Nardo,
Don. Classical
Civilization: Greece. Morgan Reynolds 112 $28.95 978-1-59935-173-5 ms/hs Series: World
History(MR) VG-BNS
This volume provides an overview of ancient Greece and its continuing influence on contemporary society. Modern-day Greece is a small country with modest input into contemporary
world affairs. However, the ancient
Greeks set in motion ideas and practices that greatly influenced Western civilization as
a whole.
Readers will find the concise, straightforward prose easy to understand as they learn about Greek warfare, tactics, and heroes. Nardo clearly describes how ancient Greeks created the foundation of modern political, artistic, and social culture. The Greeks’ contribution to the development of scientific disciplines such as biology, botany, and astronomy are included. Greek architecture is also addressed. The chapter on the Olympics dispels the myth that the original games were limited to amateur athletes who received no financial gain through participation.
Photographs and illustrations are judiciously included, highlighting related text. The sidebars contain useful facts and offer more insight to the topics under discussion. A useful timeline, extensive source list and bibliography, plus a list of related websites will be helpful to student researchers. There is also a glossary and index.
Readers will find the concise, straightforward prose easy to understand as they learn about Greek warfare, tactics, and heroes. Nardo clearly describes how ancient Greeks created the foundation of modern political, artistic, and social culture. The Greeks’ contribution to the development of scientific disciplines such as biology, botany, and astronomy are included. Greek architecture is also addressed. The chapter on the Olympics dispels the myth that the original games were limited to amateur athletes who received no financial gain through participation.
Photographs and illustrations are judiciously included, highlighting related text. The sidebars contain useful facts and offer more insight to the topics under discussion. A useful timeline, extensive source list and bibliography, plus a list of related websites will be helpful to student researchers. There is also a glossary and index.
Nardo’s text provides a solid overview to the many ways Greeks helped to shape Western civilization, and continue to influence contemporary life.
-- Hilary Welliver
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