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All serious students of military history should read Thucydides. It took me many years to get around to him, but it was well worth it. In order to understand all the popular topics of military history, US Civil War, WW2, etc., a reading of this work should be required. So much in this book relates to the Western experience of war throughout the centuries. Indeed, this work is considered one of the original primary sources of Western History, and one can easily see why.

Thucydides speaks of human nature, which from reading him we can see has not changed much over the centuries. The clash between Athens and Sparta can rightly be considered one of the classic confrontations of all time. One a naval power and the other a land power. Such a war was bound to shack the very foundations of the classical world as the old traditions of Greek Hoplite warfare were forever changed by this conflict. Thucydides provides us a stunning portrait of city states at war. The arrogance, greed, cunning, desperation and cruelity are all there for us to see. One can chart the progress of this conflict and see the effects at had on both protagonists. Over time the original reasons for the conflict become obscure as the war takes on a life all its own, which neither side seemingly willing or able to end it. Some of the names mentioned are well known in Greek History. Pericles and Alcibiades must surely be the best known, but there are also Cleon, Brisadas and others. The character of Alcibiades must surely be the most interesting, and one that we can certainly relate to in our own times. Former US President Bill Clinton probably most resembles him. Both are brilliant men of low social character and absolute opportunists.

Pure military historians may find this book a slow read at times. There are relatively few stand up batttles except for Nemea and Mantinea, and these are given cursory descriptions at best. The conflict consists mostly of sea-borne operations and raids. One can see the early development of combined land and naval operations here. The highlight of the book is surely the Sicilian campaign of 415-413. Here Athens gambled all to become the supreme power of the classical world. Had she prevailed Western History might have developed quite differently. Again, arrogance and mis-judegment would undo her.

The constant references to strange sounding locales and peoples does not make Thucydides an easy read. At times one will almost feel lost in the details. The Penguin edition could use a new look with a lot more maps and visuals to aid the reader in keeping track of the action. The existing maps are woefully inadequate. This is the only reason why I have given this book a four star rating. The presentation needs to be improved with a newer edition. Those seeking to get more out of this work should consult Donald Kagan's new book on the Peloponnesian War. The reader will find invaluable assistence here to help in their understanding of this classic work of history.

An excellent account of the destructive war between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 B.C. The book details three theaters of war--mainland Greece, Sicily and Asia Minor. Thucydides is probably at his best when he details speeches given by various statesmen or generals (even if they are most probably fictitious or highly suspect). This book is, in my opinion, much more engaging than Herodotus' "Histories". I would try to convince anyone to buy this book. Read it!

I will spare a full-blown review. But if you have the extra money or could easily afford it, I would recommend the newer more expensive edition of this book with the introduction by Victor Davis Hanson. There, you will have maps to your hearts content, including chapter summaries. This edition lacks in both of these areas. As a result, this edition gets 4 stars, while the history written by Thucydides is beyond measure.