Amanda answers “Is this a hard book to read for someone...”

Rory Parker asked this question about The Histories:

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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