The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History |
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The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History
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by John V. A. Fine
Sales Rank: 779277
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List Price: $34.95
$4.60
At Amazon
on 6-22-2008.
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Features
Cover Type: Paperback with 734 pages
Published by: Belknap Press October 16, 2003
Written in: English
ISBN 10 Number: 0674033140
ISBN 13 Number: 978-0674033146
Book Dimensions:
9.2 x 6 x 1.5 inches
Weighs: 2 pounds
Product Review
Fineconveys the excitement of historical discovery and disputation with the relaxed, assured spontaneity of the lecturer. In his discussion of early Greece, he provides a rich blend of social, political, and cultural history.
--Michael Gorra (New York Times Book Review )
Teachers of Greek historywill welcome the publication of a new history of Greece, especially one composed by so thoughtful a scholar as John Fine of Princeton. The book, indeed, represents a distillation of more than thirty years' experience not just as an active historian but also as a challenging classroom teacher.
--Norman A. Doenges (New England Classical Newsletter )
Packed with information and well written.
--Robert L. Pounder (Classical World )
A comprehensive, thoughtful survey of the history of Greece from prehistoric times through the rise of Macedon in the 4th century, assessing the strength of the evidence and the conclusions of modern scholarship. Although a survey cannot linger in details of analysis, Fine's clear, prismatic style conveys his careful scholarship. (Key Reporter )
The veteran scholar John V. A. Fine excellently surveys Greek history from the arrival of the Greeks, about 2000 B.C., to the death of Philip II (336 B.C.)We commend him for discussing in detail so many problems of Greek history.
--Mortimer Chambers (American Historical Review )
Product Description
An esteemed teacher offers a major reassessment of the history of Greece from prehistoric times to the rise of Alexander. This is a work of prodigious scholarship written in grand style.
John Fine surveys the archaeological work that has revealed so much about the civilization of Crete and Mycenaean Greece, and discusses the age of colonization during which Greek colonies were established from the Crimea to the Nile, from the Caucasus to Spain. Analyzing social and economic developments, as well as foreign and inter-city affairs, he assesses the history, culture, and democracy of Athens, and Sparta's institutions and military exploits; recounts the Greeks' relations and then war with the Persian empire; details alliances, struggles, and the varying fortunes of the Greek city-states; and relates the rise of Macedon. Fine treats the Greeks' story in the context of events elsewhere in the eastern Mediterranean. Throughout he indicates the nature of the evidence on which our present knowledge is based, masterfully explaining the problems and pit-falls in interpreting ancient accounts. The Ancient Greeks is a splendid narrative history and a refreshing reinterpretation that will please students of ancient history, and everyone interested in early civilizations.
Reader Reviews
I agree with David Reisbeck's review, but I want to add a few things. Among historians, Fine is one of the best for several reasons. First, his skepticism and fairness to all the sources stand out: he is not seduced by certain authors or philosophies of history as many are. He acutely perceives the difficulties of historical research. For anyone already interested in the history of Greece, I doubt there could be a better book; if you know a little and want to fill in what you're missing it's a great one too. Plus, it encourages further reading, making you aware of the sources available. I would give two warnings. First, it's dense. It's serious history, directed towards students rather than casual readers. Second, it's not primarily a history of Greek thought and culture except in their broadest outlines. If you want to study the devleopment of ancient philosophy or of Greek art or religion, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if that's all that you're familiar with (this was my situation), it's an excellent coverage of their background. The most surprising aspect of the book, for me, was Fine's wisdom about human nature--without being cynical. I usually think in terms of naive vs. cynical, and Fine is neither. Very refreshing. Finally, I want to mention that the paperback binding of this book is wonderful. Few books have survived the beating my copy took, and still it looks good.
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The Ancient Greeks: A Critical History
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Price: $4.60
Updated on 6-22-2008.
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