Hiero the Tyrant and Other Treatises (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Xenophon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140455256 ISBN 13: 9780140455250

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2006

Synopsis

One of Socrates' Athenian disciples in his youth, Xenophon (c. 498-354 bc) fought as a mercenary commander in Cyrus the Younger's campaign to seize the Persian throne, and later wrote a wide range of works on history, politics and philosophy. These six treatises offer his informed insights into the nature of leadership. In the dialogue between the poet Simonides and Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse, Xenophon provides a consummate consideration of the burdens of being an absolute dictator and the superior happiness of the private man. Elsewhere, his biography of King Agesilaus II of Sparta depicts the author's patron as a model of piety, justice, courage and wisdom, while other texts consider the essential qualities of the cavalry commander, analyse the skills of the horseman and the hunter, and advance a bold economic plan for democratic Athens.

About this title

About the Author:

Xenophon the Athenian was born 431 B.C. He was a pupil of Socrates. He marched with the Spartans, and was exiled from Athens. Sparta gave him land and property in Scillus, where he lived for many years before having to move once more, to settle in Corinth. He died in 354 B.C.

Translated by Robin Waterfield with introductions and notes by Paul Cartledge

Translated by Robin Waterfield with introductions and notes by Paul Cartledge

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0140455256
• ISBN 13: 9780140455250
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 248