History of Greece (Vol. 1-12) (eBook)

George Grote (1794–1871) stands as a monumental figure in the historical literary world, renowned for his comprehensive work on ancient Greek history. Born in England to German immigrants, Grote was self-educated in the classics alongside the business acumen he acquired working at his family's bank. His scholarly pursuits were aligned with the philosophic radicalism of the time, sympathizing with Jeremy Bentham's utilitarianism and James Mill's political thought. Grote's magnum opus, 'History of Greece (Vol. 1-12)', reflects an exhaustive examination of Greek civilization from legendary times to the end of the Hellenistic period. This twelve-volume series, published from 1846 to 1856, is celebrated for its meticulous scholarship, liberal political theory and analytic approach to historical narrative. Grote emphasized the importance of free institutions and intellectual vigor, providing a counter-narrative to the then-prevailing view of ancient Greece depicted by his contemporaries. His historiographical method blended a respect for primary sources with a critical examination of their reliability, an approach that has had a lasting impact on the study of history. As an intellectual architect of Greek historiography, Grote's work has maintained its relevance, serving as a foundational text for classical scholars and history enthusiasts alike.