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hawkwing_lbBook 150, Non-fiction 7
7. F.W. Walbank, The Hellenistic World (Fontana History of the Ancient World, 1992 edition)
This book does exactly what it says on the tin, as they say: it provides a detailed overview of the Greek (Hellenistic) world from the death of Alexander in 323 BCE on down to its final domination by Rome in 146 BCE with the sack of Corinth.
In the first half of the book Walbank outlines the sources for this period, and deals with the aftermath of the death of Alexander and with the Hellenistic kingdoms individually. The second half of the book is organised on a more thematic level, with chapters on such topics as social and economic trends, cultural developments, religious developments and the growing influence of Rome.
It's perhaps not an ideal book with which to introduce oneself to ancient Greek history - a more general introduction would probably be better for the first-time reader - but for a more detailed introduction to the specific period, it's excellent. Intensely readable, at times showing flashes of dry humour - never to be counted on among historians - and with very clear organising principles.
Also? His introduction on the sources is perhaps one of the best discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of using any given set of ancient sources that I've come across yet. If you're interesting in the period, or just in a layman's introduction to the sources, definitely worth a look.
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And now, I'm going to watch Criminal Minds, write 600 words, and go to sleep.
7. F.W. Walbank, The Hellenistic World (Fontana History of the Ancient World, 1992 edition)
This book does exactly what it says on the tin, as they say: it provides a detailed overview of the Greek (Hellenistic) world from the death of Alexander in 323 BCE on down to its final domination by Rome in 146 BCE with the sack of Corinth.
In the first half of the book Walbank outlines the sources for this period, and deals with the aftermath of the death of Alexander and with the Hellenistic kingdoms individually. The second half of the book is organised on a more thematic level, with chapters on such topics as social and economic trends, cultural developments, religious developments and the growing influence of Rome.
It's perhaps not an ideal book with which to introduce oneself to ancient Greek history - a more general introduction would probably be better for the first-time reader - but for a more detailed introduction to the specific period, it's excellent. Intensely readable, at times showing flashes of dry humour - never to be counted on among historians - and with very clear organising principles.
Also? His introduction on the sources is perhaps one of the best discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of using any given set of ancient sources that I've come across yet. If you're interesting in the period, or just in a layman's introduction to the sources, definitely worth a look.
---
And now, I'm going to watch Criminal Minds, write 600 words, and go to sleep.
