Histories

by Herodotus Narrated by Digital Voice George E

Overview

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

Often called the “Father of History,” Herodotus offers an unparalleled journey into the ancient world in his monumental work, Histories. Written in the 5th century BCE, this classic not only chronicles the epic Greco-Persian Wars but also paints a vivid portrait of the cultures, peoples, and legends of antiquity.

In this sweeping narrative, Herodotus blends historical inquiry with storytelling, weaving together accounts of kings and battles, myths and marvels, political intrigue, and moral lessons. From the rise of the Persian Empire to the heroics of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis, his work captures the drama and complexity of a world in transition.

More than a military history, Histories is a cultural treasure trove. Herodotus recounts the customs of Egyptians, Scythians, and other ancient peoples, preserving traditions and details that would otherwise have been lost to time. His curiosity about human nature and his willingness to record even fantastical tales make the work both informative and deeply engaging.

This audiobook edition brings Herodotus's timeless prose to life for a modern audience, offering listeners the chance to experience one of the earliest and greatest works of historical literature. Perfect for history enthusiasts, students of classical antiquity, and anyone fascinated by the origins of historical writing, Histories remains as captivating today as it was over two millennia ago.

Editorial Reviews

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Kirkus Reviews

★ 2014-04-08
A delightful new translation of what is widely considered the first work of history and nonfiction.Herodotus has a wonderful, gossipy style that makes reading these histories more fun than studying the rise of the Persian Empire and its clash with Greece—however, that's exactly what readers will do in this engaging history, which is full of interesting digressions and asides. Holland (In the Shadow of the Sword: The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire, 2012, etc.), whose lifelong devotion to Herodotus, Thucydides and other classical writers is unquestionable, provides an engaging modern translation. As Holland writes, Herodotus' "great work is many things—the first example of nonfiction, the text that underlies the entire discipline of history, the most important source of information we have for a vital episode in human affairs—but it is above all a treasure-trove of wonders." Those just being introduced to the Father of History will agree with the translator's note that this is "the greatest shaggy-dog story ever written." Herodotus set out to explore the causes of the Greco-Persian Wars and to explore the inability of East and West to live together. This is as much a world geography and ethnic history as anything else, and Herodotus enumerates social, religious and cultural habits of the vast (known) world, right down to the three mummification options available to Egyptians. This ancient Greek historian could easily be called the father of humor, as well; he irreverently describes events, players and their countless harebrained schemes. Especially enjoyable are his descriptions of the Persians making significant decisions under the influence and then waiting to vote again when sober. The gifts Herodotus gave history are the importance of identifying multiple sources and examining differing views.A feast for students of ancient history and budding historians of any period.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940195123147
Publisher:	SPA Publishing
Publication date:	06/27/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged

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From the Trade Paperback edition.

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