NAGLE, D. B. B., and St.M. BURSTEIN,
Readings in Greek History. Sources and Interpretations.
Oxford University Press, 2013. 368p. Paperback. 'During the last few years interest in ancient history, at least at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and - as I am told - also at other universities in the Netherlands, has shown a significant increase. Whether we like it or not, this increase may, at least partly, be related to the spectacular (some irony present) film productions like 'Alexander', 'Troy', and '300' and/or popular-scientific television productions on Discovery Channel and its several counterparts. A direct consequence of the increased interest is the influx of students who have not or have only rudimentarily mastered the classical languages, which hampers their ability to access the primary sources (and which forces university teachers to find alternatives other than banning those people from the courses). Nagle and Burstein (henceforth N/B) have now published a collection of more than 180 sources or fragments thereof in translation, in eight chapters, covering aspects of Greek civilization from the Late Bronze Age to roughly 146 BC. (...)As it is, the sources may serve as a handy tool for students unfamiliar with the classical sources. In order to become a really useful tool they would require the presence of a companion book presenting the student with broader information than this 'reader' does, in short, a new handbook of Greek history. Such a new handbook should start from the texts assembled in the book under scrutiny (and likely some more). At present it appears to me that the huge potential of this work cannot, as yet, be exploited to its fullest extent by all potential users.(...) In short, the book is a promising and helpful tool for those who, though unfamiliar with the classical languages, want to deepen their knowledge of the Greek world.' (JAN P. STRONK in Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2008.02.13). New to this edition: New readings on the Bronze Age, religion in the Archaic and Classical periods, Athenian democracy, and Roman relations with the Greeks; An improved design featuring expanded headnotes and source documentation; A revised illustration program and new maps; A new Introduction and a new Timeline (Publisher's information).
€ 50.00
(New)