The March of the Ten Thousand (The March Upcountry, The Anabasis, The Persian Expedition) [Audio CD]

Xenophon (Author), Charlton Griffin (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2003

1 MP3-CD, With Music and Sound Effects, 7 Hours 33 Minutes THE MARCH OF THE TEN THOUSAND, (The March Upcountry, The Anabasis, The Persian Expedition, March to the Sea) is one of the most admired and widely read pieces of all ancient literature. Xenophon employs a very simple, straightforward style to describe what is probably the most fabulous military adventure ever undertaken. When Cyrus, brother to the Great King of Persia, attempts to overthrow his feckless sibling, he employs a Greek mercenary army of 10,000 hoplites. Xenophon is among the common soldiers. When this army becomes stranded as a result of the death of Cyrus, and then witnesses the treacherous murder of its entire officer corps, despair overtakes them. Xenophon rallies the Greeks, has them elect new officers, then leads them to freedom across 1,500 miles of hostile territory seething with adversaries. It is an epic of courage, faith and democratic principle.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…Xenophon’s ‘Anabasis’ emerges as tense, exciting journalism." -- Time

"…the ancient classic…notable for its clarity as well as its freshness." -- Chicago Tribune

About the Author

XENOPHON (430 B.C. – circa 354 B.C.) is one of the most famous of Greek historians and also one of the most readable. He was born to a noble family in an Athens which was then at the height of her power, and came of age during the tragic Peloponnesian war, serving as a soldier. However, Xenophon grew to admire the Spartans, and even fought against the Athenians and Thebans at the battle of Coroneia in 394. As a result, he was banished from his native Athens and spent the majority of his remaining years indulging himself in sport and literature on his country estate in the Peloponnese. CHARLTON GRIFFIN is one of the great readers of our time. His classical theatre training combined with his wonderful, incisive interpretations of great literature make him a unique talent. Mr. Griffin's vocal performance is vibrant, soothing, compelling, and hypnotic. Among other honors, he has twice received the Audie Award for Classic Fiction.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Audio Connoisseur (June 15, 2003)
• ISBN-10: 1929718187
• ISBN-13: 978-1929718184
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,390,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping eyewitness to history, April 29, 2007

By 

The Lifelong Learner (Santa Monica) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The March of the Ten Thousand (The March Upcountry, The Anabasis, The Persian Expedition) (Audio CD)

This is a gripping tale of an army of men trapped deep in enemy territory 1,500 miles from home - alone, leaderless and outnumbered - and their ability to regroup and safely retreat against all odds. Google around the web for a few good maps to help you follow the march.

I especially enjoyed the several magnificent speeches Xenophon gives to rally the troops or to defend himself against accusers. One of his best quotes: "a prince's finest possessions are justice and generosity."

This very human study shows human behavior does not change. It's easier (or clearer) to deal with enemies than friends, as friends come in many guises. Interesting for insight into political machinations of the ancient world. But one could substitute more familiar terms such as "senate" or "mayor" and recognize the same types of people and patterns of behavior.

Good reader, good pacing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating eyewitness look at an extraordinary event in history, February 27, 2008

By 

Jeffrey Van Wagoner (Gilbert, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The March of the Ten Thousand (The March Upcountry, The Anabasis, The Persian Expedition) (Audio CD)

This is a story of a large group of Greek mercenaries that went to Persia to fight with Cyrus, a dynamic and popular son of the king of Persia, who was fighting to take over his father's kingdom. After some initial success, Cyrus was killed and the Greeks found themselves in the middle of Persia surrounded by hostile forces. To make it even more interesting, the leaders of the Greeks were betrayed and murdered and left the band without any leadership. Xenophon, the author, ends up taking command and taking this large force home. They had to fight their way through the Persian army, and then through several barbarian tribes along the way. They had to deal with starvation, winter weather, and all kinds of problems.

I found the account to be very interesting throughout. I wondered how they would get out of each situation. The different groups they met along the way were fascinating. I found the ancient Armenian customs intriguing. It was interesting to see the morality of the times. They were good men, but did things that would not be considered acceptable today.

The reader was very good and made listening to the book enjoyable. I highly recommend the audio book to anyone interested in ancient history or in different cultures.