Herodotus, succeeding Homer, builds his historical structure on archaic Ionian foundations. Within his narrative, he seeks dramatic condensation; like another Aeschylus, he sees the tragedy in the fates of peoples.

He regards the Persian Wars as the climax of the conflict between Asia and Europe, emphasizing the utmost importance of the Greek victory at a time when the centers of civilization were under attack from Persian expansionism. Through his personal exploration, he seeks the causes of human behavior.

Man is at the center of his work, which is why his historical composition does not ignore the folklore of the peoples. And if he succumbs to their mythological traditions, it is because he senses that myth also brings forth history.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]