Greek Historiography

In this comprehensive new volume, Thomas Scanlon provides an accessible and up-to-date survey of the ancient Greek genre of historical writing from its origins before Herodotus to the Greek historians of the Roman imperial era, seven centuries later. Situating historical writing among the forms of e [...]
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In this comprehensive new volume, Thomas Scanlon provides an accessible and up-to-date survey of the ancient Greek genre of historical writing from its origins before Herodotus to the Greek historians of the Roman imperial era, seven centuries later. Situating historical writing among the forms of epic and lyric poetry, drama, philosophy, and science for which the Greeks are already so well known, Greek Historiography examines individual historian's perspectives on power and human nature as a means of tracing the early evolution of ancient Greek history. From Thucydides to Polybius, the volume considers pervading questions of causation, divine justice, leadership, civilization versus barbarism, legacy, and literary reception. Alongside sophisticated close reading, Scanlon provides thorough summaries that signpost key passages and highlight thematic links to help readers navigate their way through the original texts. Citing the most up-to-date translations and featuring a comprehensive list of further reading that includes important new scholarship, Greek Historiography will prove to be an essential tool for anyone interested in better understanding the evolution of Greek historical writing.