Bookshelf Essentials The Landmark Ancient Histories Series Editor: Robert B. Strassler I mentioned The Great David Wiley youtube.com/@DavidWiley7?si=Q...
I "discovered" the Landmark Series last year and jumped right into Herodotus. It was a fantastic reading experience and the maps made the difference. It's really easy to follow what is happening when you have those maps and the footnotes readily at hand. I absolutely loved Herodotus and immediately followed that with Thucydides and Xenophon's Hellenica. The appendices at the end of each volume consist of short essays written by scholars about aspects of life at that time that are relevant to the text such as the role of women, coinage in ancient Greece, how the triremes were made and operated, the role of religion and oracles, etc. These essays put the text into context and ensure a rich reading experience. These books are well worth your time!
I’m guessing you’ve seen the great 1979 movie The Warriors. Surely you’re also aware the the plot of the movie is based on Xenophon’s Anabasis and the March of the 10,000. In the movie the gang The Warriors find themselves stranded in an unknown area , when their benefactor Cyrus is killed. They have to battle their way back to their home turf through hostile territory, while fighting off many strange tribes (gangs) that are trying to kill them. Who knew you could learn about history while watching an old action movie. Great stuff!
"You obviously are inferior, mentally physically. I am surprised how little has changed. Oh there has been technological advancement but how little man himself has changed." Kahn, "Space Seed" Star Trek 1966.
Yeah I love this series. I've been on the waiting list for every new one for a long time. That we got a second xenophon before we got a procopius or A Josephus was a little bit of a bummer but I love them all. I would like to see it expanded more general histories and not just princibly military histories but great series
I love ancient history and own the Herodotus, Thucydides, and Julius Caesar Landmark editions. They really are worth the space on the shelf. Unfortunately, I rarely maintain the stamina to get through them completely. They are long and dense so I tend to start and stop them. I do wish there were more fantasy books set in the ancient world. There is historical fiction, of course, but I love something like Conan that has the ancient world feel but works in monsters, gods, and magic to it as well.
One of the reasons I started watching your channel was because the first one I picked, you just happened to mention that you loved Herodotus. I've been coming back ever since for ERB and REH, and other classics every once in a while. Oh, and now Thor! I have purchased these amazing volumes as they came out. The Anabasis was very good and I am working through Herodotus now, while taking a class on it at the the same time. I found a date online for the Polybius volume (March, 2024) but I am not holding my breath. I spend a considerable amount of time reading the Old and New Testaments. One of the things that strikes me every time I do, is that mankind has not changed one bit since people started writing things down. Those guys were just as screwed up as we are! It's kind of comforting in a way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these ancient books. I thought I was going to make it through without buying anything, but when I was looking up one of the Landmark volumes, I noticed that Oxford World Classics has three volumes of Tacitus I did not have. So, I didn't make it through, after all.
Reading The Landmark Herodotus at present while I watch your wonderful video. Fascinating, it's like a time machine into the ancient world. Your other videos about ancient histories sparked my interest. Thank you.
"The Histories" by Herodotus is an amazing read. "The History of the Peloponnesian War" by Thucydides is also excellent and is still relevant today about how states' defensive agreements can lead to wars.
Yes! I've always seen them and never purchased any!! There's something poetic about you travelling on trains in Europe reading a cheap paperback of The Histories! Thank you for this!
I love when you talk about the Landmark books! Really meant to read the Herodotus volume last year but alas, it still sits on a shelf. Thank you for keeping to mention these books!
Last year I reread the Great Books of the Western World edition of Herodotus translated by George Rawlinson which makes about 4 or 5 times I've read it over the years
I got the first four of these in hardback on your recommendation and I am well pleased with them, indeed. The summaries, footnotes, marginalia, maps, and appendices all help paint the scene. The histories themselves are packed with great stories and curious incidents
This was truly a wonderful video. To hear you speak so highly of books that I would never have thought to engage with is inspirational. I had some wonderful teachers who steered me to great literature, but nobody encouraged such a spark of interest in History. Now that I am in the latter portion of my life, I have such a yearning to devote time to learn. As you say, it is miraculous that we can still read the words of scholars of so long ago. Thanks so much for what you do here.
Those look like fabulous editions! I have a number of those books but not in anything even remotely approaching the quality of your Landmark copies. Great stuff!
Ive had my eye out for these editions for a long time but they haven't hit my used bookstore circuit. I think after the challenge I will be special ordering these.
I own 3 Landmarks in hardback: Thucydides and both Xenophons. However, I live in the UK and I can’t get the others here, so it would be prohibitively expensive for me to buy them, even in paperback. It’s a shame really because they are fantastic reads and look great on my bookshelf.
Mike, I bought the Herodotus and Thucydides on your recommendation a year or two ago, along with Caesar’s Commentaries. Haven’t read them yet, but intend to get to them this year.
I recently listened to Dan Carlin’s Podcast ‘The King of Kings’ (from Cyrus to Alexander), in which Herodotus’s work is heavily referenced. It’s left me with a huge interest in the topic so these recommendations are perfect timing for me. Many Thanks Michael!
Allof these havebeen read by the history-major in residence,(husband), and on my TBR list.I know that at least three of these are on our shelves as we speak.
Thanks for this. I have a couple of Landmarks but haven’t read them - the first two I think. I’m glad for a clearer understanding of what’s in the rest.
You make a wildly compelling case, Michael. I'm just not sure ancient history speaks to me enough personally to dedicate time to so many gigantic volumes. But I do want to try the Herodotus at some point!
Recently discovered your videos. Your tastes are very similar to mine - I haven't read quite so much horror, but - ancient history, REH, ERB, Doyle, comics- great to hear your views and insights.
It looks like when I checked on Amazon that you can’t get these in hardcover at the regular retail price because they’ve been out for a few years. The paperbacks are reasonably priced.
Thanks for the video! These will be coming to my shelves soon. I don’t know much about the ancient world and want to start reading more on it. Are these a good place to start? Any other recommendations on places to start?
Michael , I’m not sure if you’ve read any Steven Pressfield. I’ve really enjoyed his books about Ancient Greek history. I understand they’re historical FICTION, but they are incredible. “Gates of Fire” about the 300 Spartans. “Tides of War” , about the Peloponnesian War. “The Virtues of War” about Alexander. All are riveting excellent reads. Highly recommended.
Why do folks have a problem with Victor Davis Hansen? Because he is a farmer or because he wrote that book Mexifornia? Is there something more to it that people dislike him for?
I see what you're doing. You can't buy any new books yourself, so you're forcing me to do so! How do I not have these books? Well, I just ordered the Landmark Herodotus and, if this volume lives up to the high expectations you've set, history will repeat itself and I'll acquire them all, one by one.
I "discovered" the Landmark Series last year and jumped right into Herodotus. It was a fantastic reading experience and the maps made the difference. It's really easy to follow what is happening when you have those maps and the footnotes readily at hand. I absolutely loved Herodotus and immediately followed that with Thucydides and Xenophon's Hellenica. The appendices at the end of each volume consist of short essays written by scholars about aspects of life at that time that are relevant to the text such as the role of women, coinage in ancient Greece, how the triremes were made and operated, the role of religion and oracles, etc. These essays put the text into context and ensure a rich reading experience. These books are well worth your time!
I’m guessing you’ve seen the great 1979 movie The Warriors. Surely you’re also aware the the plot of the movie is based on Xenophon’s Anabasis and the March of the 10,000. In the movie the gang The Warriors find themselves stranded in an unknown area , when their benefactor Cyrus is killed. They have to battle their way back to their home turf through hostile territory, while fighting off many strange tribes (gangs) that are trying to kill them.
Who knew you could learn about history while watching an old action movie.
Great stuff!
"You obviously are inferior, mentally physically. I am surprised how little has changed. Oh there has been technological advancement but how little man himself has changed." Kahn, "Space Seed" Star Trek 1966.
This is the kind of thing I subscribe to MKV for
Yeah I love this series. I've been on the waiting list for every new one for a long time. That we got a second xenophon before we got a procopius or A Josephus was a little bit of a bummer but I love them all. I would like to see it expanded more general histories and not just princibly military histories but great series
I love ancient history and own the Herodotus, Thucydides, and Julius Caesar Landmark editions. They really are worth the space on the shelf. Unfortunately, I rarely maintain the stamina to get through them completely. They are long and dense so I tend to start and stop them.
I do wish there were more fantasy books set in the ancient world. There is historical fiction, of course, but I love something like Conan that has the ancient world feel but works in monsters, gods, and magic to it as well.
Your enthusiasm for all of this comes through! Thank you!
I totally agree! The Landmark Series are essential for getting a grasp on great historical accounts of history.
One of the reasons I started watching your channel was because the first one I picked, you just happened to mention that you loved Herodotus. I've been coming back ever since for ERB and REH, and other classics every once in a while. Oh, and now Thor! I have purchased these amazing volumes as they came out. The Anabasis was very good and I am working through Herodotus now, while taking a class on it at the the same time. I found a date online for the Polybius volume (March, 2024) but I am not holding my breath.
I spend a considerable amount of time reading the Old and New Testaments. One of the things that strikes me every time I do, is that mankind has not changed one bit since people started writing things down. Those guys were just as screwed up as we are! It's kind of comforting in a way.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these ancient books. I thought I was going to make it through without buying anything, but when I was looking up one of the Landmark volumes, I noticed that Oxford World Classics has three volumes of Tacitus I did not have. So, I didn't make it through, after all.
Still plodding through "The Histories." By. Herodotus.....but it's worth it.
Reading The Landmark Herodotus at present while I watch your wonderful video. Fascinating, it's like a time machine into the ancient world. Your other videos about ancient histories sparked my interest. Thank you.
"The Histories" by Herodotus is an amazing read. "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
by Thucydides is also excellent and is still relevant today about how states' defensive agreements can lead to wars.
Yes! I've always seen them and never purchased any!! There's something poetic about you travelling on trains in Europe reading a cheap paperback of The Histories! Thank you for this!
What does Roger think of these young whippersnapper writers??
I only have the Herodotus, it is indeed great. Wish they'd do more on other periods and wars.
I love when you talk about the Landmark books! Really meant to read the Herodotus volume last year but alas, it still sits on a shelf. Thank you for keeping to mention these books!
Last year I reread the Great Books of the Western World edition of Herodotus translated by George Rawlinson which makes about 4 or 5 times I've read it over the years
Thanks, wasn't aware of these books, but I'll now keep an eye out for them. Much appreciated.
I got the first four of these in hardback on your recommendation and I am well pleased with them, indeed. The summaries, footnotes, marginalia, maps, and appendices all help paint the scene. The histories themselves are packed with great stories and curious incidents
This was truly a wonderful video. To hear you speak so highly of books that I would never have thought to engage with is inspirational. I had some wonderful teachers who steered me to great literature, but nobody encouraged such a spark of interest in History. Now that I am in the latter portion of my life, I have such a yearning to devote time to learn. As you say, it is miraculous that we can still read the words of scholars of so long ago. Thanks so much for what you do here.
Great series! Wish I'd thought to buy more hardcovers.
Those look like fabulous editions! I have a number of those books but not in anything even remotely approaching the quality of your Landmark copies. Great stuff!
You have all of the hardcovers! I wish Pantheon would have printed more...
Ive had my eye out for these editions for a long time but they haven't hit my used bookstore circuit. I think after the challenge I will be special ordering these.
One of my favorite book series ever. I have the Alexander book and the Caesar book. The maps and extra content helps out so much.
I own 3 Landmarks in hardback: Thucydides and both Xenophons. However, I live in the UK and I can’t get the others here, so it would be prohibitively expensive for me to buy them, even in paperback. It’s a shame really because they are fantastic reads and look great on my bookshelf.
Mike, I bought the Herodotus and Thucydides on your recommendation a year or two ago, along with Caesar’s Commentaries. Haven’t read them yet, but intend to get to them this year.
I recently listened to Dan Carlin’s Podcast ‘The King of Kings’ (from Cyrus to Alexander), in which Herodotus’s work is heavily referenced. It’s left me with a huge interest in the topic so these recommendations are perfect timing for me. Many Thanks Michael!
Allof these havebeen read by the history-major in residence,(husband), and on my TBR list.I know that at least three of these are on our shelves as we speak.
❤❤❤❤Wonderful video. Your videos are the best to me. I am indebted to your vast knowledge Michael. Thank you so much
Thanks for this. I have a couple of Landmarks but haven’t read them - the first two I think. I’m glad for a clearer understanding of what’s in the rest.
Great series. Thanks for sharing them.
You introduced me to these a year or so ago and I have since got 3 of them. Love them. 😊
You should read A War Like No Other: How the Athenians & Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War by Victor Davis Hanson. Great book!
You make a wildly compelling case, Michael. I'm just not sure ancient history speaks to me enough personally to dedicate time to so many gigantic volumes. But I do want to try the Herodotus at some point!
I’m not that big a history buff but you sure make these look interesting. I’m tempted to try at least one of them. Great video.
Also, for the uninitiated, if I were to start with one volume of these, which one should I start with?
@@disshelvedwithadamwhite8731As featured in the video.
I’m waiting on my first Landmark volume. I need to get Herodotus so I can read that first though.
Agreed. An indispensable shelf of my library.
Recently discovered your videos. Your tastes are very similar to mine - I haven't read quite so much horror, but - ancient history, REH, ERB, Doyle, comics- great to hear your views and insights.
Love this video and the hat. You've inspired me to tackle these. Any thoughts on paperback versus hardcover? The price difference is substantial.
It looks like when I checked on Amazon that you can’t get these in hardcover at the regular retail price because they’ve been out for a few years. The paperbacks are reasonably priced.
Thanks for the video! These will be coming to my shelves soon.
I don’t know much about the ancient world and want to start reading more on it. Are these a good place to start? Any other recommendations on places to start?
I am so weak on the classics. I’m ashamed to admit it… such a crime that library was burnt down…. The wealth of information… thanks MKV.
Michael , I’m not sure if you’ve read any Steven Pressfield. I’ve really enjoyed his books about Ancient Greek history. I understand they’re historical FICTION, but they are incredible. “Gates of Fire” about the 300 Spartans. “Tides of War” , about the Peloponnesian War. “The Virtues of War” about Alexander. All are riveting excellent reads. Highly recommended.
Why do folks have a problem with Victor Davis Hansen? Because he is a farmer or because he wrote that book Mexifornia? Is there something more to it that people dislike him for?
I think Anabasis was published after Caesar.
It’s from 370 BC, so no.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Published as in the Landmark edition. Caesar was 2017, Anabasis - 2021.
@@someinteresting ha! Sorry, I haven’t had my coffee ☕️ yet!
Why don't you like Victor Davis Hanson? I've never read him but I know my dad likes him
Oooh, someone's not a fan of Victor Davis Hanson?
I see what you're doing. You can't buy any new books yourself, so you're forcing me to do so!
How do I not have these books? Well, I just ordered the Landmark Herodotus and, if this volume lives up to the high expectations you've set, history will repeat itself and I'll acquire them all, one by one.