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Herodotus Literature Selections
For all of our upper level courses, the assigned
literature provides background and content for the student's analysis
and imitation work, and is highly recommended. Your student will benefit
greatly by reading as many of these books as he has time for. Most of
the books assigned are available online (links provided below).
Click on the images if you prefer to buy the books through our Amazon
bookstore.
Assigned Literature for Herodotus
The Histories by Herodotus is one of the greatest classical works of
history ever written. Herodotus is known as the father of history, and
reading this work is an indispensable part of Classical
Writing–Herodotus. The Landmark version translated by by Andrea L.
Purvis that makes Herodotus even more accessible. It is illustrated,
annotated, and filled with maps and topical essays to guide the
students. This is a must have book for every classical library. There
are less expensive versions of The Histories which you may
purchase, but we really think the extra money for this version is well
spent.
Available online.
Oresteia by Aeschuylus
We introduced this important Greek trilogy in Diogenes with Agamemnon, the first play in
Aeschylus’ triology. The cycle of revenge and murder begins with
Clytmenaestra, who kills her husband Agamemnon in retaliation for his
sacrifice of their daughter in order to obtain favorable winds to get to
Troy. The Libation Bearers continues the tale with Orestes, son of
Agamemnon, murdering his mother Clytemnaestra to avenge his father's
death, and his subsequent exile. The cycle is completed with The Eumenides, in which Orestes returns to his home and stands trial for his
crime. This play cycle is key to judicial rhetoric and is mandatory for understanding the
lessons in Herodotus.
Agamemnon,
The Libation Bearers, and
The Eumenides are all available online.
On the Incarnation by Athanasius
This is another piece of writing that is more or less mandatory for
Herodotus. It tells the story of the Incarnation of Christ and
shows through the proofs of “Confirmation” why the story is clear,
credible, possible, plausible, and fitting, all topics we work with in
the essays of Classical Writing-Herodotus. It is furthermore a key
document to orthodoxy of the early Christian church. This book is short
and is
easily printed or read from the Internet (about 50 pages).
The Prince by Machiavelli
This book discusses political hard-ball tactics used for a prince to
stay in power. The chapters are short, and the book is a fast read. We draw selections from this book for
analysis and refutation essays, but this selection can be optional.
Available online.
The Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Bede
This tells the story of the English people from the perspective of a
seventh century monk, who carefully records the conversion of the English to the
Christian faith. We use the more fantastical legends in this book for
refutation and confirmation exercises. It is not necessary that the
student read this book in its entirety, although it is a very enjoyable
read. Familiarity
with early English medieval history will benefit your student, and this is a primary source for
that.
Available online.
Supplemental Literature for Herodotus
See also Supplemental Literature for Diogenes
Primer: Resources and Literature
Aesop & Homer: Assigned and Supplemental Reading
Diogenes: Assigned and Supplemental Reading
Plutarch: Assigned and Supplemental Reading
Demosthenes: Assigned and Supplemental Reading
Poetry: Assigned and Supplemental Reading
