P. V. N. Myers (1846–1937)

This book is itself almost ancient. It exemplifies the old approach to history that emphasized politics and wars to the exclusion of almost everything else. Still it is interesting more as a glimpse into the ways history was formerly practiced rather than the actual content of the book.

It is a complete and through outline of Roman history (as well as the early medieval period until 800). It's mostly chronological, though some space is given to social and cultural topics. But while the prose is occasionally adorned with memorable phrases ("Greece captive led enthralled her captor") the tone is both somewhat pedagogic (having apparently been written as a school textbook) and sometimes rather arrogant (phrases such as "the fatalism and stagnation of the East" crop up here and show more there). Also, for better or worse, Myers has a tendency to make comparisions and analogies. All in all, it's not terrible, being at least a useful outline of Roman history, though it is rather old-fashioned.

(7/10) show less

From "about 5000" in Egypt to 800 A.D. Charlemagne and the "restored" Empire in the West. Includes China, India, Islamic conquests, and extensive description of Greek and Roman history.

Now of course, this is breathtakingly dated.

Edition: Second Revised Edition // Descr: xviii, 592 p. : ill., plates, maps 20 cm. // Series: Call No. { 950 M99 } Contains General Bibliography and Index and Pronouncing Vocabulary. // //