Distinguished military historian of the Persian Wars William Shepherd [...] shows himself to be also a most sensitive interpreter of those Wars’ original historian Herodotus. With Shepherd as our guide and Herodotus by our side this key moment in West-East relations is given its full cultural and strategic due.
PAUL CARTLEDGE, A.G. LEVENTIS SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW OF CLARE ... Read moreCOLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE
The bulk of the book closely follows Herodotus’ narrative, combining translated passages (these are very well done) with accurate précis of the intervening narrative. Flesh and muscle to these mighty bones are added in two ways: first, by texts from other sources which enlarge on Herodotus’ account, and second by discussions of the historical problems which have kept scholars arguing for over 2000 years.... It is not easy to combine the words of Herodotus with other ancient sources and personal commentary, but S. does so masterfully, without overloading or confusing the reader. S.’s judgement too about what to comment on is also sure.... Finally, it all adds up to an exciting, highly informative and also very enjoyable read: S. writes with clarity and verve. The bargain of the year at the price, this book should find its way into the hands of all schools, universities and lovers of Herodotus. S. has done the ancient world’s most appealing historian proud.
Peter Jones
Classics for All
Both extracts – Herodotus, Shepherd – are engagingly direct, and so it is throughout the entire account. From the point of view of the general reader, here is a deeply fascinating story, and a splendidly readable book.
Michael Rodgers
Valley News
A scholarly yet highly readable volume combining ancient history with modern research into the modes and methods of classical warfare on both land and sea
Robert Guttman
Historynet
The Persian War, In Herodotus and Other Ancient Voices is a very good read for anyone interested in the period, and a particularly good introduction to these events for the novice.
StrategyPage
Shepherd has constructed a vivid and plausible account of “The Persian War”, and to read this book is to experience (or reexperience) a most dramatic and consequential historical episode. One can find no better and illuminating companion for the journey than Herodotus and William Shepherd.
Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Because of its structure, its clever use of a multifaceted source material and its knowledgeable reconstructions of the battles, this book is a recommendable and nicely balanced narrative of those events and individuals that contributed to the early history of Western civilisation.
The Classical Review
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