THIS book is intended primarily to help students of Thucydides, whether in Greek or in English, at schools and universities. At Oxford in particular there are many undergraduates in these days whose business it is to read three books of Thucydides “in Jowett’s translation” There is therefore not one word in Greek script in the whole of this book, and, apart from the proper names, there are only two or three Greek terms transliterated into English. But, at my publishers’ wise insistence, I have given all references to my Greek authors and have also carried on the subject down to the end of the war after Thucydides’ narrative ends. I hope the book may thus be of special use besides to students of Literae Humaniores, and it is a course of lectures for this School (frequently revised) which is its foundation. It is on behalf of these students that I have called attention in occasional notes to certain notable controversies, the evidence for them, and their protagonists. Possibly too, other students of military history, whether ancient or modern, may find matter to interest them in this book. Through-out it I have made all such use of Aristophanes as I could. Even for what is a military history, that of the Peloponnesian War, the poet as a source of evidence is invaluable. A special index of the passages in Aristophanes used in this book is added.
My colleagues, Mr. E. A. Barber and Mr. H. R. Raikes, have kindly given me some help in the reading of the proofs. My very special thanks also are due to my colleague Mr. C. T. Atkinson, who has read the whole book through in proof. His expert and unrivalled knowledge of military and naval history has not only continually assisted me with comment and criticism, but also it has enriched this book with additional examples of great interest.
BERNARD W. HENDERSON.
EXETER COLLEGE,
OXFORD,
July 17, 1926.