Book description
One of Socrates' Athenian disciples in his youth, Xenophon (c. 498-354
bc) fought as a mercenary commander in Cyrus the Younger's campaign to
seize the Persian throne, and later wrote a wide range of works on
history, politics and philosophy. These six treatises offer his informed
insights into the nature of leadership. In the dialogue between the poet
Simonides and Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse, Xenophon provides a consummate
consideration of the burdens of being an absolute dictator and the
superior happiness of the private man. Elsewhere, his biography of King
Agesilaus II of Sparta depicts the author's patron as a model of piety,
justice, courage and wisdom, while other texts consider the essential
qualities of the cavalry commander, analyse the skills of the horseman
and the hunter, and advance a bold economic plan for democratic Athens.
Xenophon the Athenian was born 431 B. C. He was a pupil of Socrates.
He marched with the Spartans, and was exiled from Athens. Sparta gave
him land and property in Scillus, where he lived for many years before
having to move once more, to settle in Corinth. He died in 354 B. C.
Translated by Robin Waterfield with introductions and notes by Paul Cartledge
Translated by Robin Waterfield with introductions and notes by Paul Cartledge
