The Histories
Herodotus invented history as a discipline — the word "history" comes from his Greek word for "inquiry." He traveled the known world to investigate the Persian Wars and along the way recorded the customs, stories, and beliefs of dozens of cultures.
“Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest do not happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.”
Why It Matters
Herodotus invented history as a discipline — the word "history" comes from his Greek word for "inquiry." He traveled the known world to investigate the Persian Wars and along the way recorded the customs, stories, and beliefs of dozens of cultures. He is called the Father of History, and despite his occasional tall tales, the title is deserved.
The 
Take
Personal reviewJust very cool to see first attempt at history/nonfiction. I specifically loved his description of the Egyptians, the difference between their men and women, the cats, and the mummies
Notable Quotes
“Of all men's miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.”
“Go, stranger, and tell the Spartans that here, obedient to their laws, we lie.”