The History of the Peloponnesian War (400BC)
By Thucydides | Retelling by A.C. Clark
187 pages
Two ancient superpowers are locked in a devastating, twenty-seven-year struggle for survival. On one side stands Athens, a wealthy democracy with a mighty naval empire. On the other is Sparta, a stoic, militaristic society that commands the most feared land army in the world. The story of their collision is one of the most important histories ever written.
Thucydides's The History of the Peloponnesian War is a cornerstone of Western thought, a timeless masterclass in strategy, politics, and human nature under pressure. Yet, for centuries, its dense prose and complex context have made it inaccessible to many, especially young readers.
This edition is different. As part of the My Son's Library collection, this work has been carefully adapted to serve as a bridge to the original masterpiece. The complete narrative is retold in clear, modern language, allowing the gripping story and profound lessons of Thucydides to resonate with a new generation without sacrificing their depth. This is not a simplification of the past, but a clarification of it, designed to be read, understood, and discussed.
Follow the inspiring words of Pericles during Athens's Golden Age and endure the horror of the great plague that brought the city to its knees. Witness the brilliant campaigns of the heroic Spartan general Brasidas and the treacherous schemes of the dazzling Athenian, Alcibiades. Experience the hubris that led to the catastrophic Sicilian Expedition, and understand the political chaos and civil strife that signaled the end of an era.
This is more than just a record of ancient battles; it is a guide to understanding the present. It is a story designed to be shared, sparking conversations between parents and sons about leadership, justice, the consequences of arrogance, and the difficult choices that shape our world.
Thucydides wrote his work to be a "possession for all time." This edition ensures that his legacy can be passed on. Embark on the journey and discover why this ancient war continues to offer such powerful lessons for our own time.
