The Oxford Handbook of Thucydides

Abstract

The Oxford Handbook of Thucydides contains essays on Thucydides as an historian, literary artist, and political philosopher. It also features papers on Thucydides' intellectual context and ancient reception. The creative juxtaposition of historical, literary, philosophical, and reception studies allows for a better grasp of Thucydides’ complex project and its impact on later periods. The Handbook is organized into four sections of papers: Thucydides as an Historian, Thucydidean Historiography, Thucydides and Political Theory, and Context and Ancient Reception of Thucydidean Historiography. It therefore bridges traditionally divided approaches to the author. Articles avoid technical jargon and long footnotes, and are written in an accessible style. Finally, the Handbook includes a thorough introduction as well as four maps. Up-to-date bibliographies and two volume indices enable further study and easier cross referencing of topics within the volume. In sum, the volume offers a comprehensive introduction to a writer whose simultaneous depth and innovativeness have been the focus of intense historical, literary, and philosophical study since ancient times.