Herodotus, succeeding Homer, builds his historical edifice on archaic Ionian foundations.

Within his narrative, he seeks dramatic condensation; like another Aeschylus, he sees the tragedy in the fates of nations. He considers the Persian Wars the climax of the Asia-Europe conflict and emphasizes the utmost significance 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 overlook the folklore of nations. And if he succumbs to their mythological traditions, it is because he senses that myth also conveys history.

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