The modern individual who wishes to read or study Thucydides' History will find that this work is the intellectual legacy left by an observer of remarkable insight, an interpreter of events with strict objectivity and exceptional vision, and at the same time a great craftsman of language.

In his work, everything is perfectly structured: every word, every phrase, every observation, even omissions, contribute to the presentation of an interpretation he aimed to convey. The second book of the History includes the events of the first three years of the Peloponnesian War, starting from the beginning of the conflict in the spring of 431 BC.

Towards the end of the narrative of events from the first year, the historian places the famous funeral oration. Following this is the shocking description of the terrible plague, Pericles' final speech, the description of his personality, and the assessment of Athenian politics.

The book concludes with the naval clashes between the two opponents and the diplomatic contacts of Athens with Sparta. This work, with its careful and responsible translation and detailed commentary, will contribute to the understanding of the text.