Synopses & Reviews
The Battle of Salamis was the first great (and unexpected) victory of the Greeks over the Persian forces under Xerxes, whose defeat had important consequences for the subsequent history and self-image of Europe. This battle forms the centre-piece of book VIII of Herodotus' Histories. The book also illuminates Greek views of themselves and of peoples from the East, the problematic relationships between different Greek states in the face of the invasion, and the role of the divine in history. This introduction and commentary pays particular attention to the history and culture of Achaemenid Persia and the peoples of its empire. It offers much help with the language of the text (which has been prepared for ease of reading), and deals with major literary and historical questions. It will be of especial use to intermediate and advanced Greek students, but also provides up-to-date scholarly materials for graduate students and professional classicists.
Review
We heartily recommend this volume as an introduction to Herodotos' Greek and methods of presentation. Bowie's strengths include extensive information on Near Eastern institutions and the Achaemenid Empire as well as Greek misunderstandings of them.---Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Synopsis
Book VIII of HerodotusâHistories covers the early part of the unsuccessful invasion of Greece by Xerxes, king of Persia. Its centre-piece is the unexpected but crucial Greek naval victory at Salamis. The introduction discusses the history and nature of the Persian empire, Herodotusâportrayal of Greeks and Persians, the role of battle-narratives in his history of the war, and his language and life. The text is designed to be readable by those with little experience of Greek, and the commentary discusses in detail linguistic, literary, cultural and historical points.
Synopsis
Edition for students of this important book whose centre-piece is the Battle of Salamis.
Synopsis
Book VIII of Herodotus' Histories covers the early part of the unsuccessful invasion of Greece by Xerxes, king of Persia. Its centre-piece is the unexpected but crucial Greek naval victory at Salamis. This edition provides all the help required by a reader with little experience of Greek.
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. Medes and Persians; 2. Greeks and Persians; 3. Xerxes in Herodotus; 4. Achaemenid campaigns; 5. Battle of Book 8; 6. Structure and narrative modes; 7. The language of Herodotus; 8. Life of Herodotus; 9. The text; Commentary.