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scipio_africanus's review
4.0
Had its ups and downs. Interesting at parts and a bit of a slog in others. Not as good as Herodotus in my opinion. One can appreciate what Thucydides was trying to do being true to history and trying to avoid myth and legend ETC. Still glad I read it and can cross it off the list.
eb00kie's review against another edition
4.0
Many thanks to the Gutenberg Project for the free ebook.
puntifexmaximus's review
I've read sections in English and Greek over the years. It's some of the hardest Greek out there.
muhly22's review
4.0
Thucydides says early in his book that he intended to write a "possession for all time." Two words: Mission Accomplished.
One of the real treats is to read Herodotus prior to reading this book. Thucydides represents a radical break with the Greek (and Western) historical tradition that preceded him, and that's clear from a comparison of the two writers.
One of the downsides to the book is the way it suddenly drops off with about 7 years left to go in the war. You don't get to see the conclusion and eventual Spartan victory. But what he does give you is ridiculously detailed, and even in translation reads like a modern writer wrote it.
One of the real treats is to read Herodotus prior to reading this book. Thucydides represents a radical break with the Greek (and Western) historical tradition that preceded him, and that's clear from a comparison of the two writers.
One of the downsides to the book is the way it suddenly drops off with about 7 years left to go in the war. You don't get to see the conclusion and eventual Spartan victory. But what he does give you is ridiculously detailed, and even in translation reads like a modern writer wrote it.
judyward's review
4.0
This history of the Peloponnesian War between the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta is a grim reminder that not much has changed in political decision making from the ancient world to the news of today.