The Ancient Near East: Ancient History Series, Volume I (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Written for the student of history and the general reader, this study of the civilization of the ancient Near East brings together the findings of historians, anthropologists, linguists, geographers, art historians, scientists, and other specialists. It begins with an examination of prehistory, and then focuses on social and cultural themes while broadly outlining Near Eastern political and military developments.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 1 edition (July 16, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0030352991
• ISBN-13: 978-0030352997
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #569,973 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The one intro that truly covers entire region., January 26, 2006

By	bookology "bookology" (Studio City, CA United States) - See all my reviews

There are several good well-written introductions to the Ancient Near East currently available. Most focus on Mesopotamia and give little or no attention to other parts of the Ancient Near East. Dunstan however covers Mesopotamia, Egypt, Asia Minor, the Levant and the Ancient Hebrews. Thus this one introductory book does the work of four books. He also provides very good coverage of cultural and religious issues but political history is given less attention than typical. Despite the broad coverage, most of the key points are covered. Only four stars because there are no footnotes and inadequate bibliography. There is only a short list of suggestions for further reading.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great undergraduate book, May 15, 2000

By	TammyJo Eckhart "TammyJo Eckhart" (Bloomington, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Dunstan's textbook works well as an undergraduate textbook, and, indeed, as an introduction for the layperson or non-specialist as well. His style is clear, his use of evidence appropriate, and his images improve the text without pulling the reader from the words. A little expensive for undergraduates but could easily be the only book in an introductory class on the entire Near East.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easily the best book in the field., May 11, 1999

By A Customer

I found this book thoroughly delightful and informative. This superbly researched and written work focuses on the ancient cultural and social history of the vast sweep of territory from Egypt to Iraq. The author writes with soaring prose, covering complex material with absolute clarity. You won't be able to put this one down until you reach the final page.