Book description
One of the masterpieces of classical literature, the Histories
describes how a small and quarrelsome band of Greek city states united
to repel the might of the Persian empire. But while this epic struggle
forms the core of his work, Herodotus' natural curiosity frequently
gives rise to colourful digressions - a description of the natural
wonders of Egypt; an account of European lake-dwellers; and far-fetched
accounts of dog-headed men and gold-digging ants. With its kaleidoscopic
blend of fact and legend, the Histories offers a compelling Greek view
of the world of the fifth century BC.
A Greek historian, Herodotus (c. 485-425 BC) left his native town of
Halicarnassus, a Greek colony, to travel extensively. He collected
historical, geographical, ethnological, mytholgical and archaeological
material for his histories.
A Greek historian, Herodotus (c. 485-425 BC) left his native town of
Halicarnassus, a Greek colony, to travel extensively. He collected
historical, geographical, ethnological, mytholgical and archaeological
material for his histories. Aubrey de Selincourt has translated Livy,
Herodotus and Arrian, all for Penguin Classics. John Marincola is
Associate Professor of Classics at New York University.
