Customer Reviews

Hannibal Crosses the Alps: The Enigma Re-Examined

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4 star:		(3)
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2 star:		(1)
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I like "Hannibal Crosses the Alps: The Enigma Re-Examined". Despite what the title of this book implies, it is as much about the historical context of the Roman/Carthaginian conflicts as it is about the myriad theories concerning the exact route Hannibal took through the Alps.

Unless you know who Hannibal was and what he did - and I dare say that most people who are products of our U.S. public school systems are ignorant of those facts - then discussing the possible routes that Hannibal took on his way to Rome would be dull reading indeed. So, quite sensibly, the author treats the reader with a very well written account of what we know about the Carthaginian civilization at that time, along with relevant details about the Romans. Did you know that the Carthaginians were Phoenician and practiced infanticide? I didn't.

All the major events of the three Punic wars are covered without getting bogged down with too many details. So I think most people will find this book a good read. However, in all likelihood those who already know the story of Hannibal will not learn anything new about this period of Roman history.

As for the author's theory that Hannibal crossed the Alps following the Drome River through the Traversette pass, all I can really say is that he's not only an expert in classical history but an Alpine climber to boot - a combination that to my mind allows John Prevas to write with a bit of authority on this matter. This particular route has been largely ignored by most scholars and after reading John Prevas' arguments, it should be taken as a very serious candidate.

For those looking for a readable introduction to Hannibal spiced with some unique detective work, this book cannot be beat.

I am writing as a high school Latin student of John Prevas and his work is nothing short of impressive. The thorough retelling of Hannibal Barca's trek against the Romans is brought to vivid life with deep explanations and descriptive text. It all starts with a Trojan prince deserting his woman and a historic lust for revenge to be fought for throughout the course of the three Punic Wars. Such a suspenseful history is elucidated with betrayals, ambushes, retreats, murders, chases and so much more. One can't help but admire the transformation and development of the Roman and Carthaginian worlds as they wait for each other. You will see the organization of some ragtag mercenaries and lower class Carthaginian turn into the greatest fighting force graced by ancient history. This very force is the one that eventually descended from the Alps to assault the Romans on their own land. Stories are cross-examined from ancient manuscripts and the author's own personal travels over the passages he recounts. This is a compelling, addictive book of marvelous composition. I definitely recommend this work to anyone interested in the era or even those who wish to learn of the amazing feats of one of the greatest war tacticians of all time. Enjoy!

I just finished reading this book over the weekend, and I have to say that I was enthralled - I could hardly put the book down. I am not terribly knowledgable about this era in history, so I found the background, timeline, and cast of characters to be extremely useful (and entertaining).

My only, very minor, gripe about the book (and what keeps me from giving it 5 stars) is that it needed more maps. I had to use an atlas to gain a better understanding of the text. While not bad in itself, trying to reconcile the ancient names with the modern ones was distracting, and trying to pick through a detailed map took too much time. I was most of the way through chapter VI before I came to the one map of routes through the Alps that was included - references to this one as well as more maps would have also been useful.

However, I still HIGHLY recommend this book.

Even if one has no interest in history and is a little tired of reading business books then this book us for you. It will surely invigorate you. The story about Hannibal is truly inspirational and the book is so well written that it puts the entire context of ancient history into perspective. The first time I started reading it, I read for 8 hours straight and couldn't put it down. It is so well written that the author manages to make you feel that are living in that ancient times. A must read!

Prevas educates the reader with his first-hand approach to Hannibal's journey across the Alps. Prevas, who traced Hannibal's route on foot, takes the reader to where Hannibal and his troops slept and examines how the military genius used skill, geography and luck. Great color photos, maps and summary of historical figures of Hannibal's time. A history written with the quality similiar to Stephen Ambrose. A great read for those who love history and/or the military.

I think that John Prevas wrote a great book about Hannibal. He is an exceptional man because he tought me at Thomas Stone High School this past year and he knows whats he is talking about in this book.

I am an italian lawyer; I've read the book and I found it really interesting from the first page. The hystorical analysis is very accurate and yet, the writing style isn't absolutely boring and can be fascinating also for those who are having their first experience with history books.

I have had the opportunity to read the book and meet the author. An extraordinary book by an extraordinary man.

I bought this book w/ high hopes of an insightful, well written account of a fascinating period of history. Unfortunately I was quickly disappointed. To begin with, the book puts forth opinions which cannot be historically verified. To ape the pro-Roman stance that the 2d Punic War was a direct result of the Barca Family and its hatred of Rome, while intriguing and romantic, is not supported by any reliable sources. Polybius & Livy are informative but are not in themselves definitive. The bottom line is, we don't know the exact cause of the war, and any assumptions are purely speculation. Responsible historians and authors should say as much, not write as if the events of 2500 years ago are clearly understood. The other problem I have with the book is the editing, or lack thereof. Example, the phrase "must have..." is used seven times between pages 92-93. This is just one example of repetative phrases used time and again in the writing. I get the impression that no one sat down and took the time to proof-read the manuscript in an effort to make the narrative flow. If you are looking for a balanced, well-written account of this epic march across the Alps, this is not it.

This was my first in-depth study of the subject and I could hardly put the book down. The history here is absolutely riveting and well-written, and also seemingly well-documented. The only reason I can't give it five stars is the profuse discussion on the possible routes Hannibal took, which is fine in and of itself, but without adequate maps?!! If I were a native or resident of the region and knew all these place names it would be a different story, but as it were there was no payoff in reading these sections carefully without the benefit of placing it in a geographical context. Thus, I inevitably resorted to skimming these sections to get back to the meaningful discussions. As far as the rest of it, though, I give Prevas high praise for a very readable and engrossing account of Hannibal's exploits and the broader context, even if only introductory, of the Punic Wars.