In the wake of Joy Hakim's fabulous A History of US, the publishers are pairing historians and novelists for similarly readable, meaty tours of more ancient cultures. Here, paying particular attention to the roles of women and repeatedly noting that the cultural and economic achievements of the Greek city-states rested solidly on the backs of farmers and slaves, the authors trace the rise and fall of Crete, Mycenae, Classical Greece, and Alexander's empire, interspersing topical chapters, illuminating side notes, and even an interview with a working archaeologist. Photos of artifacts and ruins, plus an admixture of carefully identified Renaissance art, support it all nicely. Leavened with engagingly informal commentary-"It's very tempting for someone who isn't governed by any laws to get a little relaxed about the difference between right and wrong"-and capped with substantial supporting lists of books and Web sites, this may not measure up to the likes of John McK Camp's World of the Ancient Greeks (2002) in the visuals department, but for clarity, scholarship, and readability, it rises easily past the general run of assignment titles. (timeline, index) (Nonfiction. 11-15)
With a list of characters from Achilles to Zeus-and all the gods and mortals in between-The Ancient Greek World is one of the most comprehensive history textbooks on one of the most momentous civilizations in history. The Greeks are considered the first people in the ancient Western world to record their own history, and remnants of their cultural, philosophical, political and architectural advances remain to this day. Homer, Sophocles, aeschylus, Socrates, Aristotle and Plato set the ground rules for modern literature, theater and philosophy. The Parthenon still stands as an example of structural ingenuity. And many countries still practice democracy and participate in the Olympics. From everyday life to political upheaval-like the Pelopponesian War and Alexander the Great's conquests-the Greeks believed they were an exceptional people, and their influence is still present today. As part of the World in Ancient Times series, this text is a witty, resourceful guide for anyone who wishes to learn more about this stunning culture. Listeners will feel they've traveled back in time with the stirring narration of Jeff Woodman.
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The Ancient Greek World
With a list of characters from Achilles to Zeus-and all the gods and mortals in between-The Ancient Greek World is one of the most comprehensive history textbooks on one of the most momentous civilizations in history. The Greeks are considered the first people in the ancient Western world to record their own history, and remnants of their cultural, philosophical, political and architectural advances remain to this day. Homer, Sophocles, aeschylus, Socrates, Aristotle and Plato set the ground rules for modern literature, theater and philosophy. The Parthenon still stands as an example of structural ingenuity. And many countries still practice democracy and participate in the Olympics. From everyday life to political upheaval-like the Pelopponesian War and Alexander the Great's conquests-the Greeks believed they were an exceptional people, and their influence is still present today. As part of the World in Ancient Times series, this text is a witty, resourceful guide for anyone who wishes to learn more about this stunning culture. Listeners will feel they've traveled back in time with the stirring narration of Jeff Woodman.
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Editorial Reviews
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940170643172 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Recorded Books, LLC |
| Publication date: | 08/03/2012 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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