Reviews (3)

Excellent Biography
Adrian Goldsworthy's latest book, "Caesar", is another one of those great books that you cannot afford to miss this year. Following on from his excellent run of books; "The Punic Wars" and "In The Name of Rome", this new title is a great addition to anyone's library.
Hail Caesar!
A good basic and thorough history of the great Roman. Dr. Goldsworthy writes in a clear, understandable style relying for his information on primary texts from the age.Arcane political and military terms are nicely explained.
Objective, reader-friendly, thorough but not overly technical - a must-read for Roman scholars/fans
Fans of Goldsworthy's previous works won't be disappointed with this bio, which will undoubtedly be named as one of the best overall works about Julius Caesar for many years to come.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Historical - General    6. Royalty    7. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Empire, 284-476    3. Germanic Invasions, 3rd-6th centuries    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Medieval    8. Rome    9. Western Europe - General    10. History / Ancient / Rome    11. History, World | Ancient | Roman   

Reviews (65)

Unchristian
Dalrymple's 1994 reenactment of the 6th century Christian spiritual journey of John Moschos and Sophronios is fascinating, and its author a compelling writer. There, the value of this book ends.
A book transcending itself
A trip through the Middle-East is most of all getting to know the Muslim world. The part of its' history from Byzantine times, meaning the presence and history of Christian settlements,is easily forgotten or at least figures in the background only. After having read this book the Middle-East will never be the same to me again. With the exception of the Armenian genocide,I was hardly aware of all tragedies which happened but most of all: which are today still happeningto the very old Christian communities of these countries. Not only are they in permanent danger of being killed, often with no punishment of the perpetrators from the authorities, and have they already been driven out of places where they lived since a 1500 years, also their ancient buildings, art, manuscripts, possessions of huge historic meaning, are being destroyed. As these communities and their material heritage represent much of the roots of Western civilization, this loss is a huge loss for the history of mankind. What's going on is a complete annihilation of the wonderful mosaic of different civilizations this world once produced. As since many years but now more than ever the Middle-East is the focus of world politics,"From the Holy Mountain" should be read by a much wider group of people than lovers of good travelogues or lovers of these countries only. A most important and readable study, implicating a plea for tolerance and respect, it should be a must-read for all politicians in the world.
Zeal For Ecclesiastical Arcana
Yes! My title nabbed from the Amazon reviewer. Dalrymple's journey through the middle east, retraces the Byzantine traveller-monlk, John Moschos, author of, The Spiritual Meadow'. In the late C6th, accompanied by his pupil, he set to gather the wisdom of the desert fathers from Mt Athos, to Kurdisatan, then south through Syria, the Lebanon, Palestine, and on up the Nile. Dalrymple's trip in the early 90s was frought with tensions which today would cause an angel trepidation. The book was a revelation to me, filling in considerable gaps about the foundation and correlations of so many parties in the fermenting region. Muslim fundamentlists provide stiff opposition to Dalrymple's historical and current enquiries. But they are not unique in this. His evocation of place is crisply poetic and touched with memorable detail. His feel for people is very sympathetic. A work justly applauded. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Greece    2. Ancient - Rome    3. History - General History    4. Middle East - General    5. Religion    6. Travel   

Subjects:  1. 63 B.C.-14 A.D    2. Ancient - Rome    3. Ancient Rome - History    4. Augustus,    5. Augustus, 30 B.C.-14 A.D    6. Biography    7. Biography & Autobiography    8. Biography / Autobiography    9. Biography/Autobiography    10. Emperor of Rome,    11. Emperors    12. Historical - General    13. History    14. Rome    15. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (7)

Want a Good Start on an Education?
"Caesar and Christ" is the third thick volume of an amazing 45-year life work by Will Durant. I strongly advise you do not heed the academic reviews of "The Story of Civilization." There is no reason to assume the critics even read one volume of Durant's work. Be aware that academic philosophy professors list Hanna Arendt, a second rate intellectual, as the only significant female philosopher and ignore one of the most powerful minds of the post WWII era, Ayn Rand. Sure, she is flawed but she is greater than a Camus or a Chomsky. I strongly recommend reading "Caesar and Christ" and the entire 10 volume set of "Story of Civilization" - if you truly seek to be generally educated. You will learn more from Durant than from years of liberal arts schooling in any university. I never heard a professor mention Durant to students but I saw the entire set on the shelves of the private libraries of some major historians. Would you buy, own, read and keep 10 volumes of books you knew to be worthless? Ignore the academic mantra and decide for yourself.
HISTORY WELL DONE
It this third volume, Durant continues the story of man through the time of the height of Rome and Christ.Like the other volumes it is quite well done and despite what another reviewer's opinion is, quite comprehensive.Granted, I you want to read more about battles, etc. they you should probably look elswhere.I am of the school that a time period can only be understood by what they left behind, i.e. art, literature, politics, etc. rather than who they defeated in battle, or who defeated them.This is only my opinion though, others look at it differently.Also, I suppose if you are teaching a college course addressing this period of time, you would certainly want to gleen information from other sources.That not being the case on my part, I thought this was a wonderful overview of a very important epoch.I thought it was quite well presented.Recommend highly.

Civilization vs. History
The book has wonderful moments.It is lovingly written and often witty.However readers should be aware of Durant's definition of civilization.According to Durant: Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Christianity    3. Church history    4. History    5. History - General History    6. Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600    7. Rome    8. World - General    9. History / General   

Reviews (15)

Understand that any civilization may fail.
Gibbon is one of the first historians of the Enlightenment.He does not have a favorable opinion of Christianity or the times he lived.This bias does not detract from this book.Nor is this book an effective argument against Christianity.His thesis is Christianity helped bring down Rome.The Christian mindset made it impossible to defend their empire in a way similar to how they made their empire.If you lose your basic traditions your empire will crumble.An excellent book, a must read.

MISUNDERSTANDING OF BYZANTIUM
Historians agree today that this book is responsible for the modern misunderstanding of Byzantium. Think of only what the labeling "Byzantine" means today. If you want to know more about Byzantium start with one of the books on the empire by Sir Steven Runciman.

Considered the most scholarly collection of Gibbon's work
I do not recommend buying an edition of "The Decline and Fall" based upon price alone, because for many reasons, which will become clearer to you after reading this complicated and scholarly work, the editions vary in content and price, nor does price alone guarantee quality.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. Byzantine Empire    4. Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D    5. Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Rome    10. Ancient Rome    11. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    12. Fiction / General    13. Scottish Gaelic   

Editorial Review

British parliamentarian and soldier Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) conceived of his plan forRead more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (50)

A challenge to read.
I'm probably 1/3 of the way through the book and slowing.I don't think this book is for everyone and that is why I'm giving it 3 stars.I've found the book difficult to read for the following reasons.
Description is misleading
The Amazon description says Vol. 1-3, boxed set, hardcover.That is all true.What they don't tell you is that there are actually six volumes.The box in which it comes is clearly marked, "Volumes 1-3 (of six)."That would have been a much better description for Amazon to have used.If you have volumes 4-6 and you are looking to complete the set, this book is for you.If you are looking for the complete set, look elsewhere.

A Comprehensive Historical Work
Gibbon's "Decline and Fall" is without a doubt one of the most well-written and truly comprehensive historical works concerning the Roman Empire.From the military maneuvers of the northern legions to the intrigues of the Imperial Court, Gibbon showcases the history of Rome as it unfolded--often relying on the eyewitness testimony of contemporary writers to give readers a sense of the passions and policies of the time.There are a few minute problems--or rather gaps--in Gibbon's work, but given that he originally published in the late 1700's we can excuse his lack of complete information.Overall, an excellent read and a great history of such an important subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. Byzantine Empire    4. Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D    5. Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Rome    10. To 527    11. History / Ancient / Rome   

Reviews (21)

Great explanation how a world empire defended its citizens
I do not agree that this book is only for specialists. I am of the opinion that it is a book for history lovers. And, moreover, it is for any person who wishes to understand how a highly developed society managed to defend its way of living. It most valuable because it depicts the success of the Roman system in the first two centuries of our era. The Third Century depicts the problem of a World power which has began its decline.
Eye-opening analysis
This book is a very interesting analysis for everybody who wants to know more about the strategy of the Roman Empire. While also very accessible to non-experts, even experts or people who have read a lot about Rome will learn a lot and see things a new way.
Ancient history for current events
Although much of this book may be at a level of specificity of interest only to Roman history buffs, Luttwak's assessments of the Roman Empire's strategic strengths and weaknesses has much relevance to the modern United States, which occupies an historical position not unlike Rome's at the beginning of the Empire.For example, issues such as the efficient use of a relatively small professional army, or the maintenance of client states, are directly relevant to the modern world.Each section begins with a sufficiently adequate historical summary that readers not yet familiar with Roman history will not be lost. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Army    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Military - General    7. Military Science    8. Military history, Ancient    9. Rome    10. Strategy    11. Ancient Rome    12. BCE to c 500 CE    13. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    14. Performing Arts / General   

Reviews (17)

The Complete Roman Army
Adrian Goldsworthy has really produced a concise and at times detailed look at Roman warfare. This book compliments Caesar Against the Celts, Ceasar's Legion and Nero's Killing Machine. Great addition for historical wargamming.

Great Book
An excelnt edition, fully ilustrated.
The Best Illustrated Reference to the Roman Legions
Unlike other armies in antiquity, the Roman army evolved to be a formal institution with a distinctive military code, standard equipment, defined ranks and duties, as well as laws and procedures affecting the life and retirement of its soldiers. Although service was long (20 years/no family allowed) and discipline was strict (i.e. decimation), it was truly the first modern professional army with very specialized units ranging from doctors and cooks to sappers and siege engineers. Its men were led by leaders such as Lucullus, Pompey, and Caesar who took war as an empirical subject in which politics and well calculated strategies implemented with sound logistics and tactics were the decisive factors to victory. Because of such organization, no army would be as highly organized and trained until those of the late 19th century.Despite its defeats, the Roman army's training and efficiency tenaciously allowed it to overcome superior numbers under higher attrition. It made Rome the master of the Mediterranean world and most of modern Europe for over 1500 years (counting the Byzantine.)
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. Army    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Military - General    8. Military - Other    9. Military - Pictorial    10. Military History (General)    11. Military art and science    12. Rome    13. Ancient Rome    14. Military life & institutions   

Reviews (5)

Information Galore
Very up-to-date information, thoroughly discussed and analyzed.The book is laid out by subject, so it's easy to go back and find information.It is basically a complete description of the Roman World of Paul's time, right down to the tiniest detail that we have available.The only downside is the sheer density of it.But if you can muck your way through it, this book is simply groundbreaking in its analysis of the world that Christianity was born into.

Excellent!
I wouldn't write a sermon without it!Great insight to the world and social condition of the early Church.I find that it helps bring the then and there to the hear and now.

An Excellent Introduction to New Testament Sociology
Biblical scholar Wayne Meeks wrote the first edition of THE FIRST URBAN CHRISTIANS in the mid 1980's. He collected not only scriptural information, but also historical and sociological information to reconstruct the world of the earliest Christians. At the time it was considered to be groundbreaking research. Today this work is considered by many to the standard bearer of sociological studies concerning first century Christians.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Christianity - History - General    3. General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Church History    6. Social History    7. Early Church    8. History of religion    9. Religion / Church History   

Reviews (13)

Learn not only about the fall of Rome, but the current mindset of historians.Two books for the price of one!
If you are a Roman history buff, this is an excellent book to read in conjunction with Peter Heather's "The Fall of The Roman Empire."The two books cover very different territory despite their similar titles.
Original, daring
In this book which challenges the 'new historians' who have tried to rephrase the word 'barbrian' and make it anew and make the barbarians the decent ones and Rome the 'real barbarian' by rewriting history, we are one again given the traditional story, closer to Gibbon(who has never been surpassed) but with a new twist using modern discoveries and a new take.
Simply brilliant. Buy this book today!
This book is, quite simply, one of the finest history books I have ever read (and I am an avid history fan). I wish more academic writers had both the will and the ability to write as clearly and with as much flaire as Bryan Ward Perkins in this book. Sadly, it is a skill that is lacked by many of them; yet this only makes the author's achievement all the greater. Perkins does not go in for the obfuscating style that sometimes plagues academic writing. He does not need to hide behind dense terminology - he explains his ideas confidently and in plain English. I truly believe that this excellent book deserves a five star review rating.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Empire, 284-476    3. Europe - General    4. Germanic Invasions, 3rd-6th centuries    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Medieval    9. Rome    10. Ancient Rome    11. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    12. History / Ancient / Rome    13. History, World | Ancient | Roman   

Reviews (13)

A Question of Tone
This translation of the Greek writings that the author called "To Himself" is smooth, deft, and self-assured; the book sits well in the hand; the subject index is thorough.For generations Marcus Aurelius has proven not only a welcome counselor, but a worthy opponent to measure oneself against.Why does this version leave one feeling not refreshed but harangued?
Simply Great
The choice of reading this translation of Aurelius' "Meditations" was based purely on the reviews I read here at Amazon. Most people seemed to love Scot and David Hicks' translation, so I thought it would be worth trying it. That choice was, indeed, a very good one, so thanks to all the reviewers who raved about this translation!
Stoicism for the 21st Century
This is the fourth translation of Marcus Aurelius' guidebook I have bought, and by far the most accessible, understandable, and applicable to life as I find it.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Ethics    3. Ethics    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    6. Life    7. Meditation    8. Philosophy    9. Stoics    10. Ancient Western philosophy to c 500    11. Philosophy / Ancient   

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. General    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Republic, 510-30 B.C    7. Rome    8. Ancient Rome    9. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    10. European history: c 500 to c 1500    11. History / General    12. History of art: BCE to c 500 CE, ancient & classical world   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (23)

For Miss Rogers who loved her Latin so much A note on the style of the work
Miss Rogers was a Latin teacher in Troy, New York for many years. She loved Latin and had a pleasant and loving attitude to her students. It was from her that I first heard, "Omnia Gallia in tres partes divisa est" She made us memorize certain passages in her beloved language.
The Greatest General - in his own words
This used to be the manual for every young noble going to war as an officer. Today it is a historical document showing the roman republic in war, and in particular a portrait of how the great Ceasar would like his friends, enemies and history to see him. This book has shaped the thinking of allmost every military commander for 2000 years, and it would be a shame not to read the words penned by the dictator himself.

into the mind of a genius of antiquity
This is a remarkable document.It is at once a manual on military strategy, on effective management of his troops, and on the psychology of the enemy.But it is also a history, with smatterings of anthropology, sometimes our only source on a vanished pre-Roman way of life in what became France.Finally, and most difficult to grasp, there is a political subtext, in which Caesar is communicating with both allies and rivals in Rome, advancing his career while advising future leaders on proper conduct.Why did he mention certain things?What did he omit?What political image (or self-consciously enduring myth) was he creating for himself?There are few antique documents as fascinating and to boot it is a literary masterpiece of clear exposition and rapidly moving narrative.Once you read it - and it must be read carefully and with references to other sources - you will have no doubt that Caesar was one of the greatest leaders of all time:afterall, his name is the basis for Tzar as well as Kaiser!
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Subjects:  1. 58 B.C.-511 A.D    2. Ancient - Rome    3. Gaul    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Rome    8. Ancient Rome    9. BCE to c 500 CE    10. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    11. History / Military / General    12. Other prose: classical, early & medieval    13. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (60)

What a writer
This book was non-stop for me, a great story and a speed read.It's as if an insider who knew all the players but had no cards in the game sat you down to tell you 'Here's how it really was, warts and all'.It's the best history I've read in years.He takes an intimate knowledge of the times and spins a yarn that would make Suetonius jealous.

Riveting, but proceeed with caution, students.
Vast in scope, Tom Holland's Rubicon attempts to compact the story of one of histories most dramatic ages into a single volume.This review will summarize the principal events in the book, extrapolate the main themes of the text, and finally will offer a critical evaluation of the sources Holland used to formulate his main arguments as well as the overall value of this text to general readers, students, and scholars.
Past is Prologue for an aspiring Empire
I didn't expect to come by this book based on my interest in history.For me, the Roman Empire seemed more defined by its Emperors and mythology than the roots of its Republic.After seeing the mini-series "Rome" on HBO though, I became intrigued by the society I saw portrayed in the cable drama -- a society that seemed strangely familiar to a 20th Century American.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Civil War, 49-45 B.C    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Rome    7. History / Ancient / Rome   

Reviews (5)

Quite Obsolete
In the late 70ies Protestant and Jewish scholars started to reexamine the carnal world of the early Christians. Since then daring new views have come up showing that Catholic Christianity as it developed since the 2nd century is not the same as New Testament Christianity which was deeply rooted in Judaism and its attitudes towards the body. Scholars like Jane Schaberg (1987), Raymond J. Lawrence (1989) and more recently Philo Thelos (2003) have shown that early Christian women and men treated each other in a very revolutionary manner experimenting with freedom and, compared to their pagan background, were all but chaste. It was the Catholic church that later took over Roman and pagan attitudes about family, marriage, virginity and chastity. Peter Brown's treatment of Jew�sh attitudes towards the body emphasizes hellenistic Judaism and only slightly discusses much more body-oriented orthodox Judaism. His views on the apostle Paul are simply outdated and reflect traditional atheist views. Mr. Brown, however, correctly observes a trend towards asceticism among late antique Christians. This trend, however, did not originate in allegedly stern attitudes of the new Christian religion but in the failure of many early Christians to, the long run, embrace, keep up and enjoy the freedom offered to them. It was the young Martin Luther who reexplored the bodily freedom offered by the Gospel. The Calvinists and modern Bourgeois middle class Christians again lost that freedom. Interestingly enough, today it is Atheists who challenge Christians and their heritage of carnal freedom.

Theme not very carefully defined
The title of Mr. Brown's book is deceiving. He asserts to write about sexual renunciation in early Christianity. Instead he basicly writes about sexual renunciation in among the Gnostics. There is a good reason why devoted Christians of all denominations view Gnosticism as a heresy. Gnosticism is very much rooted in pagan, i.e. Indian and Persian religious esoteric beliefs. As scholars like A. Vööbus ("History of Asceticism in the Syrian Orient") have shown, sexual asceticism is not anything originally Jewish or Christian, but has been taken over by certain groups of Christians from Eastern religions. Of course, these groups have heavily influenced church Christianity and made Christians and non-Christians alike believe that celibacy is a truly christian virtue. However, church christianity has never been exactly the same kind of Christianity as the one depicted in the New Testament.

an excellent, scholarly study
Brown's book is the finest study available on sexuality and the body in the early Church. This book sheds great light on the classical, Jewish , and Christian conceptions of the body and how important those conceptionswere in early Christianity, especially for early Christian asceticism. Thisis a must read for anyone interested in gaining a serious appreciation ofthe early Church. Many histories focus primarily on the Development ofChristian Doctrine and Ecclesial structures. An understanding of earlyChristian spirituality and asceticism illuminates early Christian doctrineand church structure even more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Celibacy    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - General    5. Early church, ca. 30-600    6. History of doctrines    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church History    9. Religious aspects    10. Sex    11. Virginity    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    14. Religion / Christianity   

Reviews (2)

founder of modern Europeanism?
Derek Wilson's biography on Charlemagne proves to be well written and nicely researched book. Its pretty short but to the point. The life story of Charlemagne related to this book probably won't add much to those who got a good background on his life already. It basically geared toward novice readers on the subject. However, what make Wilson's book bit more interesting was how he related Charlemagne's concept of an European empire into today's context. The book spent much time discussing the elements of modern European Union concepts and how it traced back to Charlemagne's. The book also followed the mythology of Charlemagne as each secceding would-be European conquerors would used him as an example, guide or symbol to their own needs. In some ways, the author made this ruler of Dark Age Europe, important to the way we see the economic and political unity of Europe today.
They've been thinking about this for over 1000 years!
The nations of Europe have been homes to various wars for centuries, until a bunch of the countries got together after the Second World War to create a common economic market, and perhaps prevent any more of these conflicts. It created a form of European identity that has now become the European Union. But the *idea* of Europe, a unified area of diverse cultures that nevertheless falls under the rule of one authority, can be traced back to Charlemagne, the Frankish emperor of the late 8th and early 9th centuries. In his new book, Charlemagne, Derek Wilson examines the emperor's life, but he also examines the myth of Charlemagne through the ages. He looks at how subsequent rulers have used the Charlemagne for their own ends, and how his attempts to conquer and hold together as much of Europe as possible, to have one Europe, has been a precursor to what we have now. Many rulers have tried to duplicate his achievements, but none of them have done so as completely, or perhaps as fairly, as Charlemagne did, even if it was done through conquest.
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Subjects:  1. 742-814    2. Ancient - General    3. Ancient Rome - History    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Charlemagne,    9. Emperor,    10. Europe - History    11. France    12. Historical - General    13. Holy Roman Empire    14. Kings and rulers    15. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (23)

Chronicles Rule!
I bought a second one for a friend a week after the first copy arrived.Great, concise book.

A useful Reference document
This is a useful reference that places the lives of the Roman Emperors in chronological order. The detail is useful but not onerous and it is quite an easy read.

Great book for curious beginners in Roman history
This book is a superb addition to the library of history buffs.The book is short but packed with information on many different topics on the Roman Emperors.The book covers all Roman Emperors and does contest some myths commonly held regarding some of the more well-known emperors.The book spends a proportionate amount of time in the book compared to the emperor's rule and importance.In each mini-biography of rule, Scarre adds sections concentrating on interesting aspects of that person's rule.For instance, Augustus' section discusses the early lineage of emperors by tracing and discussing the Julio-Claudian family tree.Trajan's section has a two page insert on Trajan's Column.The book acts as a great reference of Roman leadership.Scarre adds hundreds of images consisting of both artistic renderings and archaeological finds from all periods of the Emperors' rule.Scarre ends with a highly abbreviated discussion of the last emperors of the split Roman empire.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Emperors    6. Empire, 30 B.C.-476 A.D    7. Historical - General    8. History    9. History: World    10. Presidents & Heads of State    11. Roman emperors    12. Rome    13. Royalty    14. Ancient Rome    15. Biography: historical    16. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    17. Reference works   

Reviews (8)

A Standard, Like it or not
Gibbon must be taken in the context of his time - his writing style, his prejudices, and his occasional lapse into sermonizing. His style is to say in 30-words what others would say in less than 10. His prejudices are many but one that seems to permeate most is the over-emphasis on the western empire at the expense of the east. It is as if the eastern empire did not survive another millennia after the fall of the west.But given difficult reading and language constructs and the slanted views, a greater work on the subject of the western empire probably does not exist. It is an essential though somewhat distasteful standard for anyone interested in Roman history.As yet, there is nothing comparable in scope for the western empire.For abalanced and more readable coverage of the east, I would highly recommend supplementing with the works of John Julius Norwich.

a necessary evil for self-education, I guess
There are three things to know about this book.It was written at about the same time America's Founding Fathers were writing the Constitution.Gibbon uses the EXTREMELY flowerly, convoluted, difficult prose of the time.Use the "look inside" feature, if you can.This is DIFFICULT reading.So, someone trying to learn about history might despair that it's hard to actually swallow the concepts because of the diffucult language.
The English Language Doesn't Get Much Better
Gibbon was a master of the English language. He wanted to write something great, and he achieved it. No serious student of history should miss reading this masterpiece. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. General    4. Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. History / General   

Reviews (32)

Very good book!
This is a nice book, not only about caesarian period. If you're interested in legions you MUST buy it!

Much more detailed account of Roman Legion daily life!
Goes beyond dry history books about generals and strategy to also tell how the common soldiers who made Rome great lived and died. Compellingly told, as if by an on the spot reporter. Based on classical texts, yet easy for today's reader to understand. Makes history exciting.

Great Read
Certainly reads like a novel, and hard to put down. I am no expert and can not vouch for any Historical accuracy or inaccuracy, but i have enjoyed every page of this book so Far, and feel like I have learned a lot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Rome    2. Ancient Rome - History    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Military    6. Military - Other    7. Military History - Ancient    8. World - General    9. Ancient Rome    10. European history: BCE to c 500 CE    11. History / World