History of the Peloponnesian War

First of all, I find it close to impossible to rate such a book as this, as it is truly great as an insight into events that happened thousands of years ago, while the writing and accessibility of the work clearly could have been better. Nevertheless, in my opinion this is a 5-star book, as the detail and insight into a war that took place ~400bc is such a great read. Thucydides shows a himself as a great analyst of the conficts he relates, and instead of just relating the facts, he guides us through the actors motivations and the reasons for what takes place. THAT is the value of this book as far as I'm concerned, the strategic approach to conflict, and the massive amount of strategy in regards to alliances and battles that we get to share through this book. Being a student of political philosophy I read this book because of my fascination with Thomas Hobbes (Allthough not the Hobbes-translation). It will be hard for anyone to understand Hobbes through this though, and I must question the usefulness for most of such a linkage on the whole. There is also a lot of history in this book that will interest a lot of you (Those that are like me), rather little, but one gets through it, and when one is done with the book I truly feel I have gotten a great lecture in strategy and conflict!

Got through the first little bit before ADHD took over and I haven’t touched it again. But it’s a great shelf filler to make you look more ‘refined’

Through the use of numerous interviews, tirelessly researching records, and gathering a great deal of evidence, Thucydides "History of the Peloponnesian War" stands as perhaps the first great work of nonfiction in Western history. After generations of epic poems and stories, which included every bit as much exaggeration and mythology as they did truth, Thucydides used the tools of evidence and objectivity to create a reliable historical record of the great war between Athens and Sparta to stand the test of time. This is vital reading if you have even a passing interest in military history, Ancient Greek history, or, really, any history at all.

Haven't read much of it yet. First couple books and skimmed others. I had to educate myself further on the background and culture but neat reading accounts from ancient times other than the Bible. Having this much survive is somewhat of a wonder. Who cares anymore? Yet much of the social conditions offer food for thought and the details in battle are engrossing. Agreed, the print isn't the best. Many characters are faded or missing parts but not enough to slow me down.

Thucydides is usually accounted the first "real" historian; because of his use of written material, interviews with participants, and scientific objectivity, he set a precedent that would be held as the ideal for all who followed. Thucydides remarks at the beginning of his book that:"...if these words of mine are judged useful by those who want to understand clearly the events which happened in the past and which (human nature being what it is) will, at some time or other in much the same ways, be repeated in the future." No historian today would claim that the past repeats its self, but, sadly, human nature does. Like some of my fellow reviewers you can see the correlation of the Peloponnesian and Delian leagues with the United Nations and NATO of today. The numerous peace treaties and ambassadorial delegations seem so closely to mirror our present time. This book is at the bedrock of Western Civilization, and must be read to understand the great European conflicts which followed.

More than a simple historical treatise, it is a character study in human nature and its affects on the human actions that make history. A classic of historical works in its detail and insight on human action we know as history. Thucydides is unmatched in his insights, clarity of language and thought, and in his informative description of the history of his time. A must read for anyone wanting to plumb the depths of western civilization and ethos. An enjoyable read for any historiphile. It could use more maps but be sure to check the back of the book for the few it does have.

arrived in perfect condition & quickly.

"My book was not meant to meet the tastes of an immediate public, but was done to last forever." At 2,430 years, it's on its way. Thucydides has been called the greatest historian of all time, with reason; certainly his work set the conditions for historic chronicles ever since, and the Rex Warner translation is itself a fine work. Grant Hildebrand Seattle

Low print quality and thin paper killed off any excitement I had upon recieving the package. I feel this price could have been used better elsewhere.

I had heard about Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War for decades and finally decided to read it. Wow. It wasn't as difficult to read as I expected, which may be due more to the translator's kindness than the difference in language over the last 2500 years. There are long-winded parts, too, and the endless list of names and places can be quite confusing, but the underlying essence is gold. Multiple state actors with various alliances and strengths. A land power and allies fighting a naval power and allies. A more monarchical oligarchy fighting a more democratic oligarchy. Internal politics, big personalities, betrayal, storms, plagues, financial difficulties, over-extended empire, willing and unwilling allies, this has it all. Anyone who want to understand history, politics, geopolitics, international relations, military conflict, leadership, political reasoning has to read this book and be amazed at how far the Greeks had come, and how little things have really changed since then on the humanities side. The technology and science has advanced immensley, the number of lives at stake are so much larger now, too, but the underlying essence is all there. I look forward to studying this and learning what other historians, political scientists and military experts can help me understand about this book and how it is still relevant today.

Thucydides' "History of the Peloponnesian War" is an absolute triumph. From the very first page, I was captivated by the detailed and dramatic account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta. This isn't just a dry recounting of facts; it's a gripping narrative filled with political intrigue, military strategy, and profound human insights. Thucydides' writing style is remarkably modern and his analysis of power, alliances, and the nature of war is as relevant today as it was over two millennia ago. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history, political science, or simply a great story. It's a foundational text that has shaped our understanding of conflict and human nature.

Great choice.

The poorly formatted/presented text in this book makes it a chore to read. At 600+ pages, I'm tempted to just throw it in the paper recycling bin.