This volume investigates the military organization, strategy, and tactics of the Greek city-states during periods of conflict, focusing on the practicalities of warfare as evidenced in historical records. Pritchett, a renowned scholar of ancient Greek military history, draws upon a deep well of primary sources, including literary accounts, inscriptions, and archaeological findings, to reconstruct the realities of Greek warfare. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these states mobilized, fought, and sustained their military efforts.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of ancient Greek military history, building upon extensive scholarship. The detailed examination of primary sources and the comprehensive scope of its analysis make it an invaluable resource for specialists in the field. Its methodical approach and reliance on textual and archaeological evidence establish it as a foundational text for understanding the practicalities of warfare in the Greek world.