
The Peloponnesian War
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Narrated by:
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Bill Wallace
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By:
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Donald Kagan
For almost three decades at the end of the fifth century BC the ancient world was torn apart in a conflict that was, within its historical context, as dramatic, divisive, and destructive as the great world wars of the 20th century. The Peloponnesian War pitted Greek against Greek: the Athenians, with their glorious empire, rich legacy of democracy and political rights, and extraordinary cultural achievement, against the militaristic, oligarchic Spartan state. The result was a period of unprecedented brutality, one that violated even the rugged code that had previously governed Greek combat, and led to an enormous destruction of life and property, intensification of factional and class hostility, and a reversal of the trend toward democratic development. With these came a collapse in the habits, institutions, beliefs, and restraints that had long been the foundation of civilization.
Now Donald Kagan, one of the world’s most respected historians, has written a new account of the Peloponnesian War—a lively, readable narrative that offers a richly detailed portrait of a vanished world while honoring its timeless relevance. In chronicling the rise and fall of a great empire, The Peloponnesian War illuminates the interplay of intelligence and chance in human affairs, the role of great individuals and masses of people in determining the course of events, and the potential of leadership and the limits within which it must operate. Among the brilliant portraits of extraordinary statesmen are those of Pericles, the greatest among the Athenians and a man determined to pursue a policy of deterrence, and the charismatic, duplicitous Alcibiades. Kagan captures the dynamic of war in his thrilling re-creations of some of the most famous military campaigns of antiquity.
With its fresh examination of a pivotal moment of Western civilization, The Peloponnesian War is a magisterial work of historiography—a chronicle of a dark time whose lessons are especially resonant today.
©2003 Donald Kagan (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















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A great reading of an excellent book
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Fascinating story, and well told
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Excellent!
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Superb single volume overview of the Peloponnesian War
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Great read
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Good supplement to the real thing
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What did you love best about The Peloponnesian War?
Obtaining a better grasp on what caused the war, what happened during the war, and what the outcome was.What did you like best about this story?
How much it ties into events that still occur in international relationships to this day.Which scene was your favorite?
The description of the battles on Cyprus and the Athenian fleet when they left for Cyprus were amazing.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I knew it would be too long to listen to in one sitting.Any additional comments?
If you are a lover of history, international relations, or military action you should listen to this book.The only frustrating part was the significance of the people involved in this conflict and how I had no clue how to spell their ancient Greek names since I read this as an audiobook instead of on paper.
Historical Parallels Abound
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incredible
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
No. While I think this is one of the best books of all time, I believe only a small percentage of the population would listen to the whole thing. And further, I've seen Kagan's lectures online and he animates this material better than one could expect of a narrator other than himself.What other book might you compare The Peloponnesian War to and why?
Lords of the Sea, by John Hale.John Hale seems to me to be at the level of Donald Kagan in terms of understanding the ancient Greeks and also in communicating great enthusiasm on this subject.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Even if the book were short enough to finish is a sitting, no. There are moments that are too tragic to not take a break.Communicates the tragedy of ancient Greeks
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Great History Lesson
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