17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good, September 27, 2004
This review is from: The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Roman World (Cambridge Illustrated Histories) (Hardcover)
I really didn't want to give this book as much as 4 stars, but thought 3 was unfair too. 3.5 feels more accurate. If Cambridge has any claim to superiority over Oxford, its History of the Roman World is surely it. While the Oxford text is a horribly unchronological and unfocused mess, this text, (which is not only illustrated to a much greater extent,) provides a reasonably cogent summary of Roman history and highlights most of the important events, people, and themes. The chapters follow a roughly straightforward timeline, but any shortcoming here can be forgiven due to the excellent coverage of several dimensions of the Roman world such as scientific beliefs and progression, provincial territories, trade and agriculture, and military organization. Though the book is authored by several people, direct contradictions of fact are virtually non-existent. The numerous repetitions of certain points across chapters also serve helpfully as a key to their importance by depicting their impact in ways that other historical texts fail to do.
As an anthology unfortunately, it still falls prey to the oddities of using several historiographical techniques to weave together a single tale. A number of the authors also emphasized some trends and turning points in history which were backed only by a couple or very few and unconvincingly important pieces of evidence whose weight a complete beginner might not be capable to judge for him/herself. I think the text is a fine introduction and could supplement even well-versed pundits with several tidbits. I would not however call this work a final authority on anything.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Illustrative Summary Review of Roman History, March 17, 2005
This review is from: The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Roman World (Cambridge Illustrated Histories) (Hardcover)
As with the previous reviewer, I feel the book is really a 3.5-star as Cambridge's Illustrated Series 'The Roman World' is a very good introductory text that is not a doctoral socio-political analysis to the likes of Gruen nor an advanced level chronological review of Rome's evolution from Republic to Empire such as Wacher's 'Roman World' and Cambridge's 'Ancient History' editions. It therefore makes it an ideal text for general readers and beginning students despite having some deficiencies that can be easily supplemented by having two of another publisher's as companion texts.
The book is suited for readers ages 12 and up and treats the subject more as a primarily anthropological and interdisciplinary approach to the subject covering things such art, political intitutions, urban life, and how their legacy remains with us today. A collaboration of various respected scholars with different specialties provides readers with a multi-faceted view of Roman civilization without bogging them down with a tedious chronological approach focusing primarily on a geopolitical evolution of its social and military institutions along with its principal agents. Its subjects are illustrated by a good amount of color photographs, drawings, and diagrams, giving the reader a useful visual aid for an enhanced perspective of the subject.
Although it has great qualities, I find it insufficient for general education college classes as its subjects are too limited and without enough detail as to social and political topics in particular. Leslie and Roy Adkins' 'A Handbook to Life In Ancient Rome" and 'Dictionary of Roman Religion' is more thoroughly edited and organized than this text despite their having black and white illustrations as opposed to color. The Adkins texts, are also categorically organized as well, but their approach is more sociopolitical and encyclopedic, giving much more detailed information on a much broader subject range: especially military, engineering, economic, and political topics. Their detailed illustrations, maps, and thorough categorical summaries give the reader a better idea how major Rome's impact was on the modern world in its highly organized institutions and countless feats of engineering such as roads, buildings, aqueducts, and tunnels, many of which are still used today more than 2000 years later. At the very least, all three texts should be bought together as complements for the general reader to really have a complete overview of the progression and impact of Roman history: none are very expensive at $20-$40 each.
Cambridge Illustrated History 'Roman World' is a good introductory text that would appeal to a wide general audience ages 12 and up and that would make a fine high school or general education-level college class as a main text. Covering a broad category of topics from various disciplines, the reader will be informed of Roman civilization's evolution and continuing legacy in the modern world. Its drawback is it may be too general as to some subjects which would be complemented with Leslie and Roy Adkins' equally affordable and outstanding summary texts 'A Handbook to Life In Ancient Rome" and 'Dictionary of Roman Religion.' All three texts allow the reader appreciate how Rome's modern pragmatism in practical organization and sheer determination made her the most populated city at over 2 million inhabitants: remaining undefeated by most of the world except perhaps in Asia and India until the late 19th century! With the modernities of a highly organized administration maintaining paved roads, sewer systems, and constant potable water supply, Rome became the cultural center of the Mediterranean from as early a time as the Republic. Its empire of citizenship would govern millions upon millions of people for over 500 years from Northern and Mediterranean Europe to Asia Minor and North Africa with all roads leading to the Eternal City of The Seven Hills. I strongly recommend getting all three to anyone who wants a broad yet comprehensive overview of Roman civilization.
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0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Roman world, January 1, 2011
This review is from: The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Roman World (Cambridge Illustrated Histories) (Hardcover)
The book was an ex library book, the book jacket was in a bad condition. The book has been annotated and written in. The supplier classed the condition of this book as good, and charged £16 for it. How can the condition of a book that has been drawn and written in be described as good. I would not use these guys again.
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