The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome [Hardcover]

Michael Gagarin (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0195170725 | ISBN-13: 978-0195170726

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome is the clearest and most accessible guide to the world of classical antiquity ever produced. This multivolume reference work is a comprehensive overview of the major cultures of the classical Mediterranean world--Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman--from the Bronze Age to the fifth century CE. It also covers the legacy of the classical world and its interpretation and influence in subsequent centuries. The Encyclopedia brings the work of the best classical scholars, archaeologists, and historians together in an easy-to-use format.

The articles, written by leading scholars in the field, seek to convey the significance of the people, places, and historical events of classical antiquity, together with its intellectual and material culture. Broad overviews of literature, history, archaeology, art, philosophy, science, and religion are complimented by articles on authors and their works, literary genres and periods, historical figures and events, archaeologists and archaeological sites, artists and artistic themes and materials, philosophers and philosophical schools, scientists and scientific areas, gods, heroes, and myths.

Areas covered include:


· Greek and Latin Literature


· Authors and Their Works


· Historical Figures and Events


· Religion and Mythology


· Art, Artists, Artistic Themes, and Materials


· Archaeology, Philosophers, and Philosophical Schools


· Science and Technology


· Politics, Economics, and Society


· Material Culture and Everyday Life

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a perfect place for undergraduates beginning research projects who need an overview of a new topic and a starting bibliography" --Phoebe Acheson, Classics Librarian, University of Georgia

"Each entry provides relevant primary sources and judicious, annotated bibliographies of mostly English secondary titles. Recommended."--CHOICE

About the Author

Michael Gagarin is James R. Dougherty, Jr., Centennial Professor of Classics, University of Texas at Austin. He was president of the American Philological Association, 2002-2003.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 3408 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195170725
• ISBN-13: 978-0195170726
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.3 x 11.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 20.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,034,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

• Due to this item's unusual size or weight, it requires special handling and will ship separately from other items in your order. Read More

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Authoritative, interesting, but expensive September 8, 2012

By Simon Manley

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The question which hangs, like the sword of Damocles, over expensive multi-volume works is the justification for their existence. Traditionally, encyclopedias provide an introduction to topics on which the reader has no special expertise, but knows enough to be motivated to seek basic information. They are useful for quickly checking facts, or for gaining an overview of topics peripheral to the reader's major area of interest.

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece & Rome certainly fits that traditional prescription. Yet a problem remains with the level at which it is pitched. Many of the articles on key topics and figures of the ancient world are shorter than the corresponding articles in the print versions of the Encyclopedia Britannica. For the scholar or university student, it all feels a little short, as if the 7 volumes and 3,400 pages are just too tight a constraint for a field as vast as the ancient world. But for the high-school student, or casual reader, it is too detailed, being less accessible than an online resource or general-purpose encyclopedia such as Encarta.

On its own terms however, the Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece & Rome is certainly an excellent work. It is balanced, authoritative, well-written and carefully edited into a uniformity of style and coverage which makes for pleasant and stimulating reading. It would grace the shelves of any library or well-heeled reader with an interest in the classics.

Unfortunately, the astronomical price tag will preclude extensive sales. This work will probably find its niche eventually as a online resource, and the print copy - like the Britannica - will become a nostalgic curiosity in the collections of dedicated bibliophiles.