Home › Ancient › The Histories: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

The Histories: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

by Herodotus

History, inquiry, and the Greco-Persian Wars

Critically Recognized
Regular price $22.46 USD
Regular price $37.44 USD Sale price $22.46 USD
Save 40%

Paperback New English

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praised by The Times Literary Supplement as “the best English translation” of Herodotus in half a century

    The Times Literary Supplement praises Tom Holland’s English translation of Herodotus, which is featured in this ...

AlbakiReads Editorial

History, inquiry, and the Greco-Persian Wars

Composed around 440 BC, Herodotus’s *The Histories* ranges from the Trojan War to the fifth-century conflict between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states. Its scope places accounts of major events within a broad record of the ancient world. This Penguin Classics Deluxe edition presents the work in Tom Holland’s English translation and includes tools intended to guide both first-time readers and experienced readers. At 880 pages, it offers an extensive encounter with one of the earliest surviving works of nonfiction.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in ancient Greek history and the Persian Wars
  • Readers exploring early historical nonfiction
  • Readers seeking an extensive classic in an English translation with reading aids

Themes

Ancient Greek historyThe Persian Empire and Greek city-statesHistorical record and inquiry

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"Unquestionably the best English translation of Herodotus to have appeared in the past half-century." --The Times Literary Supplement

In Tom Holland's vibrant translation, one of the great masterpieces of Western history springs to life. Herodotus of Halicarnassus--hailed by Cicero as the "Father of History"--composed his histories around 440 BC. The earliest surviving work of nonfiction, The Histories works its way from the Trojan War through an epic account of the war between the Persian empire and the Greek city-states in the fifth century BC, recording landmark events that ensured the development of Western culture and still capture our modern imagination. Beautifully packaged in a Penguin Classics Deluxe edition with a comprehensive array of tools to guide first-time readers and experts alike, this accessible translation makes Herodotus fresh and irresistible once more.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.