In the summer of 1727 George I died while fittingly on holiday in his beloved kingdom of Hanover. The crown was left to his first-born son, George Augustus Prince of Wales. Like his father before him, George II was a stolid man. Today, both men are remembered mainly as pig-headed dullards, renowned for their mutual … Continue reading The Hanoverians: George II (1727-1760) →

Reading through the Pulitzer Prize-winning novels sometimes feels like a long-suffering sacrifice, particularly when it comes to novels like Lamb In His Bosom, Caroline Miller's debut novel. Published during the depths of the Great Depression, Lamb In His Bosom offers a unique glimpse into the brutal hardships faced by the early American pioneers. Lamb In … Continue reading Lamb In His Bosom: A Portrait of Suffering Georgia Pioneers →

In the Hellenika, Xenophon carefully draws our attention to the "Arginousai Affair," a moment in 406 BC in which Athenian democracy reached its extreme and perhaps most democratic moment. The Athenian Assembly offers the first speech in the text, asserting that "it was a terrible thing if someone did not allow the people to do … Continue reading On The Arginousai Affair in Xenophon and Diodorus Sicilus →

Book VII, the final book of Xenophon's Hellenika, begins during the following year in 369 BC wherein the Athenians and the Spartans debate the terms of an equal alliance against Thebes. Prokles of Phleia argues that Athens should maintain leadership and control of the seas, while Kephisodotos argues that power should be shared equally. Prokles … Continue reading Xenophon’s Hellenika Book VII: The End of Battle With Little Gained →

Xenophon begins Book VI or the penultimate book of the Hellenika, by turning our attention to the Thebans in 375 BC. The noble King Polydamas of Pharsalus visits Sparta and unsuccessfully tries to persuade the Spartans to support a fight against Jason of Pherai who attempts to overthrow rule in Thessaly. Perhaps if Sparta had … Continue reading Xenophon’s Hellenika Book VI: Proxy Wars of Sparta, Thebes, and Athens →

In Book V of Xenophon's Hellenika he begins with a story of Teleutias (King Agesilaus's brother) who comes to the rescue of the Spartans at Aegina. He is described as having "splendid good fortune" and earned the respect of the soldiers while being honored with a garland on his head. Xenophon takes this unique moment … Continue reading Xenophon’s Hellenika Book V: Teleutias and The King’s Peace →