John Marincola Libri

Exploring the claims to authority of ancient Greek and Roman historians, this study delves into how these figures established their credibility and influence through their narratives. It examines the rhetorical strategies and historical contexts that shaped their works, revealing insights into the nature of historical writing in the classical world. The analysis highlights the interplay between personal experience, societal expectations, and the pursuit of truth in the formation of historical accounts.

This survey of recent work on Herodotus, Thucydides, and Polybius focuses on new developments in the study of Greek historiography and synthesises some of the most important research from the last thirty years. There is a detailed treatment of each writer, with an emphasis on analysis of the historians' sources, their narrative methods, and their use of speeches. Also examined are the structure and themes of each man's work, together with consideration of the way each historian employs characterisation. The book provides a full bibliography of recent work done mainly (but not exclusively) in English, and suggests future directions that the study of these historians may take. It will be of interest to upper-level students and scholars who would like an overview of recent trends in the study both of the historians themselves and of ancient Greek historiography in general.

This collection features significant recent articles that explore ancient Greek and Roman perspectives on historiography. It includes six newly translated essays and offers a specially written introduction that contextualizes these works within both historical and contemporary trends in classical studies. The compilation provides valuable insights into how these civilizations approached the writing of history, enriching the understanding of their intellectual traditions.

One of the masterpieces of classical literature, the Histories describes how a small and quarrelsome band of Greek city states united to repel the might of the Persian empire. But while this epic struggle forms the core of his work, Herodotus' natural curiosity frequently gives rise to colourful digressions - a description of the natural wonders of Egypt; an account of European lake-dwellers; and far-fetched accounts of dog-headed men and gold-digging ants. With its kaleidoscopic blend of fact and legend, the Histories offers a compelling Greek view of the world of the fifth century BC.