Which Edition

Herodotus

The Histories

Pick what matters most to you

Compare all 4
Cover of The Histories, translated by Tom Holland
Best for most

Tom Holland · 2013

Tom Holland's 2014 translation is the one I'd start with — vigorous, witty, genuinely fun to read, which matters in a 600-page book, with Paul Cartledge's notes for context. The most inviting Herodotus for a modern reader. This is where I'd start. (For deep study, pair it with the Landmark.)

Cover of The Histories, translated by Andrea L. Purvis (Landmark)
Best for going deep

Andrea L. Purvis (Landmark) · 2007

The Landmark Herodotus is the reference edition — Andrea Purvis's translation wrapped in maps on nearly every spread, running headers, dates, and scholarly appendices. Unbeatable if you want to never be lost; more apparatus than a casual read needs.

Cover of The Histories, translated by Robin Waterfield
Most fluid

Robin Waterfield · 1998

Robin Waterfield's Oxford translation is often called the most fluid and accurate of the lot, with good notes. A strong, less-flashy alternative to Holland for readers who want precision.

HerodotusThe Historiestr. George Rawlinson
The free classic

George Rawlinson · 1858

George Rawlinson's 1858 translation is public domain and free — the Victorian standard, complete and faithful, in older English. Free, with the modern versions ahead of it on readability.

See the full comparisonCompare all 4 editions side by side — translator, introduction, notes, and format.

Prices and buy links are placeholders for now. Which Edition earns a small commission from purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you — it never changes our picks.