The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece

The problem is that this book is trying to be two things at once - a resource book to be used as a quick reference (When was Alexander the Great born? What did the Epicureans believe?) or is it a basic history of the Ancient Greeks? Other books in the series that I have reviewed, such as The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Religions, 3rd Edition were clearly meant to be a quick reference guide. So, as a history, this is sort of a frustrating read. The story of the Ancient Greeks is told in fits and starts. As a quick reference, it is good. The facts are solid and told in an understandable, interesting manner. I wasn't using it as a quick reference, rather I was reviewing the topic so as to be better prepared for the next time I teach ancient history. You can never tell what interesting tidbits you can pick up to spice up your presentations - even from the most basic of sources. For example, I learned that King Pyrrhus - the king that inspired the term "pyrrhic victory" was killed by a woman that threw a pot out of her window during a street battle (although further research shows that some claim he was only stunned by a roofing tile and this allowed him to be killed by a soldier. Either way, it's a good story). So, as a narrative history - this is a 3 star book. As a reference, it is a 5 star book. So, split the difference and call it 4 stars.

Wonderfully informative, well laid out. This would be a better and more useful book if there were maps included. There are only a few very small maps interspersed throughout the text.

The Greeks have been called the overachievers of history. This book clearly shows you why and why even today their impact on the world continues. A good solid effort!

Nelson and Nelson, Ancient Greece 2004 Greek thought has always been at the forefront of Western learning. This book traces the development of Greek civilization from the Bronze Age to the downfall of Constantinople in 1453. Ancient Greece is written in a simple and lucid style. Some major scholarly debates are simplified and have become highly readable for a lay leader within this work. One prime example Nelson and Nelson present is the current scholarly debate surrounding the collapse of Mycenaean civilization. In the work this debate is effectively synthesized and presented in an absolutely fascinating manner to a reader of any background, whom, I believe, will find that a civilization that collapsed and vanished from the historical record for 400 years before reappearing makes fascinating history and certainly a good read. I bought this book to review and hopefully recommend to several of my not-so-Greek-savvy friends whom I will be traveling to Greece with in the not so distant future. I am sure they will enjoy it. Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to a fascinating subject. I highly recommend it. www.jeffdemers.com