Rome and the Mediterranean: Books XXXI-XLV of the History of Rome from its Foundation (Penguin Classics) (Bks 31-45) [Paperback]

Titus Livy (Author), Henry Bettenson (Translator), A. H. McDonald (Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0140443185 | ISBN-13: 978-0140443189 | Publication Date: August 26, 1976

"Books XXXI to XLV" cover the years from 201 B.C. to 167 B.C., when Rome emerged as ruler of the Mediterranean.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin (translation)

About the Author

Titus Livius (59BC-AD17) began working on his History of Rome at the age of 30 and continued for over 40 years until his death. The history ran to 142 books, of which 35 survive.

Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (August 26, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140443185
• ISBN-13: 978-0140443189
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars war and politics in republican Rome, June 28, 2001

By 

"macpazfink" (Adrogue, Buenos Aires Argentina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rome and the Mediterranean: Books XXXI-XLV of the History of Rome from its Foundation (Penguin Classics) (Bks 31-45) (Paperback)

When I first started reading Livy's "The War with Hannibal", the book that cronologically precedes "Rome and the Mediterranean", I was not sure if I was going to be able to get to the end of it. I had never read Livy before and it is a long book. As it happened, immediately after I finished reading "The War with Hannibal" (hereafter referred to as WWH) I started reading "Rome and the Mediterranean", which is no less long, and no less good. I wrote a comment on WWH and everything I said of Livy there equally holds true here: he is a remarkable narrator and, though partial to the Romans, his style is measured and believable. As a historian, he is no less inventive than other fellow historians of his time. But his accounts are extremely detailed and always interesting. It could be said that WWH is more atractive than this book because it relates the Second Punic War, the story of Hannibal's invasion of Italy, one of the most interesting episodes in the entire history of the world. I would venture the following comparison: WWH resembles a novel. The whole book deals with Rome's war against Carthage, be it in Italy, Spain of Africa. Hannibal is the main character and Scipio Africanus, Fabius Maximus and Marcellus the secondary ones. On the other hand "Rome and the Mediterranean" is more like a collection of short stories. It is full of different anectodotes, stories and situations. Of course all of them revolving around the conflicts Rome had against Greece, Macedon and Asia during the years 200-167 BC, but there is no other unifying principle. Here you will find a variety of plots and characters. I know this comparison is arguable but I think it can convey an approximate idea to someone who hasn't read the book. I would also like to point out that while WWH is mainly a military history, this book is also a politcal one as well. Not only we find descriptions of battles and tactics, but a detailed account of the complex politics between the Greeks, the Macedonians, the Aetolians, the Acheans and the different kings of the multiple states of Greece and Asia, and their relationships with Rome. All this changing history of treacheries, pacts, leagues, alliances and complots is wonderfully and clearly portrayed, written with Livy's characteristic mastery of the craft. And you will also find here a sequel to the events of WWH: you will find out, for example, what happened with Scipio Africanus and Hannibal after the battle of Zama (what tragic and similar destiny!, both great men dying in exile and distanced from their own people; Plutarch should have written their biographies together in his Parallel Lives). Because of this, I would advise you to read both books, if you have the opportunity, and in cronological order: first WWH and afterwards "Rome and the Mediterranean" (don't let the length of both books combined intimidate you!). This is a very good edition (although a couple of more detailed maps would have been helpful) and so is the translation.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Livy Brings Rome to Life, June 14, 2000

By 

AntiochAndy "antiochandy" (Antioch, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rome and the Mediterranean: Books XXXI-XLV of the History of Rome from its Foundation (Penguin Classics) (Bks 31-45) (Paperback)

I have been fascinated by Roman history since I was a teenager, and over the years I have read the works of many of the classical historians. Livy has always been among my favorites. A contemporary of Augustus, Livy wrote a full history of Rome from its beginnings up to his own time. Tragically, only a portion of his work has survived. This book contains his History from Rome's legendary beginnings up through 167 B.C. except for books XXI through XXX, which deal with the war against Hannibal and are published separately.

His source material being necessarily limited, much of the early history is sketchy. However, Livy seems to draw on as much material, whether traditional or documentary, as he could muster. Further, he wrote with the desire to both inform and entertain. His work is lively and dramatic and he has a knack for vividly portraying the principal personalities. Like other ancient historians, Livy isn't bashful about inventing dialogue for his leading protagonists, but this adds an air of reality to what would otherwise become a dry narrative.

This is classical history at its best and I highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in ancient Rome.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Penquin Edition: Cuts in the Narrative?, July 5, 2008

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Odo of Venafro "Nicandemus" (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rome and the Mediterranean: Books XXXI-XLV of the History of Rome from its Foundation (Penguin Classics) (Bks 31-45) (Paperback)

I have not read this Penquin edition, but it says in a footnote; "There are some cuts in the text, but it follows the main narrative". Does anyone know how much was left out? Get back to me. Thank You--Hey everybody, guess what? I just did some checking; and Oxford World Classics has published two editions: Books 31-40, and 41-45. And they do emphasize that they are complete, as opposed, to say, the incomplete one volume Penquin edition. For people who have Latin. How long would it take to read all the surviving Books of Livy in the original? Again, get back to me. Thank You