The Anabasis

One of the most gripping survival stories ever written, the Anabasis is the classic account of ten thousand Greek mercenaries stranded deep inside the Persian Empire after the defeat of their patron, Cyrus the Younger. Xenophon, who emerges as an unlikely leader, narrates their desperate retreat through hostile deserts, trackless mountains, and relentless enemies toward the distant Black Sea. This new Modern Reader's Edition presents Xenophon's masterpiece in clear, accessible English while preserving the narrative arc, moral reflections, and strategic lessons that have inspired generals, philosophers, and adventurers for over two millennia. A foundational work of classical philosophy and leadership, it offers enduring insights into courage, discipline, and human resilience. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.