Ancient Rome

[Ursus]

Waldenbooks was having a clearance sale as I was passing by. This large book, which I think is usually $30 +, was marked down to $5. I also noted the name of the Publisher and had to smile. Hermes had left me a lucky present.

 

This is one of those coffee table books, if somewhat larger than normal. It gives a brief but decent treatment of all major areas of Roman civilization: the history, the personalities, the provinces, the military, philosophy, art, architecture, literature and poetry. Being a book for generalists, it sacrifices depth for breadth. But it gives a nice survey. It's very visual and has some beautiful pics.

 

This is the kind of book you'd want to see in a high school library. I'd give it to an ethusiastic high school student to see if it piques their deeper interest in the subject.

 

Of course, it's main purpose is to have it on display somewhere in your sitting room so guests can peruse it. Your perfect chance to convert your friends into Romanophiles.