The Cambridge Companion to Thucydides

The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides is an influential work of historical writing that offers a comprehensive account of the war between Athens and Sparta. This Companion provides a range of perspectives on the text, its interpretation, and its significance, exploring its nature, historical and literary methodology, and its impact on understanding key historical questions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The History of the Peloponnesian War, penned by Thucydides, stands as one of the earliest and most influential works in the Western historiographical tradition. It offers an incomplete account of the war between Athens and her allies, against Sparta and her allies, which lasted from 431 to 404 BC. This masterpiece of narrative art and political analysis showcases Thucydides' exceptional skill in storytelling.

The twenty chapters included in this Companion provide a diverse range of perspectives on various aspects of the text, its interpretation, and its significance. In-depth analysis is conducted to explore the nature of the work, examining the historical and literary methodologies employed by Thucydides. Other chapters delve into the ways in which Thucydides' work sheds light on, or complicates, our understanding of critical historical questions during this period, particularly those related to war, politics, and empire.

Furthermore, the book delves into the enduring legacy of Thucydides, spanning from antiquity to the present day. It examines how his insights and observations continue to shape our understanding of history and contemporary events. Thucydides' work remains a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a profound exploration of the human condition and the complexities of political power.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107514607