicago Press (Trd) Pub. Date: July, 1961 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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