Anabasis IV

Anabasis IV (1965) by Xenophon
Macmillan
ISBN: None (because when this was printed, the march of barcodes had not yet begun—only the march of ten thousand Greeks through hostile territory).
Condition: Good (and in Crappy Old Books parlance, that means it’s seen a campaign or two on the bookshelf, but has survived without losing too many supplies along the way).

Xenophon’s Anabasis is the ultimate “lost in hostile territory” adventure story, written by the man who was not only there but ended up leading the charge. Book IV, the volume you hold here, finds the weary army of mercenaries trudging north through Anatolia after their Persian employer inconveniently dies (note to self: always check the job security of your Great King before signing on). Stranded deep in enemy lands, short on food, surrounded by foes, and guided mostly by hope and sheer stubbornness, the Greeks soldier on toward the Black Sea and eventual salvation.

This Macmillan edition provides the Greek text with scholarly apparatus, making it both a gripping tale and a stern reminder that students in the ’60s were expected to parse Xenophon by lamplight without Google Translate. It’s half survival story, half grammar drill.

Inside you’ll find:

• Stubborn hoplites trudging through mountains, swamps, and snow.

• Xenophon, unexpectedly promoted from “philosopher’s pupil” to “please lead this army before we all die.”

• The legendary cry of “Thalatta! Thalatta!” (“The sea! The sea!”), which remains the happiest Greek chorus in history.

• Footnotes and commentary for when you need to know exactly how many javelins a man can reasonably carry while starving.

Perfect for:

• Readers who like their classics with spears, mud, and moral lessons.

• Students and collectors who appreciate a solid Macmillan text, sturdy enough to survive its own march across decades.

• Anyone who thinks The Odyssey is nice but could use more frostbite and fewer lotus-eaters.

At Crappy Old Books, we’re pleased to present this copy in Good condition. No rations missing, no papyrus casualties—just a stalwart little volume ready to march into your library. Think of it as your very own hoplite companion, minus the blisters.

This is an ex-school book from Old Palace school in Croydon.

Very good condition.

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