Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: a biography of Pericles in the context of the ancient sources -- The notorious family history of Pericles' mother -- The harsh lessons of the career of Pericles' father -- Pericles becomes a teenager during a family crisis and national emergency -- Pericles becomes a refugee during Athens' greatest peril -- Pericles becomes an adult as Athens builds an empire -- Pericles' innovative education for leadership in Athenian democracy -- Pericles becomes a leader as Athens and Sparta become enemies -- Pericles becomes the first man of Athens -- Pericles' responsibility for the Samian Revolt and the Peloponnesian War -- Pericles' fate, then and later.