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Famous Greeks

By: J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses
Narrated by: J. Rufus Fears
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Publisher's summary

Join Professor Fears for this riveting 24-lecture examination of fascinating figures who shaped the story of Greece from the Trojan War through the rise of Rome. What do their lives, studied in the context of their times, tell us about virtue and vice, folly and wisdom, success and failure?

Inspired and informed by the monumental works of Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, and Plutarch, these lectures allow you to do exactly that, guided by a truly great teacher. From the heroes of the Trojan War to Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, Professor Fears ushers you into the lives, achievements, and influence of many of the figures who made Greek history.

Among these are great warriors such as Achilles, Agamemnon, Hector, Odysseus, and Alexander the Great; masterful statesmen including Lycurgus, Solon, and Philip of Macedonia; profound thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; and artists and writers such as Homer, Herodotus, Sophocles, Thucydides, and Plutarch. These lectures are informed by a fine moral awareness and a deep familiarity with the times these famous lives were lived. By exploring these famous Greek lives in this context, you'll also discover new ways to read familiar classics by Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Plato. And in keeping with that historical spirit, Professor Fears draws lessons from each life studied in this course, charting with you the intellectual and artistic currents of one of the most creative civilizations in world history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about Famous Greeks

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So good, I was sad it was over

J Rufus Fears, weaves history through masterful storytelling. This is both educational and entertaining.

I've just bought Famous Romans and am eager to start!!!

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Great lectures

This professor is so good and telling great stories all the while tying it into good life lessons.

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Rufus Fears is our Homer

Fears agaib brings history to life through story telling, humor, and innate understanding of humanity

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Breathtaking

...in scope and importance, from Professor Fears teaching that our Founding Fathers considered history to be the most important subject, to putting flesh on the bones of Herodotus, to the unjust death sentence of Socrates, to the tragic end of Antony and Cleopatra, my life will never be the same. I am wiser, because I know that I do not know, and that hubris destroys.
Thank you.

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Great short details

Perfect place to start your classics journey. Herodotus, Thucydides, Socrates, and context to consider the decision points.

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Amazing speaker!

amazing speaker and very well organized in his presentation to keep you captivated every minute

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Great!

Great! I highly recommend this title. Fashioned around Plutarch's Lives it really filled in some blank spots for me.

Fred Davis
Awakening Clarity Now

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loved it

J Rufus Fears is a phenomenal orator and every minute of these lectures is great.

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Dr. Fears is the Greatest historian of his time.

Dr. Fears is the Greatest historian of his time.
Please listen you will be a better human at the end.

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This course is amazing!

Doctor Rufus Fears' passion for history shines through brilliantly as he recounts the lives of these Famous Greeks. I especially love that he hasn't changed the stories to align with any modern agendas. I will be looking for more courses from J. Rufus Fears.

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