"The Economist" by Xenophon (translated by Henry Graham Dakyns). Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.
"Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus" by Xenophon (translated by Henry Graham Dakyns). Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.
"Agesilaus" by Xenophon (translated by Henry Graham Dakyns). Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.
Known best for his writings on the history of his own times, Xenophon (435-354 B.C.) was a philosopher, soldier, and mercenary who wrote several essays dealing with military practices of the ancient world. «On Horsemanship», one of his earliest known works, concentrates on the various aspects of selecting, training, and caring for a horse, and is still an extraordinary guide to equestrian study even 2,300 years after it was originally written. In «The Duties of a Hipparch», Xenophon employs his personal experience and vast military knowledge in a treatise discussing the responsibilities and strengths of a successful cavalry general. «On Hunting» discusses the mythology, process and practicality of hunting—in particular the details of hunting with hounds. The works in this collection, written on those «arts» which Xenophon considered especially important, are accessible, thorough, and enlightened treatises that continue to educate readers over two millennia after their conception.
A Greek soldier, wealthy Athenian, Attic poet, and historian in the late 5th century B.C., Xenophon was a prolific writer and friend of Socrates during his lifetime. His «Memorabilia» directly defends the charges against Socrates, which were largely religious, but also political, in nature. This work then relates a series of episodes in which Socrates converses with a variety of individuals, from friends to rivals to important Greeks of his day, proving the value and wisdom of Socrates' teachings, as well as revealing a remarkable glimpse into everyday Athenian life. In Xenophon's «Economist,» he speaks of household organization and administration, again allowing readers to see Socrates' political philosophy and ancient Greek life from the author's perspective. Aside from being perhaps the earliest work on economics, Xenophon discusses agriculture, rural compared to urban life, the relationships of men and women, slavery, and education. «Symposium» vibrantly relates a witty dinner party in which Socrates and the author were both in attendance, and where each person present defined their idea of virtue and pride. Through an amusing contest of words, Socrates ultimately comes to praise love, particularly that of the host for the boy who he honors with the evening of entertainment. In Xenophon's «Apology,» the state of mind and defense of Socrates is related in detail at his trial and execution. The author had as eye-witness Hermogenes, and the account proves an interesting comparison to that of Plato. Finally, there is «Hiero,» an extended dialogue between the absolute dictator of Syracuse and the poet Simonides, in which they discuss how the private man has easier access to happiness than a tyrant. Through these five works, Xenophon proves his understanding and admiration for the wisdom of Socrates and both relates that knowledge and applies it to a variety of situations, revealing amazing glimpses into ancient Greece and a famous philosopher's place within it.
Widely considered the most famous work of the professional soldier and writer Xenophon, «Anabasis» is a true tale of dangerous adventure in ancient Greece. Though advised not to join the army of 10,000 by his friend Socrates, Xenophon does set out with Cyrus the Great in that man's attempt to gain the empire of Persia from his brother. When this leader is killed in battle, however, the army loses cause and direction, and the result is a 'marching republic' in which the remainder of the army must fight their way home. Through endless miles of hostile territory where their foes crop up at every turn, Xenophon emerges as one of the few men capable of making decisions and leading the army through a variety of difficulties in a perilous retreat back to Greece. When at last they reach the sea and know they near their homeland, their cries of fierce joy resound and become the stuff of legend. Told in forthright and unpretentious prose, this epic journey of extraordinary endurance over hardship remains an entertaining account that exemplifies Socratic philosophy, clear Greek writing, and the bygone valor of remarkable warriors.
One of the more important works of the ancient Greek writer, soldier, and historian Xenophon, «Hellenica» is essentially a history of Greek occurrences from 411 to 362 BCE. It continues a similar account begun by Thucydides to detail the events of the Peloponnesian War. Xenophon is the principal source for today's historians on the last seven years of this war, including the Battle of Mantineia, as well as the war's aftermath. Written during Xenophon's retirement on his estate in Sparta, «Hellenica» is thought to be a personal work, intended for his friends, who were likely participants of many of the battles and knew the main warriors, political leaders, and events of the time. Through his more personal approach, this friend of Socrates proves his excellence as a writer with his masterful exposition, as well as his considerable ability as a historian with his memory for detail and breadth of topics. Ultimately, the result is a window into a turbulent period in the history of Greece, giving even today's readers an intimate, eye-opening view into the lives of the ancients.
Written in the early fourth century BCE by a gentleman and soldier from Athens, «Cyropaedia» is an account of Cyrus the Great that escapes a simple genre placement. It is a sort of historical, political, biographical, fictional romance, encapsulating the sweeping type of narrative characteristic of Xenophon's works. The overall portrait of Cyrus is artistic, offering glimpses of this huge figure's character. Organized into eight books, the entire life of Cyrus the Great is told, from his descent and education to his stay in the Median court, and eventually his own kingship and monarchical views. Considered an important piece of literature by many historical figures, from Edmund Spenser to the Founding Fathers, «Cyropaedia» is an ancient text that contains a timeless relevance.