Discover new selections
$0.99 with 94 percent savings
Print List Price: $15.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $38.95

Save: $31.46 (81%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Herodotus
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Histories by Herodotus (Enhanced Kindle Edition) Kindle Edition

by Herodotus (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 191 ratings
"The Histories", written in the fifth century BC, is a engaging mix of precise historical and cultural information, humour, myths and legends. It is the first masterpiece of non-fiction, and establishes Herodutus as the first historian and the first ethnographer.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    571 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 13, 2006
  4. File size
    922 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

"David Timson's performance makes the Greek historian Herodotus a character, not just the narrator of his histories. He sounds like an amiable, garrulous uncle--worldly, cheerful, by turns credulous and skeptical. That character fits the audiobook and helps keep it entertaining. But Timson also shows respect for Herodotus as a historian--rather than just a tall-tale spinner--by not overacting. His reading is spirited, expressive, and well paced...[and] his delivery of the anecdotes and history is thoroughly engaging and enjoyable."

-- "AudioFile"

About the Author

David Timson is an actor, voice actor, and playwright. He is best known for his narration of The Complete Sherlock Holmes audiobook, in which he voices all 125 characters in the Holmes novels and short stories. His narrations have earned eight AudioFile Earphones Award.



Herodotus (c. 484-425 BC) was a Greek historian. Known as the "father of history," he was the first historian known to collect his materials systematically, test their accuracy to a certain extent, and arrange them in a well-constructed and vivid narrative. The Histories, his masterpiece and the only work he is known to have produced, is a record of his investigation of the origins of the Greco-Persian Wars, which includes a wealth of geographical and ethnographical information.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002KT3TA2
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2006
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 922 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 571 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1983937142
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 191 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Herodotus

Herodotus

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
191 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book's storytelling engaging, providing great insights into the ancient world. Moreover, the literary content receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a masterpiece of history writing. Additionally, customers appreciate the value for money, noting it's nice to read again.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

12 customers mention "Storytelling"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, finding it engaging and informative about ancient history, with one customer highlighting the inclusion of tales about common people.

"...Here are wonders to amaze the soul, forgotten realms and far away lands, tales of the common people as well as the greatest kings, and philosophies..." Read more

"...more important than getting the facts exactly right, and he gives us a lot of insights...." Read more

"...Herodotus tells an entertaining tale mixing fact with legend. The best parts are the descriptions of the people and their customs...." Read more

"...I found this history entertaining, as well as informative reading." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth their money, with some mentioning it's nice to read it again, and one customer noting it's worth the effort to get through it.

"...I read this book in college, but it was nice to read it again." Read more

"...Herodotus Histories Great Book! Much better than the paperback from B&N..." Read more

"...If you are a history buff, it is well worth the effort to get through it." Read more

"If you are interested in ancient history, this is worth reading, If not, you will be bored to death." Read more

4 customers mention "Literary content"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the literary content of the book, with one describing it as a masterpiece of history writing and another noting its lyrical style.

"...The translation by G.C. Macauly is very lyrical and a true joy to read (I cannot, unfortunately, compare it to other translations)...." Read more

"...writing as he recorded what happened accurately and without literary embellishment...." Read more

"A masterpiece of history writing: a swift and pleasing narrative, with lots of intrigue, fantasy, love, betrayal, bravery, cunning, ruthlessness and..." Read more

"Very good in e-book format and in literary content...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Adrian Ion
    5.0 out of 5 stars From Great Authors are Great Books apt to come forth!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first time that I ever studied Herodotus. Nevertheless, Donald Lateiner's excellent introduction allowed even a novice like me to gain an understanding of the marvelous world which Herodotus describes, of the historian himself and of his methods, and of the lasting influence of 'The Histories.' The translation by G.C. Macauly is very lyrical and a true joy to read (I cannot, unfortunately, compare it to other translations). Donald Lateiner provides a list of the other major translations of 'The Histories' for those who are interested. As for 'The Histories' themselves, what can I possibly say: they are the most comprehensive view of ancient Europe and the Middle East ever penned. Here are wonders to amaze the soul, forgotten realms and far away lands, tales of the common people as well as the greatest kings, and philosophies to enlighten and transcend the mind. History at its finest. Herodotus not only wrote the first prose narrative, but also one of the best!!! I wish I could give it an infinite number of stars- a mere five is simply not enough!
    25 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • DavidMcAlister
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good in e-book format and in literary content.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It's interesting to hear what happened in the ancient world from people who lived then. Herodotus believed that the lessons we draw from history are more important than getting the facts exactly right, and he gives us a lot of insights. Herodotus was very, very scrupulous about not claiming this or that happened. He always is careful to say that "the people of this place believe" or "it is recorded that.". Plus (and this is a BIG plus if you're reading an ancient author), he rights with a great deal of witty skepticism. (And if the records were kind of racy, he didn't clean them up.) Often when reading this huge e-book, you find yourself wishing you'd known him personally; he would be a fun dinner guest.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Parrish MacDonald
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fascinating look at people of the ancient world. Herodotus tells an entertaining tale mixing fact with legend. The best parts are the descriptions of the people and their customs. Most of the book centers on the Persian wars, primarily Cyrus and Darius. Sometimes the tale mentions how guile is used to trick the enemy. I read this book in college, but it was nice to read it again.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bernard Haines
    5.0 out of 5 stars the histories
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book because it is the first book of history ever written by man. Prior to that were the Illiad and the oddyse by homer during the 700's b.c. Herodotus wrote the histories in 425 b.c. The biblical writers borrowed from it to create characters such as the Judges samson.gideonand others. Illiad and oddyse were poems, prior to poems men communicated in songs that were passed down until they became written down in poems. The writings of herodotus were written to educate,amaze and to entertain. The Histories have survived until this time despite attempts by subsequent writers to impeach Herodotus and his version events up to the persian clash with greece. But the war between Persia and Greece is unimpeachable. Historians concur with his narration of events. Movie makers place his recollection of events on screen. The 300 Spartans. The 300. and a Documentary in 2007.
    12 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Douglas D. Patterson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging Stories of History
    Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Herodotus tells many stories of the wars waged by people on each other in the Middle East and Mediterranean areas. The invasion of the Greek Islands by the Persians is the focus the final part of this history - in which the various Hellenic tribes successfully repulsed Xerxes and his massive army and navy.

    Herodotus was a gifted writer whose style is reminiscent of Homer's - sans all the flights of fancy. He is known as the father of historical writing as he recorded what happened accurately and without literary embellishment.

    I found this history entertaining, as well as informative reading.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • angrymichellegrr
    3.0 out of 5 stars Read for a History Class
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    While I generally like the older historians, the biggest issue I had with Herodotus is trying to put together a single time-flow for everything. I recognize that this is kind of my own problem, (flow-charts weren't even helping) I can't say that I liked the book as a historical premise.

    Annecdotes of awesome abound, however, so it's not enitrely unreadable. It was just problematic for me when it came to citing for papers and locating myself in the timeline. Again, probably more my problem than a problem with Herodotus.

    -M
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Anthony C Woods
    5.0 out of 5 stars History at its best
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A masterpiece of history writing: a swift and pleasing narrative, with lots of intrigue, fantasy, love, betrayal, bravery, cunning, ruthlessness and many other human foibles and idiosyncrasies.
    One also learns a lot about ancient Asian and Greek culture, religious and spiritual traditions , and military triumphs and disasters.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • blopik
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great to have it
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Barnes and Noble-Hardcover (published 2005)

    Herodotus Histories

    Great Book!

    Much better than the paperback from B&N

    I love to have this along with my Everymans Library hardcover version.

    Bought used but it is well cared for.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • JohnMc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent purchase.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This translation of Herodotus "The Histories" is very easy to read with the footnotes and comments adding to the enjoyment.
    Report
  • D. Hawthorne
    3.0 out of 5 stars Rough reading for the general reader.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Rough reading for the general reader.

    This book is not for serious study as:
    (1) there are no footnotes
    (2) there are no introductions explaining the significance of the work
    (3) there is no chronology
    (4) there are no short biographies of significant persons

    The style of translation may well reflect how the ancient Greeks wrote, but it grates upon the ears of modern readers who are more attuned to direct and simple prose.
    Report
  • Desmond
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Received as Christmas present, Came early and in perfect condition. More exciting as more archaeological finds described by Herodotus are discovered
    Report
  • Dave the Rave
    3.0 out of 5 stars Eye witness to the creation of the concept of history
    Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    There it is, all there. The first retained attempted at recording eye-witness accounts of city-states being forged, alliances broken by stealth, and the making the Greek Empire, the Greek Empire. As always, those pesky gods kept getting in the way much in the same way our view of our current events is skewed by the industrial-entertainment-defense complex today. Despite the sweep of history to guide the narrative, the result of the translation (I don't read any of the classic languages, this is an amature reader's point of view) is chunky and disjointed. In contrast, try the newish translation of the Illiad or some of the Penguin Classic editions for a more vivid read. Nevertheless, it makes a good summer's read, although I thought it could benefit from schematic maps to aid those of us who are not intimately acquainted with the geography of Acceint Greece. It is hard to be tough on a classic, so I gave it a so-so rating.
    Report
  • Ana Caracol
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Extremely good
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report