A History of My Times by Xenophon (Penguin Classics)

Description

“A History of My Times” is a historical work written by the ancient Greek historian and philosopher Xenophon, around the late 4th century BCE. In this work, Xenophon provides an account of the history of Greece from approximately 411 BCE to 362 BCE, covering the period of the Peloponnesian War and its aftermath.

Xenophon’s “A History of My Times” is valued as one of the few surviving contemporary accounts of this period in Greek history, as it provides insights into the political, military, and social events of the time. The work is particularly notable for its portrayal of key figures such as the Spartan general Agesilaus II, whom Xenophon greatly admired.

The style of “A History of My Times” is straightforward and factual, lacking the rhetorical flourishes found in the works of other ancient historians like Herodotus or Thucydides. However, Xenophon’s narrative is still considered valuable for its historical accuracy and firsthand perspective on the events he describes.

Overall, “A History of My Times” offers modern readers a glimpse into the tumultuous world of ancient Greece and provides important historical context for understanding the political and military dynamics of the era.