The Peloponnesian War

Donald Kagan spent decades writing a four-volume scholarly history of the Peloponnesian War. This single volume distils that work for general readers, following the conflict from its causes in the 430s BC to the surrender of Athens in 404 BC.

Kagan is excellent on politics and strategy. He explains why Pericles chose to avoid land battles, how the disaster in Sicily unfolded and why Persian money finally tipped the balance. He is willing to criticise decisions on both sides, and his judgements are always clearly argued.

The prose is more sober than dramatic, and readers looking for vivid scenes may prefer to go straight to Thucydides. But as a guide to what happened and why, it is hard to fault.

Our verdict

A dependable companion to Thucydides for readers who want the full picture.