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Xenophon: Anabasis (Loeb Classical Library) (English and Greek Edition) Hardcover – December 30, 1998
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Greek mercenaries on the march.
Xenophon (ca. 430 to ca. 354 BC) was a wealthy Athenian and friend of Socrates. He left Athens in 401 and joined an expedition including ten thousand Greeks led by the Persian governor Cyrus against the Persian king. After the defeat of Cyrus, it fell to Xenophon to lead the Greeks from the gates of Babylon back to the coast through inhospitable lands. Later he wrote the famous vivid account of this “March Up-Country” (Anabasis); but meanwhile he entered service under the Spartans against the Persian king, married happily, and joined the staff of the Spartan king, Agesilaus. But Athens was at war with Sparta in 394 and so exiled Xenophon. The Spartans gave him an estate near Elis where he lived for years writing and hunting and educating his sons. Reconciled to Sparta, Athens restored Xenophon to honor, but he preferred to retire to Corinth.
Xenophon’s Anabasis is a true story of remarkable adventures. Hellenica, a history of Greek affairs from 411 to 362, begins as a continuation of Thucydides’ account. There are four works on Socrates (collected in LCL 168). In Memorabilia Xenophon adds to Plato’s picture of Socrates from a different viewpoint. The Apology is an interesting complement to Plato’s account of Socrates’ defense at his trial. Xenophon’s Symposium portrays a dinner party at which Socrates speaks of love; and Oeconomicus has him giving advice on household management and married life. Cyropaedia, a historical romance on the education of Cyrus (the Elder), reflects Xenophon’s ideas about rulers and government; the Loeb edition is in two volumes.
We also have his Hiero, a dialogue on government; Agesilaus, in praise of that king; Constitution of Lacedaemon (on the Spartan system); Ways and Means (on the finances of Athens); Manual for a Cavalry Commander; a good manual of Horsemanship; and a lively Hunting with Hounds. The Constitution of the Athenians, though clearly not by Xenophon, is an interesting document on politics at Athens. These eight books are collected in the last of the seven volumes of the Loeb Classical Library edition of Xenophon.
- Print length672 pages
- LanguageEnglish, Greek
- PublisherHarvard University Press
- Publication dateDecember 30, 1998
- Dimensions4.25 x 1.3 x 6.37 inches
- ISBN-10067499101X
- ISBN-13978-0674991019
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About the Author
John Dillery is Professor of Classics at the University of Virginia.
Product details
- Publisher : Harvard University Press; Revised edition (December 30, 1998)
- Language : English, Greek
- Hardcover : 672 pages
- ISBN-10 : 067499101X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0674991019
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 4.25 x 1.3 x 6.37 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #287,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #191 in Ancient & Classical Literary Criticism (Books)
- #1,479 in Foreign Language Reference
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Xenophon (/ˈzɛnəfən, -ˌfɒn/; Greek: Ξενοφῶν [ksenopʰɔ̂ːn], Xenophōn; c. 430 – 354 BC), son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, also known as Xenophon of Athens, was a Greek historian, soldier, mercenary, and student of Socrates. While not referred to as a philosopher by his contemporaries, his status as such is now a topic of debate. He is known for writing about the history of his own times, the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC, especially for his account of the final years of the Peloponnesian War. His Hellenica, which recounts these times, is considered to be the continuation of Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War. His youthful participation in the failed campaign of Cyrus the Younger to claim the Persian throne inspired him to write his most famous work, Anabasis.
Despite growing up in Athens and being an Athenian citizen, Xenophon is also associated with Sparta, the traditional enemy of Athens. His pro-oligarchic views, service under Spartan generals in the Persian campaign and beyond, as well as his friendship with King Agesilaus II endeared Xenophon to the Spartans, and them to him. A number of his writings display his pro-Spartan bias and admiration, especially Agesilaus and Constitution of Sparta. Other than Plato, Xenophon is the foremost authority on Socrates, having learned under the great philosopher while a young man. He greatly admired his teacher, and well after Socrates’ death in 399 Xenophon wrote several Socratic dialogues, including an Apology concerning the events of his trial and death. Xenophon’s works cover a wide range of genres and are written in very uncomplicated Attic Greek. Xenophon’s works are among the first that many students of Ancient Greek translate on account of the straightforward and succinct nature of his prose. This sentiment was apparent even in ancient times, as Diogenes Laertius states in his Lives of Eminent Philosophers (2.6) that Xenophon was sometimes known as the "Attic Muse" for the sweetness of his diction.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Scan by User:Gabor [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
The Loeb Classical Library is the only existing series that, through original text and English translation, gives access to all that is important in Greek and Latin literature.
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Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They praise the author's account as a fantastic primary account of an important and thrilling adventure. The book provides fascinating insights into an early piece of history and military strategy. Readers describe the story as interesting, suspenseful, and better than fiction.
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Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe it as a well-written classic that reads like a detailed war journal.
"...to make a solid review, but this is afterall my all time favorite piece of literature...." Read more
"Xenophon was a brilliant tactician, the father of equestrianism, an excellent writer and an all around bad ass...." Read more
"I HAVE NOT BE ONE TO READ MUCH BUT I DID ENJOY READING THIS BOOK...." Read more
"...It is a highly readable story. The only unfortunate part is the tale ends abruptly, leaving you wanting to know what happened next...." Read more
Customers enjoy the author's account of an important and thrilling adventure. They find it inspiring and fascinating, providing insights into early history and military strategy. Readers describe it as a must-read for anyone interested in Ancient Greek history, Persian history, or ancient military. The book reads like a novel and is a meditation on leadership.
"...This, in my opinion, is one of the most valient stories ever told, and truly marks the fullest capacities of the human being when strict discipline,..." Read more
"...was a brilliant tactician, the father of equestrianism, an excellent writer and an all around bad ass...." Read more
"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Ancient Greek history, Persian History, or ancient military warfare...." Read more
"...THIS BOOK MAYBE VERY INSPIRATIONAL TO CAUSE SOLDIERS TO LOOK PAST THERE OWN FEARS FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF A UNIT AND MISSION...." Read more
Customers enjoy the adventure story. They find it interesting, easy to read, and better than fiction. The story is full of adventure and suspense, and their fathers remember it well. The best part is that it's true.
"...Xenophon's "Anabasis" is the ultimate story, and its completely non fiction...." Read more
"...Even decades after reading this in school, my father remembered this story quite well, which gave me the impression that it was probably fairly good...." Read more
"The Persian Expedition is a classic tale, written from the perspective of the man that was there. It is a highly readable story...." Read more
"One book that's hard to put down: full of adventure and suspense. Xenophobe is fabulous. The book is better than fiction." Read more
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2010Im far too biased to make a solid review, but this is afterall my all time favorite piece of literature. Xenophon's "Anabasis" is the ultimate story, and its completely non fiction. This, in my opinion, is one of the most valient stories ever told, and truly marks the fullest capacities of the human being when strict discipline, steadfast honor, and unwavering bravery are instilled into the culture of the times. The characters (who are all real people) involved set a precedence that few, if any, in modern times could ever hope to stand against. The villians play their role as all dramatic works of literature would portray their "bad guys," and the heroes, especially the unexpected underdogs, play their roles as all respectable victors should. The reader must keep in mind that the author is a military chronicler, not a literary entertainer, so the piece reads much like a step-by-step account, rather than an entertaining story (not to say that this isnt entertaining!). It has quite a stoical tone, merely recalling the tribulations the soldiers endured. The events recalled, however, are sure to widen the eyes of any reader.
Some of the mightiest human feats are accomplished in this tome, and amazingly, the larger portion of this renegade army of mercenaries makes it back home, to begin fighting once more in the Peloponnesian wars. The cultures they encounter, the obstacles they overcome, the hundreds of thousands of soldiers they defeat, all while starving, freezing, burning under the sun, dying of thirst, and longing for home, lead one to imagine the quality of this class of soldier in the classical world. "Anabasis" survives to us this day as a testament to human endurance.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2019Xenophon was a brilliant tactician, the father of equestrianism, an excellent writer and an all around bad ass. He successfully led approximately 11000 Greeks back home from an ill fated expedition to help Cyrus overthrow his brother, the king of Persia. Without the leadership and tactical skills of Xenophon every single Greek soldier would most likely have died in Persia as a slave. Although this book is more than 2000 years old it reads like a modern day adventure story. Don't be intimidated by the fact that you don't know any of the players in this tale. Xenophon introduces the cast of characters with intimate details and by the time you finish the book you'll want to join up to serve in Xenophon's army. Fast pace, exceptionally well written and a pure joy to read. Recommended for everyone.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2011If you are looking for additional information on Ancient History this is good. However, no real military displacements (understandable). Expanded my understanding of Ancient Greek History.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Ancient Greek history, Persian History, or ancient military warfare. Written by Xenophon, a famous general and philosopher (a student of Socrates), it tells the story of 10,000 Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Young in order to overthrow his brother the Persian King. The Greeks are essentially tricked by Cyrus into doing this and end up fighting all the way into modern-day Syria/Iraq where they win a major battle but their benefactor, Cyrus, is killed thereby leaving them stranded in hostile territory. They then must fight and negotiate their way all the way back to Greece without any supply lines whatsoever, often being both pursued and confronted by various enemy forces. The fact that they even made it back mostly intact is a testament to how insane this story truly is. Xenophon writes in the same vein as Thucydides in attempting to present an objective account of what actually happened without any of the fictional flair or supernatural influence that one often finds in ancient history like the works of Herodotus.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2012I HAVE NOT BE ONE TO READ MUCH BUT I DID ENJOY READING THIS BOOK. XENOPHON IN MY VIEW MAYBE THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP AND A GENERAL IN HISTORY. THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR FUTURE SOLDIERS WHO PLAN TO MAKE A CAREER IN THE MILITARY AND ONE DAY LEAD SOLDIERS THEMSELVES. HIS NAME SHOULD BE FOREMOST IN MIND IN LOW MORAL SITUATIONS THAT ACCOMPANY COMBAT LEADERS IF ONLY FOR ONES OWN MORALE DECISIONS. THIS BOOK MAYBE VERY INSPIRATIONAL TO CAUSE SOLDIERS TO LOOK PAST THERE OWN FEARS FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF A UNIT AND MISSION. ALSO I THINK LEADERS COULD LEARN TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN TRAINING AND LEADING COMBAT UNITS IF THEY TOOK A PAGE FROM THIS BOOK. JUST SAYING.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2019The classic story of 10,000 Greek mercenaries cut off in enemy territory who have to fight their way to safety. And the best part is that it's absolutely true!
A generation ago, many prep school students (like me) took Latin. A generation before that they (like my father) took Latin *and* Greek, and the Anabasis was commonly part of the curriculum for Greek 2, which was typically taken in your senior year of high school.
Even decades after reading this in school, my father remembered this story quite well, which gave me the impression that it was probably fairly good. When I eventually read it myself, I finally understood why it made such an impression on him.
The insights that it gives you into ancient Greek culture are also interesting, but that's probably not why generations of teenage boys liked it so much.
Top reviews from other countries
- CristianReviewed in Germany on August 3, 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars Great volume, but damaged upon delivery
Great book in the Loeb series which I was very happy to receive. Unfortunately the way that books are being sent to the customers these days is nothing short of scandalous. The outer cover was slightly torn and one of the edges had been folded. This happened because the book was simply thrown in a larger box without any protection whatsoever. Actually the majority of the books I have received this year have the same issues.
- EdmundReviewed in Canada on December 21, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Gripping story
- RobertoReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous reading
A must read for history fans, especially those interested in Greek or Persian history.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on October 28, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
The Loeb is great if you want to work on your ancient Greek or Latin.
- TomReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Fantastic quality, well packaged and arrived very fast.
The book itself is brilliant for any reader interested in a classic tale