Atlantic Books (2014) h/b 384pp £19.99 (ISBN 9781782 395140)
This accessible and entertaining book covering the whole of Greek history in clearly defined temporal segments is a great read. He begins with the Trojan War (and therefore discusses Knossos and Hisarlik), and ends with the rise of the Roman Empire. Along the way he introduces the key players of the age, including Homer, Socrates, Alexander the Great and Archimedes; he outlines the role of the gods, provides fascinating insights into everyday life in ancient times, and shows us the very foundations of Western culture. All of this is described in J.’s usual clear and concise language and sprinkled with his trademark wit.
A useful introduction gives tips on pronunciation, as well as a series of maps. The chapters appear chronologically, each beginning with a handy timeline, and they go on to be divided up into regular sub-headings, meaning that the book is accessible to all. While chapters are organised in a logical manner that would allow you to dip in and out of the book for reference using the contents or index as appropriate, the book has a clear sense of continuity. It does, therefore, read well as a whole.
Did you know that our word ‘copper’ derives from the Greek Kupros, ‘Cyprus’, which was well known for its copper mines? Likewise, how many holiday makers would be aware that a visit to Santorini was actually one to Santa Irene (‘Holy Peace’) – the name of a local church given to the island in the thirteenth century AD? Such enchanting nuggets of information are a feature of the book, alongside slightly more obscure ones. The importance of pigs was one fine example: in order to preserve the meat of this particular livestock, the ‘cheap, less tempting bits were salted and made into sausages. The Greeks did not have a single word for “sausage”: they had eleven.’ Fascinating stuff.
As well as illuminating revelations, the book does of course deal with the expected topics such as the rise of democracy, the building of the Parthenon, and the Peloponnesian war, and information is frequently accompanied by quotations taken from writers such as Plato or Sophocles. But J. has not set out to form an argument or produce a scholarly debate. Rather he presents the facts and, having laid them all out, he draws logical conclusions as and when required.
Some of the book was for me prior knowledge, but it acted as a handy reminder of all those facts that people often ask and you might have forgotten. At the same time there were plenty of areas where my knowledge was limited, and J. ensured I was informed of the essential details. Without a doubt it reignited my passion for the subject and I cannot wait to return to many of the places mentioned, or hunt out artefacts, frescoes or corners of sites and cities that J. refers to. However, the book would also be a superb gift for anyone with an interest in the period. It is the sort of book that would appeal to novices and experts alike. It was a sheer delight to read from beginning to end.
Chloe Lewis—Head of Classics, St Margaret’s School, Bushey