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50th out of 139 books
—
5 voters
The Education of Cyrus
by
Xenophon
Xenophon's masterpiece The Education of Cyrus a work admired by Machiavelli for its lessons on leadership is at last available in a new English translation for a new century. Also known as the Cyropaedia, this philosophical novel is loosely based on the accomplishments of Cyrus the Great, founder of the vast Persian Empire that later became the archrival of the Greeks in t...more
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
July 12th 2001
by Cornell University Press
(first published -354)
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Xenophon takes us through the life of Cyrus; a bloodthirsty conqueror with a heart of gold.
The first seven books construct a portrait of a flawless, merciful boy growing into manhood. The eighth book is really the meat of the story. In it Xenophon shows the evolution of Cyrus' personality after his major military conquests. As he moves from active general to sedentary king his compassion melts into anxiety that he won't be able to hold what he's taken. So he begins to scheme and manipulate his f...more
The first seven books construct a portrait of a flawless, merciful boy growing into manhood. The eighth book is really the meat of the story. In it Xenophon shows the evolution of Cyrus' personality after his major military conquests. As he moves from active general to sedentary king his compassion melts into anxiety that he won't be able to hold what he's taken. So he begins to scheme and manipulate his f...more
At some point in the past six months, I read a passing reference to Cyrus in a book review as having been favorable noted by Machiavelli. No matter, I noted it long enough to park in my Amazon shopping cart until it could come home. Eventually when I re-read The Prince, I may come back and include that reference here.
I wasn’t impressed. As I get older and hopefully wiser, I have less and less patience with reading the ancients. Yes, humans are murderous and conniving, gracious and noble, sometim...more
I wasn’t impressed. As I get older and hopefully wiser, I have less and less patience with reading the ancients. Yes, humans are murderous and conniving, gracious and noble, sometim...more
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Jun 02, 2010
Patrick
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Philosophy students
Recommended to Patrick by:
Teacher
I could not disagree with KC's review of this work more strongly. Cyrus is not meant to be a hero for the reader, although on first blush he is very attractive. Instead, Xenophon intends to point us, ever-so subtly, to Socrates and his teachings (the speech Cambyses gives to Cyrus on the way out of Persia, the teacher of Tigranes, etc., etc.). Indeed, I believe the title alludes neither to the education Cyrus received nor the education he gave. Instead, it refers to the education Cyrus lacks: th...more
This was a very interesting story and, although long, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It made me think a lot about philosophical ideas, especially in terms of ruling people and general morality towards others and within one's self. I would recommend this to anyone. It does drag on a bit at parts but it's a great story overall.
An exciting book accounting the story of Cyrus the Great from Persia as written by an ancient Greek historian. The book is one part tactics akin to "The Art of War", one part epic action akin to "Lord of the Rings" style battles, and one part awesome like the video game "Civilization IV".
How to use people instrumentally
wanted to read the source material for Alexander
My favorite work of Xenophon so far.
Really interesting reading... fascinating how much human insight the author had when writing the book.
A very good read about the life of King Cyrus and his philosophy on living a life of love and compassion.
Jun 16, 2013
Johannes Schmidt
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review of another edition
Shelves:
honors-literature
Jun 06, 2013
Tiago Espírito Santo
marked it as to-read
Jun 06, 2013
Lukas Kikuchi
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review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
history
Jun 05, 2013
Eivind Løvig
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Jun 03, 2013
SerCalius
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May 31, 2013
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May 26, 2013
Yasiru
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May 22, 2013
Cassie
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May 16, 2013
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Apr 28, 2013
Joe
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Xenophon (Ancient Greek Ξενοφῶν, Modern Greek "Ξενοφών", "Ξενοφώντας"; ca. 431 – 355 BC), son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, was a soldier, mercenary and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, preserving the sayings of Socrates, and the life of ancient Greece.
Historical and biographical works
Anabasis (or The Persian Expediti...more
More about Xenophon...
Historical and biographical works
Anabasis (or The Persian Expediti...more
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