A History of Rome: Down to the Reign of Constantine [Paperback]

M. Cary (Author), H. H. Scullard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1976 | ISBN-10: 0312383959 | ISBN-13: 978-0312383954 | Edition: Third Edition

A classic survey of Roman history, art, economic life, and religion through Constantine's rise to power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'...a unique achievement in its genre: a masterly synthesis of a huge mass of material. It deals with the political, military, social and cultural aspects of Roman civilisation, extending over a millennium.' - KLEIO '...we must indeed be grateful for what we have been given, which is immense. It is not often that a new edition of an old book can be hailed as a major event but this is the exception.' - Times Literary Supplement 'Almost nothing has escaped Scullard's attention, including some extremely recent items...it will be an ideal work of reference for students.' - Times Higher Education Supplement --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 694 pages
• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's; Third Edition edition (January 15, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312383959
• ISBN-13: 978-0312383954
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #463,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cary's incisiveness fills niche between Mommsen and Gibbon, December 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A History of Rome Down to the Reign of Constantine, Third Edition (Hardcover)

I have the 2nd Edition of this 1935 book. Having read and re-read this and Gibbon and Mommsen, it suddenly struck me that Cary offers a more succinct and incisive interpretation of the MEANING of each epoch in Roman history. He also disagrees markedly from others on the value/meaning of 'controversial' emperors (Nero, Domitian, Diocletian) which is very refreshing and well-stated. Frankly, if you want to get a good sense of the meaning of the History of Rome, read Cary first; then Mommsen, then Gibbon. Then, back to Cary. I wish this book were still in print. Don't let it go unread, if you are a Romanophile...

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Standard on the Subject, September 29, 2001

By 

J. A Magill (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A History of Rome: Down to the Reign of Constantine (Paperback)

This extremely dense text is still head and shoulders above other contenders as the standard history of the rise and history of the roman empire. The authors thesis, that Rome never truly fell but evolved into the catholic church/feudal state is well defended with ample evidence.

What makes this book so extraordinary is the depth and breath of the subject matter covered. Military history, politics, technology, art, science, social development, trade, are all given ample coverage. While it can be quite dry, the reader is free to skip around reading only the subjects of interest. For the scholar or the curious, this is a must own text that will serve as a crucial guide and reference.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible, February 14, 2000

By 

dukefan (Cincinnati, Ohio, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History of Rome: Down to the Reign of Constantine (Paperback)

This book was so useful. I can not tell you how good this book was. I read this book and in the NJCL certamen I helped take our team to a third place showing. This book's only fallacy is that it ignores the last years of Rome and cuts off at the death of Constantine in A.D. 331. Bottomline though This book is the best Roman history book available