Dionysius of Halicarnassus: On Thucydides

Dionysius of Halicarnassus: On Thucydides (English Translation) offers an insightful analysis of Thucydides’ work, bringing a fresh perspective to his syntax, style, and historical narrative. This English translation, based on the Greek text of Usener-Radermacher, serves as both a guide for scholars and a resource for students of Thucydides, especially those keen on understanding the nuances of his historical writing. Dionysius' commentary on the History of the Peloponnesian War reveals his deep engagement with the style and technique of Thucydides, focusing on aspects like the use of language, the structure of speeches, and the overall rhetorical approach. Throughout the translation, modern scholarship is interwoven with Dionysius' critiques, offering clarity and further context, making this a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the complexities of Thucydides’ work.

The text also presents a critical examination of the difficulties involved in translating ancient rhetorical terminology and the challenges Dionysius faced when assessing Thucydides' style. Dionysius, while critiquing the structure and style of Thucydides, often places emphasis on his own rhetorical ideals, which were shaped by his era's standards of literary composition. His focus on figures of speech, metaphorical vocabulary, and stylistic precision offers readers a glimpse into the literary criticism practices of ancient Greece and Rome. This edition, through its comprehensive commentary and detailed footnotes, sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of Thucydides' writing and provides insights into the evolution of Greek historiography, making it an indispensable work for both historical and literary scholars.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1975.