History of Rome

As other authors have summarized the contents of this book, I'll leave you with my impressions. If you read just one book on the history of Rome, make it this one. In the telling of this famous story, Michael Grant makes history come alive through vividly realized character studies and piercing analysis. The story of the Roman Empire is told from three main perspectives: (1) That of the modern historian, (2) the ancient historian, and (3) from the perspective of those who lived at the time. Regardless of whether he's illustrating the ancient or contemporary viewpoints, Grant writes with un-failing intensity, imagination, and refined judgement. While reading this book I felt like I was being taken along on a sweeping tour of Roman history by an enthusiastic and informed guide - one who never fails to be both well-informed and entertaining. Grant has an obvious passion for history, and his enthusiasm for the subject, together with his empathy for the Roman people, are powerful forces in this narrative. I turned to this book based on a recommendation shortly after seeing a TV program dramatizing a period of Roman history. Rather than satiate my thirst for knowledge, however, this book has sparked a greater interest in Roman history. The History of Rome is one book that will remain in my collection for years to come.

Before exploring the depths of Roman history it's important to grasp the sheer breadth of it. As one of the few one volume histories of Rome this book is a great starting point for the study of Roman history. Obviously, detail has to be sacrificed in an overview (which is really what this book is). But, Grant sneaks a surprising amount of details into this one. Due to the structure of the book and the reader friendly narrative style he employs it's easy to miss many details. He often mentions a battle in a single sentence (just date, location, victor). But, such a clipped pace is required when writing a history of this magnitude. Of course, I have a few qualms. Like most historians, Grant can't help but pass judgement on the Romans for their brutality. He would have been better off including a few lines describing a particular incident of brutality, instead of moralizing. Also, he falls into another common trap, near the conclusion losing the narrative thread, and focusing more on the reasons for Rome's fall. Lastly, the book includes a mix of narration and analysis. Grant's narration is some of the best writing in a history of Rome. However, his analysis stands in stark contrast. He's at his best when he weaves (social) analysis in with straight narration. Early on he does this. Later, he slips up a bit. While the majority of the book has a definite cinematic feel, the last quarter or so is rather choppy and (on occasion) dry. Despite its faults, this is by far the best book covering the whole of Roman history. Buy this book before you buy any other history of Rome. Then, use it to find the periods you'd like to explore in depth. From there, you can choose from many modern and classical sources. But, without first reading through a history of Rome from founding to fall, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the many histories out there. Grant's book is the perfect introduction to Roman history. Nothing more. Nothing less.

With some persistence, I found a used copy of this volume. I am new to the Roman History field, and this book provided a much needed overview. Scholarly and well written, Grant's book provides a strong but workable entry into a fascinating and intriquing field. At times, he moves quickly through the various stages, and I found myself wanting more information, but the design of the book was to provide an overview. After reading this work, a student can move on to more advanced reading with some degree of confidence. Don't let the price put you off. Look at the used additions.

I think this book is brilliant. Michael Grant does not leave the reader wondering "What happened in Rome?" All the basic historical information that a beginner, or even someone more sophisticated, may want to know about Rome is here in this book. This is not as much a textbook, as a sophisticated popular history of Rome, which in my opinion is the strength, and not a weakness, of this volume. It's easy to see throughout the book where the facts are narrated and where their interpretation begins and ends. I do not agree with all of Grant's interpretations. For example, he occasionally induldges in amature psychology, i.e., attributing to the Romans a sadistic side to their national character. I do not think this has anything to do with "national character," but rather it is more likey to be, at least latently, present in the human character in general. I also disagree with his assessment of Cato the Elder and his argument that Carthage was destroyed primarily out of revenge that was fueled by Cato's personal enmity to Carthage and by the scars left by Hannibal in Rome.Overall, the book is an easy and entertaining read, covering military, political, artistic, and religious sides of Rome. Although I have a Ph.D. in a social science, I have refreshed my knowledge about Rome in this book and learned a number of new, interesting facts. Definitely recommednded for anyone who wants to know more about Rome.

I originally read this book for a college class twenty years ago. Upon rereading it recently, I rediscovered why Michael Grant is one of the major historians of ancient history. It is the first of many of his books that I have begun to reread. He writes in a clear and concise manner clearly stating what the facts are and, more importantly, stating what his opinions are. He doesn't do, as most historians today do, state his opinion as being absolute fact and trying to fit the facts to go along with his theories. Grant is undoubtly one of the major historians of this period and you should try to read not only this book, but anything he has written.