Customer Reviews

World of Herodotus (World of Herodotus Ppr)

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De Selincourt is the translator of the Penguin 'Histories' of Herodotus, and although I prefer Oxford version by Waterfield, I just love this book.

Much more than just a guide to the 'Histories' (which are so entertaining and clear as to hardly need one), this is a wide-ranging introduction to the life, thought, literature, and history of the Classical Greek world, focusing on the earlier period when Herodotus wrote (500BC).

As humane, balanced, and passionate as Herodotus himself, with lovely old-fashioned prose. This is a reprint from the 1960s, it puts to shame most histories written now, which tend to be either condescending or chillingly post-modern (often both). It's refreshing to read a historian who loves his subject and isn't afraid to enthusiastically share his love with his readers. There's a good look at what is know today about the events Herodotus wrote about; also chapters on philosophy, the cultures of the islands, the position of women, etc. There's also some first-rate translations of poetry, including a passage from the 'Iliad' which is best version I've ever read, it's a real shame the author never attempted the whole thing.

I picked up a copy last year in the UK and it's great to see it issued here. If you need reminding why the Greek world was so inspirational and revolutionary, this is the book to get.