Xenophon Books

Set against the backdrop of ancient Persia, the narrative follows Xenophon as he inspires a disheartened army of 10,000 to embark on a perilous journey northward. Following the death of their leader Cyrus, the soldiers navigate treacherous deserts and mountainous terrain, driven by the hope of reaching the Greek cities along the Black Sea. This tale highlights themes of leadership, resilience, and the struggle for survival in a foreign land.

Xenophon's chronicle provides a detailed account of Greek history from 411 to 359 BCE, serving as a continuation of Thucydides' work. It focuses on the final years of the Peloponnesian War and its aftermath, offering insights into the political and social landscape of the time. As one of the few surviving narratives from this era, it is regarded as a highly authoritative source on the history of the Hellenes.

The narrative follows the harrowing journey of lost Greek soldiers as they battle both physical and emotional challenges while attempting to find their way home. Led by a courageous and resourceful leader, they navigate treacherous terrain and confront various adversities. The story culminates in a powerful moment as they finally glimpse the sea, evoking the ancient cry of "thalassa, thalassa!" which symbolizes hope and the longing for home. This tale captures themes of resilience, leadership, and the enduring human spirit.

Twenty-five hundred years ago Cyrus, a great Persian leader of wisdom and virtue, created the Persian Empire, conquered Babylon, freed forty thousand Jews from captivity, wrote mankind's first human rights charter, and ruled over those he had defeated with respect and benevolence. The Iranians came to regard Cyrus as "The Father," the Babylonians as "The Liberator," and the Jews as "The Anointed of the Lord." The Greeks called him "The Law Giver," and a century after Cyrus's death, an admiring Xenophon of Athens wrote an epic account of Cyrus's many leadership principles at war and at peace. By freshening the voice and style that Xenophon ascribed to Cyrus, [the author] has fashioned a more intimate Cyrus. A new generation of readers, including executives, managers, and military officers, can now learn from Cyrus's leaderships and wisdom in Xenophon's narrative.--Back cover of book.

The book offers practical guidance on selecting and training horses, tailored for both military and competitive purposes. Drawing from his experiences as a soldier and horseman, Xenophon provides insights into identifying quality horses and nurturing them effectively. He also discusses essential military equipment for cavalrymen, reflecting his expertise and background. This work combines elements of horsemanship with strategic military advice, showcasing the author's unique perspective as a student of Socrates and a participant in ancient Greek warfare.

The book is a faithful reproduction of an original work, preserving its content and essence. It offers readers a chance to engage with the text as it was initially presented, maintaining the authenticity and historical significance of the original publication. This reproduction serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the original material, providing insight into the themes and ideas conveyed in the text.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, the narrative follows Xenophon as he joins Cyrus the Great's ill-fated campaign to seize the Persian empire. After Cyrus's death, the remaining soldiers, lost and leaderless, embark on a treacherous journey home through hostile lands. Xenophon emerges as a decisive leader, guiding his fellow warriors through numerous challenges. Their eventual triumph upon reaching the sea symbolizes hope and resilience. This account, characterized by straightforward prose, highlights themes of endurance and camaraderie while reflecting Socratic philosophy and classic Greek literature.

Xenophon (431-355 BC), son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, was a soldier, mercenary and an admirer of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, the sayings of Socrates, and the life of Greece. He participated in the expedition led by Cyrus the Younger against his older brother, the emperor Artaxerxes II of Persia, in 401 BC. His record of the entire expedition against the Persians and the journey home was titled Anabasis (The Expedition or The March Up Country). He was later exiled from Athens, most likely because he fought under the Spartan king Agesilaus against Athens at Coronea. The Spartans gave him property at Scillus, near Olympia in Elis, where he composed the Anabasis. His writings are often read by beginning students of the Greek language. His Hellenica is a major primary source for events in Greece from 411 to 362 BC, and his Socratic writings, preserved complete, are the only surviving representatives of the genre of Sokratikoi logoi other than the dialogues of Plato.

In Memorabilia and in Oeconomicus, a dialogue about household management, we see the philosopher Socrates through the eyes of his associate, Xenophon. In the Symposium, we obtain insight on life in Athens. Xenophon's Apology is a complement to Plato's account of Socrates' defense at his trial.