Title
Apologies to Thucydides: Understanding History as Culture and Vice Versa,Used
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Thucydides' classic work on the history of the Peloponnesian War is the root of Western conceptions of historyincluding the idea that Western history is the foundation of everyone else's. Here, Marshall Sahlins takes on Thucydides and the conceptions of history he wrought with a groundbreaking new book that shows what a difference an anthropological concept of culture can make to the writing of history.Sahlins begins by confronting Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War with an analogous "Polynesian War," the fight for the domination of the Fiji Islands (184355) between a great sea power (like Athens) and a great land power (like Sparta). Sahlins draws parallels between the conflicts with an eye to their respective systems of power and sovereignty as well as to Thucydides' alternation between individual (Pericles, Themistocles) and collective (the Athenians, the Spartans) actors in the making of history. Characteristic of most histories ever written, this alternation between the agency of "Great Men" and collective entities leads Sahlins to a series of incisive analyses ranging in subject matter from Bobby Thomson's "shot heard round the world" for the 1951 Giants to the historymaking of Napoleon and certain divine kings to the brouhaha over Elin Gonzalez. Finally, again departing from Thucydides, Sahlins considers the relationship between cultural order and historical contingency through the recounting of a certain royal assassination that changed the course of Fijian history, a story of fratricide and war worthy of Shakespeare.In this most convincing presentation yet of his influential theory of culture, Sahlins experiments with techniques for mixing rich narrative with cultural explication in the hope of doing justice at once to the actions of persons and the customs of people. And he demonstrates the necessity of taking culture into account in the creation of historywith apologies to Thucydides, who too often did not.
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- Q: What is the page count of 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: This book contains three hundred forty-eight pages, providing a comprehensive exploration of history and culture.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The binding of 'Apologies to Thucydides' is paperback, making it lightweight and easily portable.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: The dimensions are six inches in length, one point one inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: How should I read 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: You can read this book at your own pace; it provides deep insights into history that may require reflection.
- Q: Is 'Apologies to Thucydides' suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study as it presents a scholarly analysis of historical narratives.
- Q: Is there a specific age group for readers of this book? A: This book is generally suitable for adult readers and those interested in history or anthropology.
- Q: How should I store 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place, upright on a shelf to maintain its condition.
- Q: Does 'Apologies to Thucydides' require special care? A: No, it does not require special care; just avoid exposing it to moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Q: Can I clean the pages of 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: It's best to avoid cleaning the pages, but you can gently dust the cover with a dry cloth.
- Q: How does 'Apologies to Thucydides' compare to other history books? A: This book uniquely blends anthropology with history, contrasting it with traditional historical narratives.
- Q: Is this book better for beginners or advanced readers? A: This book is suitable for both beginners and advanced readers interested in a nuanced view of historical events.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: It explores themes of culture, history, power dynamics, and the relationship between individual and collective actions.
- Q: What is the author's background in relation to this book? A: The author, Marshall Sahlins, is an anthropologist known for his influential theories on culture and history.
- Q: What if 'Apologies to Thucydides' arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can return it according to the retailer's return policy for a replacement.
- Q: Is there a warranty for 'Apologies to Thucydides'? A: Books generally do not come with a warranty, but you should check the seller's policies for any guarantees.