Let me start out by saying I am a rabid bibliophile and have read innumerable books about ancient history. This one by far has been one of the best I have ever read. I will give you the main points as to why this book is worth the buy.
1. Readability: The author writes a book that is easy to read. She does not strive to use jargon trying to impress you with her literary prowess or use obscure terms to impress her professor or fellowship buddies. Instead she uses easy and concise language that flows so you do not feel like you have to go back and reread as some historians are.
2. Research: This is an excellently researched book. The author has actually read the sources and easily reflects these sources in her writing.
3. Honest: This is a breath of fresh air to say the least. The Author (unlike most historians) will readily admit when there are large gaps in the historical record then (again unlike most historians) she will give you the events that are believed to have happened but leaves a caveat of "no one really knows and this is just best guess". Honestly, how many historians don't try to interject their own beliefs as facts? Like I said a breath of fresh air. She leaves concise footnotes that are easy to read and not a mile long or just copies of the source she pulled the information from. She gives equal time and facts to all religions and does not merely write religion off as if it is some nasty part of history that needs to disappear.
4. Humorous: This is what really put this book over the top. The author keeps the information humorous when the occasion calls for it. There are a few times reading this book that I actually "LOL"d. As an example when she explains the Egyptian royal tendency of marrying your sister she explains it as "icky". I thought little things like that made this book awesome.
This book is an excellent survey and I would highly recommend for any historian from novice to professor.
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Top reviews from other countries
Eduardo Vieira
O livro de história antiga mais completo que eu já li.
Reviewed in Brazil on January 10, 2017
