Primus Pilus Posted December 10, 2007 Report Share Posted December 10, 2007 "The survey begins with a discussion of the nature of the sources used in Hellenistic studies. Primary and secondary sources exist, especially for the life of Alexander, but sometimes there is a question of their objectivity and accuracy. The literary word must be checked against other sources. These material sources include inscriptions on stone and marble, papyri and coins. The sources are uneven, and new discoveries help rewrite the history of the era. Students of Ptolemaic Egypt are however relatively blessed given the surviving amount of papyri from that era and area."... The Hellenistic World by F.W. Walbank and... "Michael Grant, one of the seminal giants of classical studies, provides a thorough examination of the Hellenistic world in From Alexander to Cleopatra. While 25 years old since its original printing, the tome still serves as a comprehensive and readable survey. It is similar to Walbank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosmo Posted December 11, 2007 Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Very nice reviews. There is a "G" mising on the last line of Grant's review. I think it's good to have some book reviews about hellenism here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted December 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2007 Very nice reviews.There is a "G" mising on the last line of Grant's review. Fixed that... thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 I think it's good to have some book reviews about hellenism here. Glad you liked it. Adding a few Hellenic touches is one of my long term goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WotWotius Posted December 15, 2007 Report Share Posted December 15, 2007 (edited) Great reviews, Ursus. There is, however, one other book worth mentioning in regards to the Hellenistic World - namely Peter Green's Alexander to Actium. It is interesting in that Green is not afraid to adopt a critical approach towards the notion of Hellenism as a beacon of culture. He argues that although certain aspects of the arts flourished under the various Hellenistic kings, they were only the few that benefited from royal patronage; those that did not, fell short and dissipated. If all goes well this Christmas, I will stop having to rely on my copy from the library. If so, the book may be worth reviewing... Edited December 15, 2007 by WotWotius Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted December 15, 2007 Report Share Posted December 15, 2007 Sounds intriguing. I would be very interested in reading a review of this book, and possibly the book itself. Edit: $55? I think I'll skip buying the book. Great reviews, Ursus. There is, however, one other book worth mentioning in regards to the Hellenistic World - namely Peter Green's Alexander to Actium. It is interesting in that Green is not afraid to adopt a critical approach towards the notion of Hellenism as a beacon of culture. He argues that although certain aspects of the arts flourished under the various Hellenistic kings, they were only the few that benefited from royal patronage; those that did not, fell short and dissipated. If all goes well this Christmas, I will stop having to rely on my copy from the library. If so, the book may be worth reviewing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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