Cyrus the Great (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Makers of HistoryBy Jacob Abbott
Length7h 10m
About this audiobook
Jacob Abbott's Cyrus the Great presents the life of the Persian founder-king as both historical narrative and moral exemplum. Drawing chiefly on classical sources such as Herodotus and Xenophon, Abbott recounts Cyrus's legendary childhood, rise to power, military genius, clemency, and imperial vision in a lucid, didactic prose characteristic of nineteenth-century popular history. The book belongs to the tradition of instructive biography, where antiquity is made accessible to young and general readers through dramatic episodes, clear moral contrasts, and reflections on leadership, ambition, and providence. Abbott, an American educator, minister, and prolific author, wrote extensively for students and families, seeking to combine entertainment with ethical instruction. His background in pedagogy shaped his historical works: he valued narrative clarity, memorable character studies, and lessons applicable beyond their ancient settings. In Cyrus, Abbott found an ideal subject—an emperor admired in biblical, Greek, and Enlightenment traditions for moderation, statecraft, and humane conquest. This volume is recommended to readers interested in classical antiquity, imperial biography, and the history of children's historical literature. Though modern scholarship may revise many details, Abbott's work remains engaging as a window into how the nineteenth century interpreted the ancient world and its models of greatness.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★★ 4.6 (15)
Includes Amazon
GenreBiography and Memoir
Length7 hrs 10 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 15, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5PREFACE.
Show all chaptersShow less
6Chapter I. Herodotus and Xenophon.
7Chapter II. The Birth of Cyrus.
8Chapter III. The Visit to Media.
9Chapter IV. Crœsus.
10Chapter V. Accession of Cyrus to the Throne.
11Chapter VI. The Oracles.
12Chapter VII. The Conquest of Lydia.
13Chapter VIII. The Conquest of Babylon.
14Chapter IX. The Restoration of the Jews.
15Chapter X. The Story of Panthea.
16Chapter XI. Conversations.
17Chapter XII. The Death of Cyrus.
18Analysis
19Reflection
20Memorable Quotes
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