An excellent book for anyone interested in Ancient Greek warfare, or just a rattling good tale.― The NYMAS Review One of the foundational works of military history and political philosophy, and an inspiration for Alexander the Great, the Anabasis of Cyrus recounts the epic story of the Ten Thousand, a band of Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger to overthrow his brother, Artaxerxes, king of Persia and the most powerful man on earth. It shows how Cyrus' army was assembled covertly and led from the coast of Asia Minor all the way to Babylon; how the Greeks held the field against a superior Persian force; how Cyrus was killed, leaving the Greeks stranded deep within enemy territory; and how many of them overcame countless dangers and found their way back to Greece. Their remarkable success was due especially to the wily and decisive leadership of Xenophon himself, a student of Socrates who had joined the Ten Thousand and, after most of the Greek generals had been murdered, rallied the despondent Greeks, won a position of leadership, and guided them wisely through myriad obstacles. In this new translation of the Anabasis, Wayne Ambler achieves a masterful combination of liveliness and a fidelity to the original uncommon in other versions. Accompanying Ambler's translation is a penetrating interpretive essay by Eric Buzzetti, one that shows Xenophon to be an author who wove a philosophic narrative into his dramatic tale. The translation and interpretive essay encourage renewed study of the Anabasis as a work of political philosophy. They also celebrate its high adventure and its hero's adroit decision-making under the most pressing circumstances.
In "The Persian Expedition", Xenophon, a young Athenian noble who sought his destiny abroad, provides an enthralling eyewitness account of the attempt by a Greek mercenary army - the Ten Thousand - to help Prince Cyrus overthrow his brother and take the Persian throne. When the Greeks were then betrayed by their Persian employers, they were forced to march home through hundreds of miles of difficult terrain - adrift in a hostile country and under constant attack from the unforgiving Persians and warlike tribes. In this outstanding description of endurance and individual bravery, Xenophon, one of those chosen to lead the retreating army, provides a vivid narrative of the campaign and its aftermath, and his account remains one of the best pictures we have of Greeks confronting a 'barbarian' world.
The Memorabilia, a tribute of an affectionate student to his teacher, is valuable both as a work of philosophy in its own right and as a complement to the study of Plato's dialogues. This translation is based on the 1934 text edited by Charles Hude. It is prefaced by a substantial introduction by Christopher Bruell and includes ample annotations by Bonnette. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
The Cyropaedia, The Education of Cyrus Xenophon - Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus is a novel by Xenophon. This metaphysical narrative is lightly based on the achievements of Cyrus the Great, and offers an exceptional portrait of political ambition and talent.Xenophon of Athens (circa 430 354 B.C.) was a Greek poet, historian, soldier and philosopher who lived at a time of momentous events in Ancient Greek history. Although he was recognized as a great writer and poet in his lifetime, Xenophons involvement with Spartan politics and fighting led to his exile from Athens, and his association with Socrates probably did not help. His short treatise on Spartas government is considered one of the first examples of political philosophy. Cyropaedia describes the education of the ideal ruler, trained to rule as a benevolent despot over his admiring and willing subjects. Xenophon is best remembered for his writing. In addition to writing about the philosophy of Socrates, he also wrote about the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, as well as the Persian expedition that formed the basis of his most famous work, Anabasis. In addition to his own works, he influenced the account of the Peloponnesian War written by the famous Greek historian Thucydides.
On horsemanship deals with the selection, care, and training of horses in general. Military training and the duties of the cavalry commander are dealt with in the Hipparchicus. Written in about 350 BC, the treatises of Xenophon were considered the earliest extant works on horsemanship in any literature.
The Greek philosopher Socrates was accused of and ultimately put to death for impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. This extraordinary volume from his friend and follower Xenophon offers a spirited defense of the philosopher, including a summary of Socrates' own closing argument to the court.
Widely considered the most famous work of the professional soldier and writer Xenophon, "Anabasis" is a true tale of dangerous adventure in ancient Greece. Though advised not to join the army of 10,000 by his friend Socrates, Xenophon does set out with Cyrus the Great in that man's attempt to gain the empire of Persia from his brother. When this leader is killed in battle, however, the army loses cause and direction, and the result is a 'marching republic' in which the remainder of the army must fight their way home. Through endless miles of hostile territory where their foes crop up at every turn, Xenophon emerges as one of the few men capable of making decisions and leading the army through a variety of difficulties in a perilous retreat back to Greece. When at last they reach the sea and know they are near their homeland, their cries of fierce joy resound and become the stuff of legend. Told in forthright and unpretentious prose, this epic journey of extraordinary endurance over hardship remains an entertaining account that exemplifies Socratic philosophy, classic Greek writing, and the bygone valor of remarkable warriors. This edition follows the translation of H. G. Dakyns and is printed on premium acid-free paper.
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