This book analyses the narrative technique of Thucydides, the historian of the war between Athens and Sparta in the fifth century BC. It relates his shifting uses of various techniques to his explanatory aims, and shows how he narrates the progression of one war and at the same time exposes various truths about the human condition.

`Review from previous edition the value of Rood's work lies in the options for interpretation with which we are presented.' The Classical Outlook `Rood makes the case for a fresh reading of the great Greek historian, literary stylist, and student of human natrure using the tools of modern narratology ... Rood makes many sensible points.' Choice `Rood's book is a successful and insightful look into how Thucydides' text works and is another example of narratology's contribution to our understanding of how stories interact with readers to create meaning.' The Classical Bulletin `It is a tribute to Rood's efforts that his book will stimulate thinking not only on Thucydides, but also on the narratives of other ancient historians, and on the tools of literary analysis now used to explicate historiographical texts. For scholars interested in the structure and arrangement of Thucydides' work, Rood's book will now be the fundamental starting point for future analyses.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review `Rood has much to say that is new and exciting. He has brought to the task wide reading and a great sensitivity to his author, and he has applied the techniques of narratology to Thucydides' text more expertly than anyone before. And in so doing, he has produced the most important book on Thucydides since Connor's work of nearly two decades ago.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review