This work is a moral-philosophical novel divided by the Alexandrian "grammarians" into eight books. In essence, it is a political treatise that seeks to portray the "ideal man," i.e., the worthy ruler, through its novelistic form.

As a model of such a ruler, Xenophon presents Cyrus the Elder, the founder of the ancient Persian state. The education, actions, and deeds of this leader, which the improbable details of his youth are provided by Herodotus, are often presented in this work with a not strictly adherent view to historical accuracy.

For example, in this work, Cyrus peacefully ends his life, leaving calm bequests to his children, whereas in Herodotus's historical account, he is killed while fighting against the Massagetae. In this latter part, Xenophon, having Cyrus speak about the immortality of the soul, instills Socratic notions into the work.

The work has a straightforward novelistic plot, displays remarkable mobility, contains many discourses, and serves as a precursor to later fictional biographies.