Customer Reviews

Roman Britain: A New History

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

 

 

I purchased this as a gift but much enjoyed going through and reading chunks of it before giving it. While I have seen many of the places discussed, that's not a requirement to enjoy this combination of good writing and modern publishing which can use run-of-color throughout. The author does a fine job of melding the physical remains of today with the long period (nearly 400 years) of Roman occupation of Britain. And it's not all about soldiers and fighting either--much of the book is given over to everyday life in Roman Britain, both by the small and wealthy elite and the far more numerous but individually forgotten common people. This is a fine example to show how history can be anything but dry and boring---the author does a good job communicating his enthusiam for his subject.

I like Bedoyere. His introduction sets the stage for the book in a fine way. His reminder that perhaps archaeology is not as infallible as many these days would like to believe is both welcome and the sign of a well-balanced historian. The book deals first with the history of the period of Roman occupation of Britain and then with social aspects of this era. The first half is sometimes dry and gets bogged down in facts and counter-facts. The second half is a great improvement and one gets an excellent picture of what Roman life in a frontier province could be like. His evidence is up to date, and includes information on the stadium unearthed in 2005. Bedoyere's style is uninteresting, and his work is nothing groundbreaking, but this goes by unnoticed because of the illustrations and the great interest he takes in the period. He is not afraid of making didactic points now and again, and occasionally draws comparisons between our world and its attitudes and the Roman world. Whether he's right or wrong in his conclusions, this is the sign of a good historian and I would encourage him to further develop this aspect of his work. Additionally, the fabulous presentation he gives by way of colorful maps, drawings and pictures are reason enough to buy this book. Pictures, especially to the student of history, are indeed worth a thousand words, and in this respect the book far exceeds expectations.

Whenever encountering a quality book published by Thames & Hudson, I will always take note of it. The swirling dolphins on the spine generally indicate a very good quality book for the money.

Until I purchased a copy of this book last year (2006) the only meaningful book on my shelves was ROMAN BRITAIN by Salway but the addition of this beautiful book rivals that from 1993 issued by Peter Salway.

Though this book is a bit smaller in overall size than the Salway book, it has as many pages and is loaded with both photographs and color illustrations, 285 illustrations and 75 color. Covering multitude of subjects from conquering and garrisoning, to town building and administration, to people, places, and religion, this is a wonderful book. It would be difficult to choose which book, this one or the Salway, is the better.

If a reader has any interest in this period, then this is a book he/she may want to at the very least browse through.

Semper Fi.

Roman Britain is a tough subject to study. Many historians avoid it, and many feel challenged by it. Bedoyere's Roman Britain is a very well organized, argued, and presented book on the subject, and can be a great start before reading the classic study from Peter Salway. The book is filled with details that allow the reader to get a very full understanding of the origins of Britain's people, as well as the influence that Rome had on Britain.

The book includes numerous maps and photographs of the landscapes and archaeological findings that provide the interpretation of a very difficult subject to grasp. It also places a high emphasis on etymology and language.

Like most ancient civilization books, it can be bogged down with too much detail and information that can lead the book to seem very dry. Another criticism I have for the book comes from the many interpretations from archeology. Many interpretations of Ancient civilizations have a "probably" factor to them since written documents are limited to explain the significance of architecture and artifacts. These details can wander the reader from the main point the author is attempting to make, and Bedayore is no different. However, the book is a wonderful introduction for complete and full understanding of Roman Britain.

The order was promptly filled and the book was received in great condition. Thanks for the speedy service. I would do business with this supplier in the future. Thanks!