Archidamian War

by Donald Kagan

Book Overview

This book, the second volume in Donald Kagan's tetralogy about the Peloponnesian War, is a provocative and tightly argued history of the first ten years of the war. Taking a chronological approach that allows him to present at each stage the choices that were open to both sides in the conflict, Kagan focuses on political, economic, diplomatic, and military developments. He evaluates the strategies used by both sides and reconsiders the roles played...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080140889X
• ISBN13: 9780801408892
• Release Date: August 1987
• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 2.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Kagan's Inexhaustible Guide to the Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War, along with the myriad feuds that latched on to the central conflict between Sparta and Athens in the latter half of the fifth century BCE, can be an exhausting subject. The civil and international politics involved in fostering and perpetuating the war rival even today's most complex conflicts. In this, the second of four volumes on the subject, Kagan skillfully presents, comments on, and refutes the hypotheses presented by history and historians, while still managing a very approachable narrative. These books come in and out of circulation, so best to get ahold of them while they're available. Again, Kagan's work is superb For the historian, or avid history buff (however you might self-identify), these works are a necessary addition to your library. The more casual reader might, however, consider purchasing Kagan's abridged work entitled simply "The Peloponnesian War." It includes the main thrust of the narrative, but with markedly less analysis of the political motivations included in these volumes.

very in depth, but...

there are a lot of typos in this book, such as grammar and spelling (and this is ignoring kagan's (often) refusal of setting off clauses with comas, which is very annoying and at times makes reading more difficult than it should be). considering that it is a reprint, one would expect the typos to be corrected.so, it is given four stars on this account, which has as much do to the editors (or maybe more) than with kagan himself. his work is very elucidating and his arguments seem to me to be compelling (although i am far from well read in criticism on thucydides, in fact, this is my first). highly recommended, but one should have a background on the war and greek history before beginning and at least some familiarity with thucydides and some of aristophanes' work.

War and Peace, 5th Century B.C.

This is perhaps the most important of Kagan's four books, because it contains the central plank of his thesis. Even though the Archidamian War closed with a tactical victory for the Athenians, as Kagan shows, the war (the opening conflict in the thirty year Pelopponesian wars) left the city-state economically crushed and strategically vulnerable. In this respect, the thesis in this book reminds me of Tolstoy's thesis in War and Peace concerning the Battle of Borodino. Tolstoy had argued that the outcome of this conflict (a nominal win for Napoleon) was in fact a strategic catastrophe for the French. Similarly, Pericles, for all his brilliance, fixed upon a strategy throughout this war which bled Athens white and left it utterly unprepared for another long-term struggle. A powerful history indeed.

Great Book, Great History

I agree with Mr. Lafianza's review except for his criticism. At first the analysis may be annoying, but one should quickly see its benefits. By looking at several different explanations and pointing out their failings, Kagan reiterates his main themes, strengthens his own point, underlines the importance of certain events, and makes understanding these events clearer for the layman by slowly moving through the events and never going so fast that a given situation does not make sense.The book is wonderful and if the subject interests you, there is none better.

The Relevance of Greek History

By the rank,subject, and age of this book, I doubt many, if anyone, will read this review. Thus, if you are reading these words, you are probably one of the few who already enjoys reading about ancient history and are just trying to decide which book in this area you will read next. If this is you, read this book.Personally I knew some things, but not much about this war. Kagan discusses, in detail, the views of three of four historians on the causes and origins of the war, how the war could of been avoided, and how it was fought. What is maddening is that he often repeats what two or three people say, and then tells you why they are are wrong. If you are not familiar with the war, this approach can be confusing. However, if you have time or already familiar with the "Archidamian War", this book is very satisfying. After reading this book, you will have a clearer understanding about the war and the people who fought it. Personally, I am a political junkie. I found myself so fascinated with the stunning details about the passions and politics of these people that they seemed as clear and as relevent to me as any story in the news today. This is Kagan's gift. With marvelous use of analogies plucked from every time and corner of history, he shows how Thuclyides was right, events repeat themselves. The form is always a little different, but often almost the same as some past drama. This 2500 years old war is relevent today, not just for drama or historians, but for both moderen politicians and military stratigists. If we choose to listen.My only concern for this book is that, with the gaps in the records, much of Kagan work is as much fiction as history. He tells us what he believes to be the most probable reasons why this event occured or why something else happened. But, in the end, those are only educated deductions from the record, not what actually happened. Kagan, in particular, sees man as more rational creature then, in my view, he actually is. Men and women often do things for no reasons or, for very bad ones. Kagan assumes city-states were more rational then men, when a city-state is just a collection of men. Men who are very irrational at times. Still, this is a small criticism. The book is great. Read it and remember, it is easier to learn from other's mistakes then to make them yourself. Thank you Mr. Kagan.