Questions About Complete Works of Herodotus

by Herodotus

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Answered Questions (6)

Why are there 376 followers of Herodotus? He's been dead for 2500 years, are they waiting for him to write a new book?

Freddrick If he does we'll be the first to know.…moreIf he does we'll be the first to know.(less)

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Seems like this would be a great read.

Carla Toby The first to approach history from a scientific perspective. Herodotus vectored away from the Homerian style of compilation,and attempted to put histo…moreThe first to approach history from a scientific perspective. Herodotus vectored away from the Homerian style of compilation,and attempted to put history in order, backed with facts rather than the traditional collections of oral histories put to paper. Seminal work which should be required reading, not only for the history itself, but for the beauty of the language. Magnificent book.(less)

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Which translation is David Timson reading from?

Ken Nevermind, found the answer - George Rawlinson ed.

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Is this a hard book to read for someone not used to reading History books? Is there any particular translation I should seek out?

Amanda This book is both hard and easy. On a microlevel of individual narrative it's very enjoyable and easy - on a macrolevel it's really challenging to put…moreThis book is both hard and easy. On a microlevel of individual narrative it's very enjoyable and easy - on a macrolevel it's really challenging to put all the pieces together. I found it difficult to keep track of the order of events and the unfamiliar names of people and places - and I would have benefited from taking notes, creating a timeline and a map, and even making a a list of characters with identifying notes.

This is not pop history, nor is it a text book. I find Herodotus' style easy to read, and if you take it in small chunks, there are some really great narratives tucked away in this book. I read Harry Graham Carter's translation, which is what I had access to (from the 1950s or 1960s), and I found it a bit endearing and easy enough to understand. (less)

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Which book contains his ethnographic stories of the eastern Mediterranean?

Ian They're scattered throughout, though the narrative of the Persian invasion dominates the last part of the book so there is more ethnographic stuff tow…moreThey're scattered throughout, though the narrative of the Persian invasion dominates the last part of the book so there is more ethnographic stuff towards the beginning.(less)

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