For the non-specialist or general reader, this atlas gives an adequate number of maps of the locations of major historical events and developments in both Greek and Roman history, in view of the fact that it attempts--extremely ambitiously-- to cover that immense and eventful span of activity within a single thin volume. This extremely broad scope obviously precludes much depth of coverage and necessitates omission of many important topics. The purpose of this format, however, is obvious: to make an atlas of all of classical history, although admittedly imperfect, available to students and readers with low budgets.

Another necessary sacrifice in quality, in addition to the constraints of format, is necessary to produce a volume of this kind. Maps of high quality are expensive, and including them would thus raise the cost of the book beyond the means of many potential buyers. As a regrettable consequence, all of the maps are mere black and white sketches that are unattractive, more or less hard on the eye, and difficult to read. However, the advantage of judicious coverage of many events and developments in both Greek and Roman history, at a price that most readers can afford, is a worthwhile task; and Talbert has accomplished it admirably.