Author Description

Herodotus provides one of the most vivid portals into the ancient world. His history is raw, fantastical, and expansive — going beyond the Hellenes and giving considerable attention to the habits and customs of other ancient peoples like the Egyptians, Persians, Thracians, and Scythians. But most importantly, Herodotus features the Greeks at their best — from their idyllic archaic age up through their illustrious victories in the Persian Wars. Herodotus clearly states the purpose of his history: "So the deeds of great men may not be forgotten by the lapse of time." Unfortunately, each generation of men seem to be further and further removed from these great stories. As a result, we find the average man more hunched over, more defeated, and with no destiny in his gaze. But Herodotus' Histories is part of an invaluable inheritance that is just waiting to be drawn from. This rich history can set man afire with great passion and yearning for distant shores. This book contains commentary on over ninety passages spanning all nine books of Herodotus' Histories. Much of the literature around Herodotus is overly academic and incredibly boring. The goal of this commentary is to provide a breath of fresh air.