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

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.

glossy, durable cover and thorough text

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.

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.

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.

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

I had to read this for Humn and at first I did not really get into it, but after I kept reading, I found myself loving this book. I would definitely tell a person interested in politics to read this book. Really, I would encourage everyone to read this book.

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.

I purchased this book because I wanted to delve in Thucydides' main work but had neither the time nor the need to know every battle in-depth. I was also drawn to buy it after reading another customer review recommending the foreword. I study International Relations and thus know my basics on classic political thought, but welcomed an analytical insight of the book, not just a list of quotes. I was very happy to have bought the book because it fulfilled all my expectations. It saved me time by selecting the most important passages and the foreword is indeed worth reading. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Have not made time to read all of this book as yet ....

A good summary (hence four stars) and introduction to The Peloponnesian War.

The books are all very satisfactory.the dry bag has not arrived yet.