A History of the Roman Republic [Paperback]

Klaus Bringmann (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0745633714 | ISBN-13: 978-0745633718 | Publication Date: April 3, 2007 | Edition: 1

In this new and authoritative history of the Roman republic, distinguished historian Klaus Bringmann traces the rise of a small city state near the Tiber estuary into a power that controlled the Italian peninsula and created the final Empire of antiquity, an Empire that was to become both the most enduring in the ancient world and to have the most far-reaching consequences for posterity.

Whilst this book is chronologically organized, giving the reader a clear sense of the historical progress and dynamics of Roman republican history, it also offers a coherent and authoritative overview of the culture, economics, religion and military might of the Roman empire, presented in an original and stimulating way.

Thoroughly referenced and illustrated throughout, with a wealth of primary sources from great Roman writers such as Cicero and Plutarch, A History of the Roman Republic will be essential reading for university students in history and classical studies. It will also appeal to a wider audience of general readers who are interested in the history of the Ancient world and its legacy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bringmann’s thorough and detailed survey of the Roman Republic will be a welcome resource for those seeking an introduction to the period."

Celia Schulz, Yale University

"In this work, the author has shown himself to be fully conversant with both primary and secondary sources, and has succeeded in presenting a thorough analysis of the rise and fall of the Roman Republic. One particular strength of Bringmann’s study is that he frequently challenges the traditional interpretation of various events or policies, thereby preventing his work from being a mere historical narrative. I would certainly recommend this work to anyone interested in the history of the Roman Republic."

Christopher Epplett, University of Lethbridge

Book Description

In this new and exceptionally written history of the Roman republic, respected historian Klaus Bringmann traces the rise of a small city state near the Tiber estuary into a power that controlled the Italian peninsula and created the final Empire of antiquity, an Empire that was to become both the most enduring in the ancient world and to have the most far-reaching consequences for posterity.Whilst this book is chronologically organized, giving the reader a clear sense of the historical progress and dynamics of Roman republican history, it also offers a coherent and authoritative overview of the culture, economics, religion and military might of the Roman empire, presented in an original and stimulating way.Thoroughly referenced, and illustrated throughout, with a wealth of primary sources from great Roman writers such as Cicero and Plutarch, A History of the Roman Republic will be essential reading for upper-level undergraduates, and an important sourcebook for first year undergraduates, in history and classical studies.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Polity; 1 edition (April 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745633714
• ISBN-13: 978-0745633718
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #787,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating history, January 7, 2008

By 

Mark R. Cavanaugh (Buellton, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A History of the Roman Republic (Paperback)

I am not well versed in ancient history but the "Rome" HBO series interested me to the point I wanted to learn the real story. As a novice enthusiast, I could have picked an easier introduction but after struggling with the first 50 pages or so, I found my footing and really enjoyed this informative and well written book. More maps would have been helpful for this rookie. This book is not an easy read but well worth investing time in and has inspired me to want to learn more.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book but a few problems, February 19, 2011

By 

Dictator Sulla - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Roman Republic (Paperback)

First of all this book gives a great overview of the Roman Republic and is very interesting and I recommend it. However there are two problems. The first problem is that there are not enough maps. This author expects you to know where everything in ancient Italy and Ancient off the top of your head. I recommend having a map of this of the internet for a reference. The second problem is the authors writing style. He will mention an event without giving the background. While talking about the event he will find a segue to the back story and go with that for three or four pages until he goes back to the event. This makes the book a little hard to read especially when you are tired but you get used to it. Even with these two faults the book is fascinating and goes through the history and complex characters and situations.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a good classroom text book, August 30, 2009

By 

Deb Trusty (Tallahassee, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of the Roman Republic (Paperback)

This text should not be used as a textbook. As a graduate student in a class with undergraduates and graduate students, the text fails to provide multiple opinions of modern debate over popular topics, which would be helpful to graduate students, and is not written in a logical or coherent manner with any helpful organization or diagrams, as needed for undergraduates. Worst of all, the fact that it is translated from its original German makes the entire process of reading choppy, confusing, and frustrating as I found myself struggling to grasp concepts that other texts have made much clearer. I recommend Cornell's Beginnings of Rome instead. Cornell's book is a great textbook-style source.