The Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean

It is an ambitious undertaking to attempt to cover such a long and varied history as that surrounding the Mediterranean. But professor Norwich turns to the task with the same skill and passion as his earlier works. As should be expected with such a broad subject, there is a great deal rushed over and many details left unattended. The early history seems, in particular, to suffer this fate of limited detail. Yet, where professor Norwich lacks in detail he compensates in broad sweeping coverage of one of the most historically diverse and active areas of the world. It is a good introduction that will give you an appetite for more. Ideal for the new student of any history in the Mediterranean area.

This book provides a sweeping, very engaging narrative of the history of the Mediterranean Sea, from the ancient civilizations of the Near East to the events and impact of the First World War. It is history told in broad strokes - the key events, historical figures and political, social, and religious trends of the entire geographical area from southern Europe to northern Africa and the Near East over thousands of years. It is true, as some other reviewers have noted, that there may lack a balance in coverage of specific epochs or civilizations. Nevertheless, Norwich is very skilled at recounting history with a sense of drama, excitement, and grace. The book includes a number of black and white and color plates and several useful maps. Strongly recommended.

THE MIDDLE SEA: A HISTORY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN sums up the author's life's work studying the lands of the Mediterranean from early times to the present. His is a story of ongoing conflicts, the rise and fall of civilizations, and how and why Mediterranean nations changed. While it's a recommended pick for college-level holdings strong in Mediterranean history, its easy access, eye-catching cover art and lively writing style lend to leisure browsing at the public library level, as well. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

This book takes a very unique role of the Mediterranean, giving us a true scope of the history of the sea and the peoples around it. This is a sweeping portrayel of both European and Eastern history, of the crusades and the Ottoman-Islamic colonization of Europe. This is a story of the many wars for the islands of Malta, Crete, Rhodes and Cyprus. This is the story of one of the major birthplaces of civilization, Greece and the Middle East. This is a story of the ancient civilizations of Pompei, Greece, Carthage and Anatolia, as well as Israel. A sweeping account that takes the reader from event to event, from Salamis to Galipoli to Lepanto and to an American woman murdered in Macedonia. A very interesting and readable account, massive in scope but specific and well written. Seth J. Frantzman