Thucydides presents the history of the Peloponnesian War with such delightful grace and nuance that the actors and events come to life. What really strikes me about this text is its philosophical side: though, as a history, it is grounded in a recounting of particular events, the manner of presentation gives the reader a glimpse of some universal facts about human nature. The adventures of Alcibiades, for example, sound like nothing so much as a description of a Cold War spy switching from side to side as the wind changes. And the depths to which the city of Corcyra descends during civil war are blood-curdling, inspiring you to look twice at those quiet neighbors you don't know very well...

I plan to re-read this once a year. Seriously, it's that good.