Any book recommendations for ancient Greek and Roman history

[bvgdez]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering whether any of you had any recommendations for books on ancient Greek and Roman history. I was thinking along the lines of books that cover events in chronological order which are not only up-to-date, scholarly and detailed but also lively and interesting. For the time being I'm interested in books giving a complete overview rather than books on specific periods. There are so many books available that it's hard to know which to choose. Looking on Amazon I saw a couple of books which could fit the bill, Scullard/Cary, Robin Lane Fox but would be very interested in your opinions.

Thanks a lot in advance....

[James Hannam]

Hi there,

For the absolute beginner, I think the best introduction to the ancient world is Charles Freeman's Egypt, Greece and Rome. Freeman and I have had our differences but this remains a highly engaging introduction. I was disappointed by the Robin Lane Fox book and I expect you are looking for something with a stronger narrative thread.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes

James

[bvgdez]

Hi James,

Gratias tibi ago! Credo me hunc librum comparaturum esse. Scio me pessime latine scribere, quam ob rem veniam peto. Thanks very much for your recommendation. I remember reading some of your less than favourable posts on "The Closing of the Western Mind", which, I suppose, gives your recommendation of Charles Freeman's introduction to the Ancient World all the more value.

Best wishes