Xenophon

Xenophon was an ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier, mercenary, and a student of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, the sayings of Socrates, and the life in ancient Greece. His most famous works include 'Anabasis', which recounts the adventures of Greek mercenaries in Persia, and 'Cyropaedia', a historical romance that describes the education of the Persian king Cyrus the Great. He has been recognized for his contributions to military theory and historiography.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Anabasis

    "Anabasis" is a historical narrative detailing the journey of 10,000 Greek mercenaries who are hired by Cyrus the Younger to help him seize the Persian throne from his brother, Artaxerxes II. After Cyrus's death in battle, the Greeks are stranded deep in enemy territory with no supplies or means of escape. The narrative follows their perilous journey home through hostile lands, under the leadership of one of their own, a young soldier who emerges as a capable and inspiring leader.

  2. 2. Memorabilia

    "Memorabilia" is a collection of dialogues and personal reflections that capture the teachings and thoughts of the philosopher Socrates. Compiled by one of his disciples, the work defends Socrates against the accusations that led to his trial and execution, portraying him as a wise and ethical figure who sought to improve the lives of others through questioning and moral inquiry. Through various conversations with notable figures of his time, the text explores themes of justice, virtue, and the pursuit of good, providing a significant insight into Socratic philosophy and the intellectual milieu of ancient Athens.