The Peloponnesian War 3.88 (32,755 ratings by Goodreads) Paperback Oxford Worlds Classics English By (author) Thucydides , Translated by Martin Hammond , Introduction and notes by P. J. Rhodes Categories: European History Ancient History: To C 500 CE Classical History / Classical Civilisation Military History Description The greatest historian that ever lived Such was Macaulays verdict on Thucydides (c. 460-400 BC) and his history of the Peloponnesian War, the momentous struggle between Athens and Sparta as rival powers and political systems that lasted for twenty-seven years from 431 to 404 BC, involved virtually the whole of the Greek world, and ended in the fall of Athens. Thucydides himself was a participant in the war; to his history he brings an awesome intellect, brilliant narrative, and penetrating analysis of the nature of power, as it affects both states and individuals. Of his own work Thucydides wrote: I shall be content if [my history] is judged useful by those who will want to have a clear understanding of what happened - and, such is the human condition, will happen again ... It was composed as a permanent legacy, not a showpiece for a single hearing. So it has proved. Of the prose writers of Greece and Rome Thucydides has had more lasting influence on western thought than all but Plato and Aristotle. This new edition combines a masterly translation with comprehensive supporting material. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford Worlds Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxfords commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. Product details Format Paperback | 784 pages Dimensions 129 x 195 x 36mm | 526g Publication date 26 Jul 2009 Publisher Oxford University Press Publication City/Country Oxford, United Kingdom Language English Edition Statement Revised ed. Illustrations note 10 maps 10 0192821911 13 9780192821911 Bestsellers rank 66,613