The Histories

Synopsis

'the first example of non-fiction, the text that underlies the entire discipline of history. It is above all a treasure trove' tom hollandone of the masterpieces of classical literature, the histories describes how a small and quarrelsome band of greek city states united to repel the might of the persian empire. But while this epic struggle forms the core of his work, herodotus' natural curiosity frequently gives rise to colourful digressions - a description of the natural wonders of egypt; tales of lake-dwellers, dog-headed men and gold-digging ants.