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Paul Woodruff

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On Justice, Power, and Human Nature: Selections from The History of the Peloponnesian War (Hackett Classics)

by Thucydides (Author), Paul Woodruff (Translator)

4.6 160 ratings

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Designed for students with little or no background in ancient Greek language and culture, this collection of extracts from The History of the Peloponnesian War includes those passages that shed most light on Thucydides’ political theory--famous as well as important but lesser-known pieces frequently overlooked by nonspecialists. Newly translated into spare, vigorous English, and situated within a connective narrative framework, Woodruff’s selections will be of special interest to instructors in political theory and Greek civilization. Includes maps, notes, glossary.

Review

. . . the selections go much deeper than the standard collection of the best-known speeches . . . in Woodruff’s work I see a clear thread going through important passages and making them accessible to the reader.--Alfonso Gómez-Lobo, Georgetown University

This text is a very readable, modern, American English translation. It remains true to the original Greek. The introductory materials are useful, sane, and meet the needs of a wide range of undergraduates. Maps are easy to read and very useful.--Marie T. Gingras, University of Colorado

About the Author

Paul Woodruff is Professor of Philosophy, University of Texas at Austin.

ISBN-10

0872201686
ISBN-13

978-0872201682
Publisher

Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Publication date

October 1, 1993
Language

English
Dimensions

5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
Print length

216 pages
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. (October 1, 1993)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0872201686
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0872201682
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #92,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #75 in Ancient Greek History (Books)
- #1,891 in World History (Books)
- #4,020 in Unknown

Customer Reviews:
4.6 160 ratings

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Paul Woodruff

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Paul Woodruff has been a philosopher, writer, and translator at the University of Texas at Austin since 1973. For twenty-four years he was engaged in administration, as department chair, program director, and dean. As dean of Undergraduate Studies, he introduced a new core curriculum across all majors and brought various student support programs into harmony around their shared mission.

His father, Arch Woodruff Jr., was almost expelled from Williams in 1932 for moving a non-bearing wall in the theater there to make room for stage sets he was building. As an administrator, Paul has been devoted to removing whatever walls obstruct learning and teaching.

He has been especially interested in the climate of ideas that enabled the ancient Greeks to make the first major steps toward democracy. This interest leads him to write about ethics and leadership, which he approaches first through ancient texts and then through applications to today’s problems.

"Reverence," his first book of this kind, was the topic of an interview with Bill Moyers in 2003. "The Ajax Dilemma: Justice, Fairness, and Rewards," uses an ancient story to illustrate solutions to a problem we have today—how to keep an organization running smoothly when some members receive larger rewards than others. In 2018 he edited a volume of essays by philosophers on philanthropy, "The Ethics of Giving." A recent book, "The Garden of Leaders," discusses how higher education should prepare young people for leadership.

In his latest book, "Living toward Virtue," Woodruff shows how we can set about living ethically through self-questioning, which enables us to avoid moral injury by getting clear about what we are doing and why we are doing it. Self-questioning also helps us recognize the limits of our knowledge and avoid the danger of self-righteousness. Using real-life examples, Woodruff shows how we can nurture our souls, enjoy a virtuous happiness, and avoid moral injury as much as possible.

His translations from ancient Greek are widely read. They include Thucydides’ History, several Platonic dialogues, and a number of ancient Greek plays. He served in the U.S. army as an officer during the American war in Vietnam, gaining experience of both physical and moral danger. In spare time, he rows a single scull on Lady Bird Lake, designs furniture, builds it in his shop, and plays the cello.

For videos of his lectures and interviews, go to https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/philosophy/faculty/pbw55#videos

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Wilbur F. Pierce

Great starting place

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2018

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Understanding the classical world requires a real effort. I came to this edition late but wish I had encountered it much earlier in my studies. It's a great way to get a real handle on what was going on in that world. The notes that accompany this excellent translation are great; and the translation itself is a refreshing improvement over earlier translations.

I think I would rate this as one of the cornerstones in my classics library.

8 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Great book, great quality paper back

Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2022

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glossy, durable cover and thorough text

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2020

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This book is a must read for anyone who wants to delve deep into the ideals of Stoicism. If you believe that means having no emotion, read the book. If you think that means not enjoying life, read the book.
It’s great.

3 people found this helpful

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Good Easy Reading Translation

Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2019

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This is an easy to read translation of Thucydides covering the more interesting and important excerpts from the Peloponnesian War. Covering the wars opening, key battles and Tue fall of Athens at Syracuse, the monologues are easy to read and demonstrate the commonality of politics and human nature over the millennia. A good read.

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Bruce McConnell

Fatal to Athens; another feckless politician

Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2017

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The best detailed picture of the Sicilian war, emphasizing the endless suffering of the returning warriors from their defeat at the hands of the victorious Spartans. We see more about the treachery of Alcibiades, the rich scion of a powerful Athenian family, womanizer and "deal" maker, fomenting the war, but hedging his bets by secret meetings with the Spartans; very relevant today.

3 people found this helpful

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wilsol

Good reading!

Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2019

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Thucydides one of the most important historian in the the western civilization translated by the author into very readable style.

One person found this helpful

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Jacob

Great Book For The Non-native English Speakers

Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2011

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I guess there is no need to write about Thucydides extraordinary talent on explaining the underlying causes of war and his ability to accurately reflect the human nature but as a non native english speaker I should mention that Paul Woodruff's translations and composition of the ancient greek texts are so good and easy to understand for the reader.

6 people found this helpful

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Danielle Barger

Great book, just sucks on the kindle

Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2014

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The book is great nothing wrong with that. Just on the kindle version it doesn't have page numbers so it is very frustrating.

3 people found this helpful

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