[Xenophon] [Xenophon2010_readingodyssey.org] Xenophon'sHellenikaReading Group - First Call

[Mark Casey]

Recently I read a book called "The Soul of Battle" by classical historian
Victor Davis Hanson.

Hanson described Epaminondas -- a major figure in Hellenika -- as one of the
greatest military and political liberators of all time.

So, I'm going into the book rooting for Epaminondas.

That's probably not the best way to approach a history, but I find myself
paying more attention if I cheer for a side (kind of like having a bet on a
football game to make myself care about it).

Mark

2010/1/11 Tim Albright (albrigt) <albrigt at cisco.com>

>  Josh,
>
> Good to see you back again.  I can’t wait to find out who wins the war!! J
>
> Tim
>
>
>
> *From:* xenophon2010-bounces at readingodyssey.org [mailto:
> xenophon2010-bounces at readingodyssey.org] *On Behalf Of *Josh Kirschner
> *Sent:* Monday, January 11, 2010 2:52 PM
> *To:* 'Andre Stipanovic'; Xenophon2010 at readingodyssey.org
> *Subject:* Re: [Xenophon2010_readingodyssey.org] Xenophon's
> HellenikaReading Group - First Call
>
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> This is my fourth time with the Reading Odyssey, having previously
> participated in the Homer, Herodotus and Thucydides groups.  I always find
> the material fascinating both for its historical importance as well as its
> continued relevance to modern politics and events.
>
> Having been left hanging by Thucydides, with Xenophon I am looking forward
> to finding out the end result of the Peloponnesian war and its aftermath.
> Will also be very interested in how Xenophon’s narrative style compares with
> the earlier historians’.
>
> In my spare time, I am the founder of Techlicious.com – we provide consumer
> electronics buying advice and tips on getting more out of the products you
> already own. We’re a new site – only seven months old – and would love for
> you to check it out.
>
> I live in New York City and have three kids (8, 5 & 18 months).  The older
> two who, believe it or not, actually have a fascination with the Greek gods
> from their own school work and reading.  It gives us a lot to talk about!
>
> Looking forward to meeting everyone on the call tonight.
>
> Best,
>
> Josh Kirschner
>
> *From:* xenophon2010-bounces at readingodyssey.org [mailto:
> xenophon2010-bounces at readingodyssey.org] *On Behalf Of *Andre Stipanovic
> *Sent:* Thursday, December 31, 2009 5:00 PM
> *To:* Xenophon2010 at readingodyssey.org
> *Subject:* [Xenophon2010_readingodyssey.org] Xenophon's Hellenika Reading
> Group - First Call
>
>
>
> Welcome to the Xenophon’s *Hellenika* reading group!
>
> I am Andre Stipanovic and will be your moderator for the next 7 months as
> we discuss this great book, published in the Landmark series and edited by
> Robert Strassler.  We are fortunate to have Robert Strassler himself join us
> on our first call scheduled for Monday January 11, 2010.
>
>
>
> Here is the game plan for our first call.
>
>
>
> I would like to start out by introducing you to information important to
> reading this key text of early 4th century Greek history.  First, we will
> talk a little bit about how to get the most out of this particular edition
> of *Hellenika*.  Please make sure to get a copy of the Landmark Xenophon
> edited by Robert Strassler if you haven’t already done so.  Then read the
> Editor’s Preface (pp. lxvii-lxxiv) and Key to Maps (p. lxxxii) to help you
> get acquainted with the format of this very user-friendly book.  I also
> suggest you briefly look over the Chronological Outline of Text (p. lxxix)
> and bookmark it for later reference as a handy ‘road map’ of how events
> unfold in later books.  I will briefly comment on these sections before I
> take us through events leading up to Book I (pp. ix-xii) as well as
> Xenophon’s life (pp. xvii-xxi).
>
>
>
> Then Robert Strassler will share his experience with this text, especially
> in terms of seeing Xenophon’s *Hellenika* in respect to other sources we
> have of events in Greece in the 4th century B.C.  He will be explaining to
> us why comparing sources is critical in terms of understanding Xenophon’s
> intent and veracity.  You can look over pp. xxvi-xxx and lix-lxii in the
> Introduction to get acquainted with these issues if you like before or after
> the call.
>
>
>
> I would like to keep our calls as focused as possible on our reading, so as
> a way of getting to know each other before our first call, would you ‘reply
> to all’ on this email with a little bit about yourself:  What motivates you
> to read books like Xenophon’s *Hellenika*?  What other kinds of books do
> you enjoy reading and why?
>
>
>
> Summary of passages (all taken from Introduction to Landmark Xenophon’s *
> Hellenika*) that will be referred to next call:
>
> Editor’s Preface (pp. lxvii-lxxiv, strongly recommended)
>
> Key to Maps (p. lxxxii, strongly recommended)
>
> Chronological Outline of Text (p. lxxix, recommended)
>
> Section 1, p. ix (strongly recommended)
>
> Section 2, pp. ix-xii (strongly recommended)
>
> Section 4, pp. xvii-xxi (recommended)
>
> Section 7, pp. xxvi-xxx (optional)
>
> Section 14, pp. lix-lxii (optional)
>
>
>
> *Xenophon 2010 *Hellenika* - Conference Call Schedule*
>
> Call 1 - Monday January 11, 2010:  Introductory call with Robert Strassler
>
> Call 2 - Monday February 22, 2010:  Books I-II.3.10
>
> Call 3 - Monday March 22, 2010:  Books II.3.11 - III
>
> Call 4 - Monday May 10, 2010:  Books IV & V
>
> Call 5 - Monday June 7, 2010:  Book VI
>
> Call 6 - Monday July 12, 2010:  Book VII
>
>
>
> Your phone number is:  1-888-350-0075 or 201-793-9022*
>
> Your passcode is:  1100494#
>
>
>
> * If readers have unlimited long distance on their home phones and can call
> in from non-cell phones, then we ask they use the 201 number to help us save
> money, if possible.
>
>
>
> Managing the Conference Call
>
> The following commands may be used participants during the conference call:
>
>
>
>
> *1 Play menu of features so you know what's available
>
> *2 Mute/Unmute your own line so other people can't hear you talking.
>
>
>
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