Why is Xenophon’s account in Hellenica considered selective and personal?

Xenophon’s Hellenica is considered a selective and personal account rather than an orderly history because it reflects his own idiosyncratic perspective on the political and military events of his time. Rather than providing a comprehensive or neutral record, the work is characterized by several distinct features:12

• Personal Bias and Attitude: The narrative is noted for its critical attitude toward all parties involved and a clear hostility toward hegemonic aspirations. It serves as an intensely personal reaction to the period, shaped by Xenophon’s own experiences and political leanings.12
• Selective Focus and Omissions: The text is notable for its unexpected focus and significant omissions, which deviate from the standards of objective historiography. While he began the work to complete the history of Thucydides, he did so in a largely un-Thucydidean fashion.13
• Didactic Agenda: Xenophon often used history as a tool to promote political and ethical improvement, prioritizing this didactic purpose over a balanced or complete narrative.2

Ultimately, the Hellenica is viewed as a reflection of Xenophon’s personal take on the history of his era, prioritizing his own interpretations and moral framework over the detached analysis found in more traditional historical accounts.2