In this update to the 2003 edition, author Leick (Chelsea College of Art and Design, London) delves into one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, the “land between the rivers,” Mesopotamia. The work begins with a quick chronology and a lucid introduction that briefly acquaints the reader with the geography, history, and culture of Mesopotamia. The A–Z entries cover topics of a general nature (Agriculture, Building inscriptions, Languages, Warfare, Women) as well as more specific places and personages (Babylon, Cyrus II the Great, Herodotus, Ur). Other entries highlight art, archaeological finds, religious beliefs, and political structures. Included in the appendixes is a chronological list of rulers of Mesopotamia from circa 2650 BCE up to the Parthians (129–58 BCE), the bane of the Roman Empire. Also included is a list of museums around the world with notable collections of Mesopotamian artifacts. As with most of Scarecrow’s Historical Dictionaries, the most impressive feature for research is the expansive, categorized select bibliography. In 54 pages of secondary articles and monographs, readers are presented with further readings on daily life, geography, trade, and other topics. This Historical Dictionary is highly recommended for any academic or large public library looking to update or develop a dynamic ancient history collection. --Brian Odom
Review
In this update to the 2003 edition, author Leick delves into one of the world?s most ancient civilizations, the ?land between the rivers,? Mesopotamia. The work begins with a quick chronology and a lucid introduction that briefly acquaints the reader withthe geography, history, and culture of Mesopotamia. The A?Z entries cover topics of a general nature (Agriculture, Building inscriptions, Languages, Warfare, Women) as well as more specific places and personages (Babylon, Cyrus II the Great, Herodotus, Ur). Other entries highlight art, archaeological finds, religious beliefs, and political structures. Included in the appendixes is a chronological list of rulers of Mesopotamia from circa 2650 BCE up to the Parthians (129?58 BCE), the bane of the Roman Empire. Also included is a list of museums around the world with notable collections of Mesopotamian artifacts. As with most of Scarecrow?s Historical Dictionaries, the most impressive feature for research is the expansive, categorized select bibliography. In 54 pages of secondary articles and monographs, readers are presented with further readings on daily life, geography, trade, and other topics. This Historical Dictionary is highly recommended for any academic or large public library looking to update or (
Booklist, May 2010 )
Overall, this is indeed a valuable resource. (
American Reference Books Annual )
In this update to the 2003 edition, author Leick delves into one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, the “land between the rivers,” Mesopotamia. The work begins with a quick chronology and a lucid introduction that briefly acquaints the reader with the geography, history, and culture of Mesopotamia. The A–Z entries cover topics of a general nature (Agriculture, Building inscriptions, Languages, Warfare, Women) as well as more specific places and personages (Babylon, Cyrus II the Great, Herodotus, Ur). Other entries highlight art, archaeological finds, religious beliefs, and political structures. Included in the appendixes is a chronological list of rulers of Mesopotamia from circa 2650 BCE up to the Parthians (129–58 BCE), the bane of the Roman Empire. Also included is a list of museums around the world with notable collections of Mesopotamian artifacts. As with most of Scarecrow’s Historical Dictionaries, the most impressive feature for research is the expansive, categorized select bibliography. In 54 pages of secondary articles and monographs, readers are presented with further readings on daily life, geography, trade, and other topics. This Historical Dictionary is highly recommended for any academic or large public library looking to update or develop a dynamic ancient history collection. (
Booklist, May 2010 )
