Cyropaedia volume 2 of 2 books 5-8

by Xenophon

Cyropaedia by Xenophon (c. 430 c. 354 BCE) is a historical romance on the education of the sixth century BCE Persian king Cyrus the Elder that reflects Xenophon s ideas about rulers and government.

Genres: History, Biography, Philosophy, Classics, Nonfiction

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 371

About the author

Xenophon (Ancient Greek Ξενοφῶν, Modern Greek 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 Expedition)
Cyropaedia
Hellenica
Agesilaus

Socratic works and dialogues:
Memorabilia
Oeconomicus
Symposium
Apology
Hiero

Short treatises:
On Horsemanship
The Cavalry General
Hunting with Dogs
Ways and Means
Constitution of Sparta

Reviews

[Sylvia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be up there with Machiavelli's The Prince and other classics on political rule. I loved his win win approach. We still have much to learn from the ancient classics. Written in simple style which is quite readable. That the book is not all that historical should not detract from its importance.

[Isen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Xenophon describes the empire of Cyrus as being effected by the power of friendship. True or false, it makes for dull reading.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. Loads of descriptive gobbledygook. Where it does talk about Cyrus, it is all -- how generous and nice he is, how he strives to be the best man in the room -- the only way to be truly respected. His shrewd and ruthless side is hinted at, but never really explored. Like "Meditations" seems to be a cult classic based on inertia rather than actual substance. The only interesting thing about the book is the historical context -- Persia, Armenia, Egypt and their interaction.