The Histories (Oxford World's Classics) 1st Edition

1) This is very "easy reading" for ancient history. Part of the credit for that belongs to Polybius, who knows how to narrate. And part of the credit goes to Waterfield, who has done a good job of bridging the language gap. I remember reading in the preface something about his decision, for example, to break long sentences into shorter multiple sentences. Modern readers, after all, can't hold their breath at all as they wait for the period.2) Waterfield's efforts to speak in modern idiomatic English also result in some troubling choices for a work of ancient history. For example, in one place Polybius is complaining about the way Fabius (another historian) has been less than completely reliable:"In my opinion, however, readers can safely assume that Fabius is reliable more often than not, but they should not regard what he says as gospel; rather, they should base their conclusions on the facts themselves."(Polybius (2010-11-11). The Histories (Oxford World's Classics) (p. 138). Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.)Uhm, did Polybius, writing in 150 B.C. tell his readers not to regard what Fabius writes "as gospel"? Okay, that communicates in modern English, but it is confusing historically.3) On the other hand, Waterfield makes some excellent choices, too, as when Polybius suspends his account of the Hannibalic war to resume his account of the wars in Greece. At the edge of that theatre was a clash between the Rhodians (Rhodies?) and Byzantines. He describes the grudge carried in the heart of Prusias, one of the leaders of Rhodes:"One of Prusias’ old grievances against the Byzantines was that they had failed to erect some statues of him; they had voted to do so, but then they had just let the matter slide and forgotten all about it. He also did not like the fact that they had done all they could to try to end the war between Achaeus and Attalus and reconcile them to each other; in his view, warm relations between Achaeus and Attalus would harm his interests in a number of ways. And he felt insulted by the Byzantines’ failure to send emissaries to him for his Soteria,* when apparently Attalus had received such a delegation from Byzantium for his games in honour of Athena." Polybius (2010-11-11). The Histories (Oxford World's Classics) (p. 263). Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.Uh, zowie, what? No emissaries sent for the Soteria? The footnote for "Soteria" tells us"Soteria: a festival instituted in cities all over the Hellenistic world in thanks for deliverance from danger. The occasion and the details of Prusias’ festival are unknown." Polybius (2010-11-11). The Histories (Oxford World's Classics) (p. 466). Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.THANK YOU Robin Waterfield for leaving us the actual Greek word Soteria there instead of trying to translate it as "Freedom Festival" or "Deliverance Days" or something. Because this gives us a new depth of context for "Soteria" as it is used in the Bible, where it is everywhere and always translated "Salvation." For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2 (ESV) We would miss the possibility of making that connection in a poorer translation.

Fascinating historian writing on greece and rome. Introduced to the author in a class I am taking on the rise and fall of Rome. Amazing we can still read ancient historians in order to add to what we know about history.

He tells it like it was. This particular translation is the most readable that I've experienced and the author's character comes through on each page.

It is a privilege to read the thoughts of an intelligent, perceptive man who lived more than 2100 years ago. Recommended for anyone looking for insight into the political structure of the Roman Republic, a philosophy of history and the work of historians, and of course the dramatic events of the Punic Wars.

Polybius is writing in the 2nd Century about the history of the Roman Republic. If you don’t know the difference between the Republic and the Empire, this will be an eyeopener.

The most readable book on ancient history I have ever read. Robin is more clarity than literal translation and it shows. Well worth it.

What’s not to like about Herodotus? Also, I am happy with the translation of this edition. Not all translations of primary sources necessarily turn out to be this readable.

Great condition