Thucydides

Actually, now that I think about it, The Peloponessian War is a darn good book. It is timely, too. As I mentioned in the previous post, Thucydides, himself, was a particiapnt in may of the events that occurred and is trying, in his own way, to make sense of it. It is one of the first true history books, as well, and reads very well today because of that. In particular, it reminds me a bit of the Memoirs of US Grant.

Of particular interest during this time is the section concerning the Athenian invasion of Sicily. Thucydides describes the debate in Athens in some detail and then, also, the invasion. The debate included such topics as the defense of democracy and the rights of smaller nations to self-dermination. I have linked an online version of the book and a commentary. However, if you don't already have a copy from High School or College, they are available in Paperback form at your local Book-Mart.

Good Reading!