Customer Reviews

Herodian: History of the Empire, Volume I, Books 1-4 (Loeb Classical Library No. 454)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was sweet primary source action for all y'all who want to learn about the history of the Roman Empire in the late 2nd(the 100s) and early 3rd centuries(the 200s) CE(aka AD) from someone who was there. I don't know enough Greek to tell you if the translation is good, but for those of you who know ancient Greek, check the translation yourself, these Loeb classical library books always have the original work on the left page, and the English translation on the right page(that's what makes the Loeb classical library sweet, sweet ancient history action). Not only does this book contain the original ancient Greek, and an English translation of said Greek, but it also contains an intro that talks about what we know about Herodian's life and methods, giving the work the important aspect of historical context. As for readability, I found this work very readable, though admittedly the intro is more scholarly in nature and so will be more appreciated with those with a history or classics background. Herodian's work itself is fairly easy to read with a number of exciting happenings going on therein, though perhaps those who know a little about this period of history already will appreciate it more. Yes, I would say this book is sweet ancient primary source action. Oh and BTW it should be noted that Herodian's original work contained 8 books, which the Loeb classical library puts into two books, Herodian Books I-IV and Herodian Books V-VIII.