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1Arknight
So, I've managed to collect all of the books shown in this picture taken from one of the other threads here. I was wondering if anyone who's been a member for a number of years could give some insight into how often Folio seems to print new editions in this series.
2LucasTrask
Here are the original publication dates of each title in the series:
1997 The Vikings
1999 Empires of the Ancient Near East
2000 Empires of Early Latin America
2001 The Celts
2002 The Normans
2004 The Mycenaeans and the Minoans
2005 The Phoenicians
2008 Empires of the Nile
It has now been three years since the last title in the series was published and that title combined three different books together. I think that at this time it is hard to say if and when FS will publish another title in this series.
1997 The Vikings
1999 Empires of the Ancient Near East
2000 Empires of Early Latin America
2001 The Celts
2002 The Normans
2004 The Mycenaeans and the Minoans
2005 The Phoenicians
2008 Empires of the Nile
It has now been three years since the last title in the series was published and that title combined three different books together. I think that at this time it is hard to say if and when FS will publish another title in this series.
3brother_salvatore
If they continue to add to the series I'm hoping for volumes on: Sumerians, Assyrians, and Goths or Indo-Europeans.
4Arknight
>2 LucasTrask:
Thanks Lucas, that is very useful information. It looks like if they are going to continue, there could be a good chance of another coming out soon.
Thanks Lucas, that is very useful information. It looks like if they are going to continue, there could be a good chance of another coming out soon.
5chase.donaldson
You seem to be missing Empires of the Word. You should probably get on that :)
6Svartalf
>3 brother_salvatore: Maybe add Slavs to this list as well.
7Arknight
>3 brother_salvatore:
It would be nice to also get some of the Far Eastern civilizations such as China and Japan; maybe in a set similar to the Empires of the Near East.
It would be nice to also get some of the Far Eastern civilizations such as China and Japan; maybe in a set similar to the Empires of the Near East.
8ExportFrisian
>7 Arknight:
In 2002 Folio published a nice two volume A history of Chinese civilisation set (Folio60 item 1093). Somewhat in relation to item 1093 (similar slipcase design), Folio published in 2003 a two volume India, a history set (item 1149). Albeit both sets are not published part of the Ancient Empires series, the two set are very nice indeed and are an interesting (technical) read. I can recommend both.
In 2002 Folio published a nice two volume A history of Chinese civilisation set (Folio60 item 1093). Somewhat in relation to item 1093 (similar slipcase design), Folio published in 2003 a two volume India, a history set (item 1149). Albeit both sets are not published part of the Ancient Empires series, the two set are very nice indeed and are an interesting (technical) read. I can recommend both.
9housefulofpaper
>8 ExportFrisian:
With regard to China and India, I suppose the editors at the Society had to decide what's an ancient civilisation/empire, and what's a current one with a long history.
With regard to China and India, I suppose the editors at the Society had to decide what's an ancient civilisation/empire, and what's a current one with a long history.
10Barton
I would second ExportFrisian's opinion concerning a "A history of Chinese civilization" and "India: A History". Both are excellent reads.
11kdweber
The Celts is selling for a good price in the Summer sale for those of you like me trying to still complete this set.
12Arknight
I must point out that not only are these books interesting by themselves, but as I read each one I begin to get a sharper and clearer picture of how the modern countries were formed.
For example, I had no idea that the Normans not only conquered England but also Sicily, large amounts of southern Italy, and part of Syria and that they weren't just French (like I used to think), but actually originally Vikings (Norman = "Northman")! I also had no clue that many of the ancestors of modern Scotland were actually settlers from Ireland who became known as the Scots (and later merged with the Picts). Why doesn't any of this stuff get taught in History class where you're supposed to learn it? I know we never covered it in my school....
I don't know, maybe I'm just stupid and everyone else knew this stuff, already, but I find it fascinating and am now somewhat wishing I had studied a different field when I was in college (I work in IT).
As I have read each book, I find myself hoping that Folio will publish more about other people-groups mentioned, such as the Goths or Turks.
For example, I had no idea that the Normans not only conquered England but also Sicily, large amounts of southern Italy, and part of Syria and that they weren't just French (like I used to think), but actually originally Vikings (Norman = "Northman")! I also had no clue that many of the ancestors of modern Scotland were actually settlers from Ireland who became known as the Scots (and later merged with the Picts). Why doesn't any of this stuff get taught in History class where you're supposed to learn it? I know we never covered it in my school....
I don't know, maybe I'm just stupid and everyone else knew this stuff, already, but I find it fascinating and am now somewhat wishing I had studied a different field when I was in college (I work in IT).
As I have read each book, I find myself hoping that Folio will publish more about other people-groups mentioned, such as the Goths or Turks.
16cwl
n.b. these are ALL either general histories, with all inherent problems therein, or they are very, very old and outdated. Some are both. One can, and should, enjoy them on this level, but in no way should anyone be under the impression that they reflect current knowledge. The problem comes when one doesn't know where the field has moved on. Some are indeed interesting and I do have a few that I bought second hand. In most cases, being such old works, if bought direct through FS they are frankly very overpriced and the same money would be better spent on current publications.
17Arknight
>16 cwl:
I can definitely understand what you are saying about some of the books being older; I have noticed that myself while reading them, however, I haven't come across anything that is just completely inaccurate, at least so far. In fact, in some ways I prefer to read "older" historical volumes like these because I have found that some of the more recent publications are actually filled with more inaccuracies. Books about the Celts seem to be the biggest culprit....for some reason in the last couple of decades, it seems like many of the books on the subject are full of romanticized ideas of what people want the Celts to be instead of just bare-bones facts. I don't care about an author's opinion about whether they think the Romans are responsible for killing off a "better" culture or how all the scientific advances we have are really owed to some group of people that was "horribly subdued and forced to change".
I just want to know the historical facts about where they came from, what happened to them, and what their art, religion, customs were...without a slanted or biased view. At least in my opinion, the Folio books in this series that I have read so far are great at presenting this type of objectiveness.
I can definitely understand what you are saying about some of the books being older; I have noticed that myself while reading them, however, I haven't come across anything that is just completely inaccurate, at least so far. In fact, in some ways I prefer to read "older" historical volumes like these because I have found that some of the more recent publications are actually filled with more inaccuracies. Books about the Celts seem to be the biggest culprit....for some reason in the last couple of decades, it seems like many of the books on the subject are full of romanticized ideas of what people want the Celts to be instead of just bare-bones facts. I don't care about an author's opinion about whether they think the Romans are responsible for killing off a "better" culture or how all the scientific advances we have are really owed to some group of people that was "horribly subdued and forced to change".
I just want to know the historical facts about where they came from, what happened to them, and what their art, religion, customs were...without a slanted or biased view. At least in my opinion, the Folio books in this series that I have read so far are great at presenting this type of objectiveness.
18housefulofpaper
>16 cwl:
Empires of the Nile collects books originally published by the British Museum Press between 1996 and 2002, so it's hard to argue that they're outdated. I'd also consider them to be more in-depth than a general history, insofar as I'm actually struggling to get through it. By comparison, I sailed through the Empires of the Ancient Near East set, which admittedly consists of much older titles.
Empires of the Nile collects books originally published by the British Museum Press between 1996 and 2002, so it's hard to argue that they're outdated. I'd also consider them to be more in-depth than a general history, insofar as I'm actually struggling to get through it. By comparison, I sailed through the Empires of the Ancient Near East set, which admittedly consists of much older titles.
19LucasTrask
From the copyright pages:
The Hittites was first published in 1952 by Penguin Books. A second edition was published in 1954, and it was revised by the author in 1981 and again in 1990. This edition follows the 1990 text with further revisions by the author.
The Persians was first published in 1983 by J. M. Dent & Sons under the title The Persian Empire. The text of this edition follows that of the first edition with minor emendations.
The Egyptians was first published in 1961 by the Clarendon Press under the title Egypt of the Pharaohs: An Introduction. The text of this edition is that of the first edition with minor emendations.
The Babylonians was first published in Great Britain in 1962 by Sidgwick & Jackson under the title The Greatness that was Babylon. A second edition with the same title was published in 1988. This edition follows the 1988 text with minor emendations.
The Maya was first published in the USA in 1982 by Rutgers University Press under the title Ancient Maya Civilization. A second edition was published in 1988. This edition follows the text of the 1994 reprinting with further minor emendation and a new introduction by the author.
The Aztecs was first published in Great Britain in 1973 by Macmillan under the title The Aztecs: A History. This edition follows the text of the first edition with minor emendations.
The Incas was first published in the USA in 1995 by The University Press of Colorado. This edition follows the text of the first edition with minor emendation and the addition of a new section, ‘The Ancient Pre-Inca Kingdoms’, compromising the first five chapters of Nigel Davies’s The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru (first published in Great Britain in 1997 by Penguin Books).
The Phoenicians was first published by The British Museum Press in 2000 under the title Phoenicians. The text of this edition is that of the revised reprinting published by the British Museum Press in 2002, with some further revisions and additions by the author.
The Vikings was first published in 1968 by Oxford University Press under the title A History of the Vikings and was revised in 1984. The text of this edition follows that of the revised edition with minor emendations.
The Celts was first published in 1971 by Penguin Books. It was reprinted with a new introductory chapter, ‘In Search of the Celts’, by Barry Cunliffe, in 1997. This edition follows the 1997 text with minor emendations.
The Normans was first published as two separate volumes, The Norman Achievement, 1050-1100 by Eyre & Spottiswoode in 1969, and The Norman Fate, 1100-1154 by Eyre Methuen in 1976. The text of this combined, single volume follows that of the first editions with minor emendations.
The Mycenaeans was first published by Thames & Hudson in 1964. A revised edition was published in 1983. The text of this edition is that of the revised edition, with minor emendation.
The Minoans was first published by the British Museum Press in 2002 under the title Minoans. The text of this edition is that of the first edition, with minor emendations.
Empires of the Nile:
Kush was first published, under the title The Kingdom of Kush: The Napatan and Meroitic Empire, by the British Museum Press in 1998. The text of this edition is that of the first edition, with minor emendations.
Nubia was first published, under the title The Medieval Kingdom of Nubia: Pagans, Christians and Muslims along the Middle Nile, by The British Museum Press in 2002. The text of this edition is that of the first edition, with minor emendations.
Ethiopia was first published, under the title Ancient Ethiopia: Aksum, Its Antecedents and Successors, by The British Museum Press in 1998. This text of this edition is that if the first edition, with minor emendations.
Here is the list sorted by the publication date of the editions FS used:
1961 The Egyptians
1969/76 The Normans
1971/97 The Celts
1973 The Aztecs
1983 The Persians
1983 The Mycenaeans
1984 The Vikings
1988 The Babylonians
1988/94 The Maya
1990+ The Hittites
1995/97 The Incas
1998 Kush
1998 Ethiopia
2002 The Minoans
2002 Nubia
2002+ The Phoenicians
The Hittites was first published in 1952 by Penguin Books. A second edition was published in 1954, and it was revised by the author in 1981 and again in 1990. This edition follows the 1990 text with further revisions by the author.
The Persians was first published in 1983 by J. M. Dent & Sons under the title The Persian Empire. The text of this edition follows that of the first edition with minor emendations.
The Egyptians was first published in 1961 by the Clarendon Press under the title Egypt of the Pharaohs: An Introduction. The text of this edition is that of the first edition with minor emendations.
The Babylonians was first published in Great Britain in 1962 by Sidgwick & Jackson under the title The Greatness that was Babylon. A second edition with the same title was published in 1988. This edition follows the 1988 text with minor emendations.
The Maya was first published in the USA in 1982 by Rutgers University Press under the title Ancient Maya Civilization. A second edition was published in 1988. This edition follows the text of the 1994 reprinting with further minor emendation and a new introduction by the author.
The Aztecs was first published in Great Britain in 1973 by Macmillan under the title The Aztecs: A History. This edition follows the text of the first edition with minor emendations.
The Incas was first published in the USA in 1995 by The University Press of Colorado. This edition follows the text of the first edition with minor emendation and the addition of a new section, ‘The Ancient Pre-Inca Kingdoms’, compromising the first five chapters of Nigel Davies’s The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru (first published in Great Britain in 1997 by Penguin Books).
The Phoenicians was first published by The British Museum Press in 2000 under the title Phoenicians. The text of this edition is that of the revised reprinting published by the British Museum Press in 2002, with some further revisions and additions by the author.
The Vikings was first published in 1968 by Oxford University Press under the title A History of the Vikings and was revised in 1984. The text of this edition follows that of the revised edition with minor emendations.
The Celts was first published in 1971 by Penguin Books. It was reprinted with a new introductory chapter, ‘In Search of the Celts’, by Barry Cunliffe, in 1997. This edition follows the 1997 text with minor emendations.
The Normans was first published as two separate volumes, The Norman Achievement, 1050-1100 by Eyre & Spottiswoode in 1969, and The Norman Fate, 1100-1154 by Eyre Methuen in 1976. The text of this combined, single volume follows that of the first editions with minor emendations.
The Mycenaeans was first published by Thames & Hudson in 1964. A revised edition was published in 1983. The text of this edition is that of the revised edition, with minor emendation.
The Minoans was first published by the British Museum Press in 2002 under the title Minoans. The text of this edition is that of the first edition, with minor emendations.
Empires of the Nile:
Kush was first published, under the title The Kingdom of Kush: The Napatan and Meroitic Empire, by the British Museum Press in 1998. The text of this edition is that of the first edition, with minor emendations.
Nubia was first published, under the title The Medieval Kingdom of Nubia: Pagans, Christians and Muslims along the Middle Nile, by The British Museum Press in 2002. The text of this edition is that of the first edition, with minor emendations.
Ethiopia was first published, under the title Ancient Ethiopia: Aksum, Its Antecedents and Successors, by The British Museum Press in 1998. This text of this edition is that if the first edition, with minor emendations.
Here is the list sorted by the publication date of the editions FS used:
1961 The Egyptians
1969/76 The Normans
1971/97 The Celts
1973 The Aztecs
1983 The Persians
1983 The Mycenaeans
1984 The Vikings
1988 The Babylonians
1988/94 The Maya
1990+ The Hittites
1995/97 The Incas
1998 Kush
1998 Ethiopia
2002 The Minoans
2002 Nubia
2002+ The Phoenicians
20housefulofpaper
> 19
Well done! I considered doing that, but I'm missing two of the books and, more to the point, was too lazy.
Well done! I considered doing that, but I'm missing two of the books and, more to the point, was too lazy.
21veilofisis
I think volumes on the Jews of antiquity and/or the Moors would be interesting editions, though I guess the latter doesn't much qualify as 'ancient.' Of course, the Aztec Empire originated in what, the 14th/15th century? So I guess it's all relative, really...
23Barton
>18 housefulofpaper: Excellent choices.
24LesMiserables
> 1
Arknight, I am envious. What a nice collection. I currently own none of these!
Arknight, I am envious. What a nice collection. I currently own none of these!
25Barton
>12 Arknight: I think your amazment about the Normans is quite justified. Fo0r the longest time I equated the Normans with the conquest of Anglo-Saxon England. It was quite the surprise about Norman activity in Southern Itlay and Sicly. On the other hand it sould not have been that surprising considering Norman incursions in Southern Scotland and in Ireland with the blessing of Pope Andrian.
By the way I do own the collection of Ancient History as well as the books on China and India.
By the way I do own the collection of Ancient History as well as the books on China and India.
26LucasTrask
Should we consider the just announced Nineveh and Babylon as a continuation of the series?
27Quicksilver66
It does look similar in style, but I am not sure if it is meant to be part of the same series.
28featherwate
At >16 cwl:, cwl writes that "these are ALL either general histories, with all inherent problems therein, or they are very, very old and outdated. Some are both. One can, and should, enjoy them on this level, but in no way should anyone be under the impression that they reflect current knowledge. The problem comes when one doesn't know where the field has moved on."
This reminds of a question (unanswered) that I raised on another thread back in May, in relation to the new FS publication of H A L Fisher's 1935 History of Europe. I couldn't find out whether it had been revised at all since it came out and asked:
"This loomed large on my sixth form reading list over half a century ago. ... I’m tempted by it, but since much of the history I was taught has been revised out of sight since I was at school I wonder if anyone can advise whether his work still has the historical authority or literary merit to be worth splashing out for?"
Can anyone on this thread so advise?
This reminds of a question (unanswered) that I raised on another thread back in May, in relation to the new FS publication of H A L Fisher's 1935 History of Europe. I couldn't find out whether it had been revised at all since it came out and asked:
"This loomed large on my sixth form reading list over half a century ago. ... I’m tempted by it, but since much of the history I was taught has been revised out of sight since I was at school I wonder if anyone can advise whether his work still has the historical authority or literary merit to be worth splashing out for?"
Can anyone on this thread so advise?
29Arknight
>26 LucasTrask:
In my opinion, it doesn't quite fit the format of the "series" (although I do think it is beautiful).
First of all, the cover and naming convention for the book don't match up with the past books (Book titled "The {Civilization Name}" with a figure or symbol representing that people group on the spine).
Second, there is already a book in the series called "The Babylonians", so it's not really a new subject, although since I have not yet read this volume, I am not aware if the city of Nineveh is covered or not.
In my opinion, it doesn't quite fit the format of the "series" (although I do think it is beautiful).
First of all, the cover and naming convention for the book don't match up with the past books (Book titled "The {Civilization Name}" with a figure or symbol representing that people group on the spine).
Second, there is already a book in the series called "The Babylonians", so it's not really a new subject, although since I have not yet read this volume, I am not aware if the city of Nineveh is covered or not.
30Quicksilver66
> 28
Fisher is one of those historians that should be read for his style, humanism and broad narrative sweep (rather like Gibbon or Maculay). If this is what you are looking for (and it is what I look for in a history book), rather than up to date synthesis and research, then Fisher is admirable.
I read the introduction in the Members Room and it put me of purchasing the book. Considering Fisher deals with a couple of thousand years of history, I was surprised that most of the introduction concentrated on apologising For Fisher's failure to predict the extent of the threat of fascism and the Second World War. These events were developing as Fisher wrote and I hardly think he can be criticised for failing to appreciate the risk of fascism at the time. But the introducer seemed to believe this was a grave error that could justify assigning Fisher's work to the dustbin but, despite that, we should forgive him and enjoy his great work, forgetting about his failures. I don't see any failure to apologise over.
Fisher is one of those historians that should be read for his style, humanism and broad narrative sweep (rather like Gibbon or Maculay). If this is what you are looking for (and it is what I look for in a history book), rather than up to date synthesis and research, then Fisher is admirable.
I read the introduction in the Members Room and it put me of purchasing the book. Considering Fisher deals with a couple of thousand years of history, I was surprised that most of the introduction concentrated on apologising For Fisher's failure to predict the extent of the threat of fascism and the Second World War. These events were developing as Fisher wrote and I hardly think he can be criticised for failing to appreciate the risk of fascism at the time. But the introducer seemed to believe this was a grave error that could justify assigning Fisher's work to the dustbin but, despite that, we should forgive him and enjoy his great work, forgetting about his failures. I don't see any failure to apologise over.
31featherwate
> 30
Thanks, qs66. I'll mull it over!
Thanks, qs66. I'll mull it over!
32boldface
> 30
I was going to say that Folio's introductions normally point out where current thinking has moved on, but it sounds like QS's example has got carried away! What I like in these old general histories is the bit at the end where the author sticks his neck out and tries to predict the future. I have a few books on the Cold War, for example, written only a few years before the collapse of the Soviet Union, where hindsight would have come in very handy.
I was going to say that Folio's introductions normally point out where current thinking has moved on, but it sounds like QS's example has got carried away! What I like in these old general histories is the bit at the end where the author sticks his neck out and tries to predict the future. I have a few books on the Cold War, for example, written only a few years before the collapse of the Soviet Union, where hindsight would have come in very handy.
33LucasTrask
Arknight, I agree that it doesn't quite fit the format of the series, but FS just released Irish Myths and Legends by Lady Augusta Gregory which doesn't quite fit the format of the myths and legends series, but if obviously about myths and legends and is even the same size as the other titles in the series. It also covers at least some of the same ground as Celtic Myths & Legends, published in 2006.
Nineveh and Babylon is the same size as the other titles in the Ancient Empires series. Also, the last title in the Ancient Empires series, Empires of the Nile, broke with the "The {Civilization Name}" naming convention, so that's not an absolute.
Nineveh and Babylon is the same size as the other titles in the Ancient Empires series. Also, the last title in the Ancient Empires series, Empires of the Nile, broke with the "The {Civilization Name}" naming convention, so that's not an absolute.
34podaniel
I've got Irish Myths and Legends and it blends right in with the other books of the myths and legends series on the shelf. But I can tell just by looking at the spine of Ninevah and Babylon that it would look out of place with the other volumes of the Ancient Empires series. And I am grateful to FS for that because otherwise I'd be tempted to buy this out-of-date and out-of-print book for no other reason than it would look aesthetically pleasing next to the other volumes of that series. A vain and shallow reason, admittedly--so now let me crawl off and hide in shame amongst my FS volumes.
35Arknight
>34 podaniel:
I'm still holding out hope that there may be another addition to the series after January! :D
I'm still holding out hope that there may be another addition to the series after January! :D
36ParadigmTree
> 35 Me too! There have been some great suggestions on this thread.
Has anyone else noticed that "The Vikings" has disappeared from the website and "The Phoenicians" are back?
Has anyone else noticed that "The Vikings" has disappeared from the website and "The Phoenicians" are back?
37LucasTrask
Are you implying that the Phoenicians have eliminated the Vikings?
The more I consider it the more I agree that Ninevah and Babylon shouldn't be considered part of this series.
The more I consider it the more I agree that Ninevah and Babylon shouldn't be considered part of this series.
38natashaslove
>16 cwl:, 17...It always seems to me that, unless you are dealing with an archeology issue, most of the revisions of history are revisions of thought and opinion, not of facts. There are not so many new discoveries as the number of new histories would suggest. I recall reading a book recently on the fall of the Roman Empire which was very critical of Gibbon (I have the book but can't remember the name) in which the author argued that the Roman Empire never actually fell, but became more federated (I bet the Romans living in that federation would have disagreed with the assessment, if they weren't too busy trying to survive to think about it). Anyway, the point is the facts he used to support the thesis have been known for a long time, so while his thesis was interesting I don't think the book did anything to harm the standing of, say, The Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire. I think this is often the case with new histories, so while I love reading the new thought, I will continue as well with the older histories.
40LesMiserables
> 24
Breaking News.
I now own ONE of them :-)
The Celts.
I would like them all. Are there any more planned?
Breaking News.
I now own ONE of them :-)
The Celts.
I would like them all. Are there any more planned?
41kdweber
>40 LesMiserables: The multi-volume sets can usually be picked up pretty reasonably on the used market.
42LesMiserables
> 41
I had a look, but postage from the used market is excessive often, when sending to Australia. The Aussie Folio 2nd hand market is dire.
I had a look, but postage from the used market is excessive often, when sending to Australia. The Aussie Folio 2nd hand market is dire.
43xaussienanny
>42 LesMiserables:
But not impossible, I have found most of this set online (and this with relatively reasonable postage prices) or on book hunts in Fremantle. Only have a few more to go and it will be complete.
The second hand book shops (mostly Elizabeth book shops - 3 in Freo alone) in Freo have nice little selection. I go back every few months and make some nice finds.
But not impossible, I have found most of this set online (and this with relatively reasonable postage prices) or on book hunts in Fremantle. Only have a few more to go and it will be complete.
The second hand book shops (mostly Elizabeth book shops - 3 in Freo alone) in Freo have nice little selection. I go back every few months and make some nice finds.
44LesMiserables
> 43
Are you saying that all of these have been bought on the used market in Australia? Great: do you have an average price paid?
Are you saying that all of these have been bought on the used market in Australia? Great: do you have an average price paid?
45BorisG
LesMis, I have the 4 volume Empires of the Ancient Near East for trade or sale, if you're interested. (And I won't overcharge on postage, you can be sure :)
46LesMiserables
Request:
Can anyone show a photo of the single volume British Myths & Legends (or any from the Myths & Legends series) spine on beside a volume from the Ancient Empires Anthology?
Can anyone show a photo of the single volume British Myths & Legends (or any from the Myths & Legends series) spine on beside a volume from the Ancient Empires Anthology?
47housefulofpaper
> 46
Here you go:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65741746@N08/6590833449/in/photostream
Still using the webcam, so the quality isn't great.
Here you go:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65741746@N08/6590833449/in/photostream
Still using the webcam, so the quality isn't great.
48LesMiserables
> 47
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
49k00kaburra
Are books in this series not currently on the FS website likely to come back? Or is the best bets for books like "The Mycenaeans" and "Empires of the Nile" the secondhand market?
50Quicksilver66
> 49
Possibly. A number of volumes in the series are quite popular. The Viking volume from this series was reprinted a few years ago after a lengthy absence.
Possibly. A number of volumes in the series are quite popular. The Viking volume from this series was reprinted a few years ago after a lengthy absence.
51UK_History_Fan
> 49
I would also mention that the books are usually incredibly cheap second-hand, to the point I almost regret buying directly from Folio. My price tracking in the US suggests the following average prices:
Egyptians - $14.47
Empires of the Nile - $45.98
Mycenaeans - $39.39
Minoans - $42.12
Hittites - $14.26
Phoenicians - $46.11
Babylonians - $15.17
Persians - $14.32
Celts - $29.62
Vikings - $32.82
Normans - $40.69
Maya - $18.43
Aztecs - $18.45
Incas - $19.02
So unless you are insistent on new and shrink-wrapped, you might be much better off with second hand.
I would also mention that the books are usually incredibly cheap second-hand, to the point I almost regret buying directly from Folio. My price tracking in the US suggests the following average prices:
Egyptians - $14.47
Empires of the Nile - $45.98
Mycenaeans - $39.39
Minoans - $42.12
Hittites - $14.26
Phoenicians - $46.11
Babylonians - $15.17
Persians - $14.32
Celts - $29.62
Vikings - $32.82
Normans - $40.69
Maya - $18.43
Aztecs - $18.45
Incas - $19.02
So unless you are insistent on new and shrink-wrapped, you might be much better off with second hand.
52kdweber
> 51 Where are you looking? I'm not seeing those teen prices on Abebooks. I've found very few FS books in the US. I've had to purchase almost all my used FS books from the UK. Yes, there the book price is frequently cheap but shipping is fairly expensive. I've bought many FS books where I've paid more for the shipping than the book itself. I've bought most of this set used and have paid between $30-$50 per book except for the sets which come out much cheaper per volume (high teens). My most recent purchase was the Vikings for $30 including shipping instead purchasing it in the year end sale.
53UK_History_Fan
> 52
I think we are using different sources. The prices I list are average prices of eBay US sales in the past year or so. So there is not 1 individual book available for $14.47 (Egyptians) for example but that represents the average of lots of individual prices in eBay sales. So you may not find a current book listed at that price but at least you can compare any current listings to the average and determine whether you are overpaying or not. That is why I created the database/price tracker. I found that I had been grossly overpaying for certain titles.
That being said, this is an extremely time-consuming hobby that has only limited benefit since I do not plan to sell books in my library other than a few dozen duplicates.
I think we are using different sources. The prices I list are average prices of eBay US sales in the past year or so. So there is not 1 individual book available for $14.47 (Egyptians) for example but that represents the average of lots of individual prices in eBay sales. So you may not find a current book listed at that price but at least you can compare any current listings to the average and determine whether you are overpaying or not. That is why I created the database/price tracker. I found that I had been grossly overpaying for certain titles.
That being said, this is an extremely time-consuming hobby that has only limited benefit since I do not plan to sell books in my library other than a few dozen duplicates.
54Arknight
>49 k00kaburra:
Personally, I didn't have a very hard time finding most of them second-hand for prices under $50.00 (I live in the US). The only ones that gave me some trouble were the 2-book set of Mycenaeans/Minoans. I believe there was only 1 copy of them available when I purchased them on AbeBooks....but that was months ago, so things might have changed.
I actually obtained the majority of them directly from Folio which still had "The Celts", "The Vikings", and "Empires of the Nile" available last year. They reprinted "The Phoenicians" this year and, of course, the Empires of the Near East and Empires of South America sets are still available.
Personally, I didn't have a very hard time finding most of them second-hand for prices under $50.00 (I live in the US). The only ones that gave me some trouble were the 2-book set of Mycenaeans/Minoans. I believe there was only 1 copy of them available when I purchased them on AbeBooks....but that was months ago, so things might have changed.
I actually obtained the majority of them directly from Folio which still had "The Celts", "The Vikings", and "Empires of the Nile" available last year. They reprinted "The Phoenicians" this year and, of course, the Empires of the Near East and Empires of South America sets are still available.
55housefulofpaper
Just a little wail here ... I'm missing two volumes from 'Empires of Early Latin America'. 'The Maya' appeared in a FS sale in 2009; the other volumes - never have...
56kdweber
>55 housefulofpaper: I picked up the whole 3 volume set with slip case for $60 on eBay in 2010. With today's sale purchase of The Phoenicians I'm only missing The Minoans and Empires of the Nile - two of the most expensive books of the set on the secondary market.
57Tanglewood
I just picked up the 2 volume set of The Mycenaeans and The Minoans. I'm curious, though. How did people enter The Mycenaeans since it also includes John Chadwick's The Decipherment of Linear B? I don't want to forget at a later date that I have a copy.
59Tanglewood
>58 boldface: Thank you, that was very helpful. By the way, I admire how much info you put in your comments field!
61drasvola
Received today The Phoenicians. It's a superb edition, very much up to date with the latest research. First thing I checked was information that had to do with trade with settlements in what is now Spain. A great buy during the New Year's Sale. Glad I didn't miss it.
62kdweber
Just picked up Empires of the Nile for a reasonable price. I don't understand why people leave their books in the original shrinkwrap for so long. Only one more volume The Minoans to go.
63housefulofpaper
I have the Empires of Early Latin America set now. I had The Maya as a single volume in its own slip-case. Then I saw all three volumes available separately in the Oxfam bookshop - but with with no slip-case(s). I bought the two volumes I was missing, but the lack of a slip-case niggled a bit. Then a few months later the same bookshop had all 3 as a box-set, so I bought them all again. At least I can tell myself it's for charity.
64cronshaw
>62 kdweber: I'm guilty of that: I keep the shrinkwrap on right up until I'm ready to start the book. Then, removing the shrinkwrap just before gently sliding the volume out of the slipcase, opening it while listening to the fresh tight creaking of the binding, fondling the virginal paper, smelling the fresh fragrance of it all, smiling at the handsome illustrations, is really rather special. Then I wonder when on earth I'll have the time to read it.
65LesMiserables
Alas, in my effort to track these down on the used market, I have now waited 6 months for a surface parcel from the UK with what should have been The Normans and The Vikings along with another non-series book Alexander The Great. Looks like I've been stung. An uncommon moment to be honest, in my online purchase experience.
66wcarter
>65 LesMiserables:
Welcome back LesMis. Long time since we have seen your name in this forum.
I too once had this problem (the joy of living in the glorious southeast of Qld in Oz) and the English bookseller agreed to refund the book cost after they had not arrived in four months. The books actually arrived after eight months in perfect condition and I contacted the bookseller again to repay him.
Contact the seller and see what his policy is, and don't give up hope yet. Some ships from the UK seem to circumnavigate the globe a couple of times before they finally decide to drop into Australia.
Welcome back LesMis. Long time since we have seen your name in this forum.
I too once had this problem (the joy of living in the glorious southeast of Qld in Oz) and the English bookseller agreed to refund the book cost after they had not arrived in four months. The books actually arrived after eight months in perfect condition and I contacted the bookseller again to repay him.
Contact the seller and see what his policy is, and don't give up hope yet. Some ships from the UK seem to circumnavigate the globe a couple of times before they finally decide to drop into Australia.
67podaniel
>65 LesMiserables:, 66
I also wish to welcome back LesMis and have had a similar experience with respect to a bunch of Trollope novels that got swallowed up by the L.A. central post office (a fairly common fate, apparently). The bookseller had a shipment number I was able to track to the black hole of the L.A. central post office. The bookseller then refunded the payment. OH, and I might add this was a transaction done through Abebooks.
I also wish to welcome back LesMis and have had a similar experience with respect to a bunch of Trollope novels that got swallowed up by the L.A. central post office (a fairly common fate, apparently). The bookseller had a shipment number I was able to track to the black hole of the L.A. central post office. The bookseller then refunded the payment. OH, and I might add this was a transaction done through Abebooks.
68LesMiserables
> 66,67
Thanks. I have emailed the person twice now, without reply.
Thanks. I have emailed the person twice now, without reply.
69wcarter
>68 LesMiserables:
Oh dear!
Unfortunately some booksellers are more reliable and ethical than others. Add a single star to his rating.
If you bought through Abe or Biblio there may be a way to get recompense through them.
Oh dear!
Unfortunately some booksellers are more reliable and ethical than others. Add a single star to his rating.
If you bought through Abe or Biblio there may be a way to get recompense through them.
70LesMiserables
> 69
It is an Ebay seller with a faultless rating of many thousands. Problem is I think, that by surface mail, you end up waiting past the period where you can leave ebay feedback.
It is an Ebay seller with a faultless rating of many thousands. Problem is I think, that by surface mail, you end up waiting past the period where you can leave ebay feedback.
71cronshaw
It's worthwhile when having books posted from the UK to always ask the seller to retain proof of posting (though I think all should do this as a matter of course), as the Post Office automatically insures packages for up to £46 (more if the sender pays for it), even for overseas delivery. Then if a recipient complains they haven't received the item, the sender can claim reimbursement. I'm not sure how this works in practice, but the nice gentleman behind the counter at my Post Office assures me this is the case!
72kdweber
Complete! Picked up The Mycenaeans and The Minoans boxed set to complete the series. Now I only have to sell the extra copy The Mycenaeans.
73brother_salvatore
>72 kdweber:. Congrats! Those were the last two I picked up as well. It's always nice to complete a series.
74Eastonorfolio
I would love an edition about Japan and the Samurai and an edition about the Mongols and the Khans.
75LesMiserables
66,67
Just received my payment back from the seller. It was 9 months ago I made the purchase but a kind lady in ebay intervened and she won the day.
Just received my payment back from the seller. It was 9 months ago I made the purchase but a kind lady in ebay intervened and she won the day.
76housefulofpaper
> 75
Good news of a sort, then.
Good news of a sort, then.
77LesMiserables
76
Well yes indeed. Retrieving £80 that one had thought had disappeared down the abyss, tends to manifest itself in a sudden but short lived euphoria.
What to spend it on, is the new conundrum.
Well yes indeed. Retrieving £80 that one had thought had disappeared down the abyss, tends to manifest itself in a sudden but short lived euphoria.
What to spend it on, is the new conundrum.
78LesMiserables
I have just managed to snag The Mycenaeans and the Minoans for under $70 AUD including shipping which I'm pretty pleased about. Both in mint condition too. That takes my tally to 10.
Still applying the patient waiting game on the second hand market.
Still applying the patient waiting game on the second hand market.
79xaussienanny
My copy of Mycenaeans arrived the other week, only have Minoans to go and my set will be complete. Not as lucky as LesMis in price as I paid about 70 australian for just one book. lol
81Pellias
It doesn`t appear anything similar in terms of likeness on the spine, so no. Anyway, carthage is developed from a phoenican colony
82NYCFaddict
That is what I thought, too.
I was worried for a second that I would have to add another edition to my wants list!
I was worried for a second that I would have to add another edition to my wants list!
84Paulfozz
I have the majority of these (lacking The Normans, The Mycenaeans and the Minoans) and would agree that Carthage and Nineveh and Babylon really don't fit the series; Carthage is very different in design style and Nineveh and Babylon is more a travelogue/account than a history book. Very nice to see the complete set in Arknight's photograph… most enabling. :-)
Very interested that Empires of the Nile is supposedly one of the more expensive volumes as I managed to pick up my copy quite cheaply at a bookshop in Bury St. Edmunds for about £12 (I bought a copy of Carthage the same day for the same price), with The Phoenicians being the most expensive volume I have acquired; paying £20 for a sealed copy from Oxfam. The multi-volume sets (Empires of the Ancient Near East, Empires of Early Latin America) seem to be quite common and often reasonably cheap; £30 appears pretty usual for these (£10 or less per volume is pretty reasonable). When you find them in secondhand shops on your travels they become surprisingly heavy as you carry them home though… the weight/value ratio is very good for these! :-D
I have only read The Hittites so far, which was interesting as much for how little was known about them as for what the book revealed. I think, though, that it will take many years for me to read all of these given the quantity of books on my shelves waiting to be read.
Very interested that Empires of the Nile is supposedly one of the more expensive volumes as I managed to pick up my copy quite cheaply at a bookshop in Bury St. Edmunds for about £12 (I bought a copy of Carthage the same day for the same price), with The Phoenicians being the most expensive volume I have acquired; paying £20 for a sealed copy from Oxfam. The multi-volume sets (Empires of the Ancient Near East, Empires of Early Latin America) seem to be quite common and often reasonably cheap; £30 appears pretty usual for these (£10 or less per volume is pretty reasonable). When you find them in secondhand shops on your travels they become surprisingly heavy as you carry them home though… the weight/value ratio is very good for these! :-D
I have only read The Hittites so far, which was interesting as much for how little was known about them as for what the book revealed. I think, though, that it will take many years for me to read all of these given the quantity of books on my shelves waiting to be read.
85Pellias
I really look forward sometime in the future to read about the minoans, as i was wery taken by the lost city of atlantis when i was young
(so yes ironjaw, i had an agenda when i was playing indiana jones & the fate of atlantis growing up) .. :)
(so yes ironjaw, i had an agenda when i was playing indiana jones & the fate of atlantis growing up) .. :)
86lechacal
>84 Paulfozz: wow amazing prices for carthage and empires of the nile. i had to pay $35 for empires of the nile and still am waiting for carthage to go below $60 online to buy
87Paulfozz
Yes, I was most surprised to find them for so little; I didn't have to take long to decide to buy them! They weren't 'pristine' compared to some other secondhand folios (which often appear untouched by human hands!) but the marks on the covers, which was food, I think, did clean off rather easily and now they just look good, just very slightly dirty around the edges of the block.
89jlallred2000
It's a griffin
90LesMiserables
Just bumping this great thread up to the surface again, for the benefit of those unaware of its existence :-)
92Arknight
Every time FS sends me an email about new titles, I check for something new in this series. No luck in the last few years. :(
93lechacal
>91 Pellias: The celts is modestly priced single edition and the multiple volume editions are frequently on eBay for cheap
94Pellias
>93 lechacal: Yup. Thx. I own to much money to folio (instalments), so no more books for me the next month .. saving up for Arion Press Sundial as my next purchase
Sometime in the future, they show up regularily (most of them) - the shippment is what makes them expensive
Lovely set!
Sometime in the future, they show up regularily (most of them) - the shippment is what makes them expensive
Lovely set!
95lechacal
>94 Pellias: Yes I am also in a hole because of Folio right now. Waiting for The Vikings and The Normans to pop up for a steal to finish my set.
98lechacal
>96 EclecticIndulgence: The Normans is extremely expensive too! 2x as much as Vikings on Amazon usually. Makes no sense, but oh well.
99Paulfozz
>96 EclecticIndulgence: Really? I think it is the cheapest volume from the series that I've bought!
100vanb
Uh, I'm not sure what's appropriate here, but I am selling the entire set of 14 volumes in my abebooks store. Normally I wouldn't dream of hawking my wares here, but I wasn't sure what to call the set on abe, and was concerned people might not find it. If I'm out of line by mentioning it, just let me know, and I apologize in advance. If I'm not and you're interested, then search abe for Ancient Civilizations, publisher Folio Society.
101lechacal
>100 vanb: I don't think out of line at all. People sell their books here all the time
102xavdaknave
For those who are unaware, Folio have just released a new addition to the Ancient Empires Anthology: The Anglo-Saxons!!
http://www.foliosociety.com/book/AXS/anglo-saxons
Enjoyed the thread guys, nice to find people sharing the same passion!
http://www.foliosociety.com/book/AXS/anglo-saxons
Enjoyed the thread guys, nice to find people sharing the same passion!
103narbgr01
Definitely think The Anglo-Saxons belongs with this series and it is an exceptional addition.
104woodstock8786
I have the Babylonians and if it is ok to mention, I would like to sell it. If someone might be interested. Alas it was from a mystery book and has no slipcase.
105SF-72
I'd like to ask those who have the book, if it's common for the spine of 'The Mycenaeans' to be flat as opposed to rounded? I'm looking for this book and have seen a copy at a good price, but it has a flat spine. I've read that some editions generally have a specific problem (like the slight crease in the spine of The Reason Why or a flat spine in the first edition of The Blue Faery Book), while in other cases it's the exception. In the photo on this page the spine looks rounded, but I'm not entirely sure. So any help would be appreciated.
108wdripp
>105 SF-72: I have it boxed with The Minoans, and both have fairly flat spines. I purchased the set second hand, so I can't say if it started out flat or rounded.
109kdweber
>105 SF-72: I also have it boxed with The Minoans, and both have fairly flat spines; although, The Mycenaeans is even flatter than The Minoans. Bought used like >108 wdripp:.
110SF-72
>108 wdripp:
>109 kdweber:
Thank you. That sounds like quite a few copies are flat, but not all. I'm not sure what to do now. I'm a bit worried about longevity and how well a 'flat' editions opens.
Since you both mentioned the boxed set: So far I'd only looked into the single-volume editions. Can anyone recommend sources other than Abebooks, the Amazons or Ebay where I could look for the two-volume set as opposed to single volumes online?
>109 kdweber:
Thank you. That sounds like quite a few copies are flat, but not all. I'm not sure what to do now. I'm a bit worried about longevity and how well a 'flat' editions opens.
Since you both mentioned the boxed set: So far I'd only looked into the single-volume editions. Can anyone recommend sources other than Abebooks, the Amazons or Ebay where I could look for the two-volume set as opposed to single volumes online?
111wcarter
>110 SF-72:
Biblio, Ardis, HCBooks, Amazon.
Biblio, Ardis, HCBooks, Amazon.
112wdripp
>110 SF-72: It opens the same as any other book, and I wouldn't think it likely to affect longevity, as the part that is flat is only attached at the sides to the pages (as it would be if rounded).
Even those FS books with imperfections/quirks are likely better made than the vast majority of the books on the market, and I expect they will last indefinitely if not abused.
I'm pretty sure I purchased my set from ebay or abebooks. Those are my go to shopping sites for second hand FS books (I'm in the US or I would shop from Ardis more).
Even those FS books with imperfections/quirks are likely better made than the vast majority of the books on the market, and I expect they will last indefinitely if not abused.
I'm pretty sure I purchased my set from ebay or abebooks. Those are my go to shopping sites for second hand FS books (I'm in the US or I would shop from Ardis more).
113Eastonorfolio
Mole, how about a book about the Samurai, Mongols and the Native Americans?
114devilsisland
A Native North American set would be a great addition. The Cherokee, Souix, and Apache maybe?
I would also like to see the Huns and Mongols.
I would also like to see the Huns and Mongols.
116HugoDumas
I agree this is a superb series. I too have them all and have recently added:
ottoman Empire
Indian History - 2 volumes
Medieval Civilization
Byzantium- 3 volumes
I will also consider Chinese Civilization - 2 volumes, though the reviews are mixed
ottoman Empire
Indian History - 2 volumes
Medieval Civilization
Byzantium- 3 volumes
I will also consider Chinese Civilization - 2 volumes, though the reviews are mixed
117elladan0891
>116 HugoDumas:
Have you acquired the new Anglo-Saxons volume released earlier this year yet? There was a 10-year gap between its release and the previous volume in the series. It's more expensive than any other volume, but is distinctly magnificent, with a separate photography volume à la The Tomb of Tutankhamun.
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/the-anglo-saxons.html
Have you acquired the new Anglo-Saxons volume released earlier this year yet? There was a 10-year gap between its release and the previous volume in the series. It's more expensive than any other volume, but is distinctly magnificent, with a separate photography volume à la The Tomb of Tutankhamun.
https://www.foliosociety.com/usa/the-anglo-saxons.html
118HugoDumas
>117 elladan0891: I immediately purchased it. Pricey, but It is magnificent. If I missed any let me know. Also I added the FS Hiram’s Lost city of the Incas’s (a place I visited).
119elladan0891
>118 HugoDumas: Well, as far as this particular series goes, this is it: 14 books in post >1 Arknight: + Anglo-Saxons.
Speaking of Hiram Bingham, you might have them all already, but I'll list other Folio books written by archaeologists about their discoveries:
The Tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter
Nineveh And Babylon by Sir Austen Henry Layard
Troy And Its Remains by Heinrich Schliemann
All very nice books, Tut extra nice with its separate volume of photographs like the Anglo-Saxons.
I can also recommend Carthage: A History by Serge Lancel.
Speaking of Hiram Bingham, you might have them all already, but I'll list other Folio books written by archaeologists about their discoveries:
The Tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter
Nineveh And Babylon by Sir Austen Henry Layard
Troy And Its Remains by Heinrich Schliemann
All very nice books, Tut extra nice with its separate volume of photographs like the Anglo-Saxons.
I can also recommend Carthage: A History by Serge Lancel.
120HugoDumas
>119 elladan0891: thanks. I will look into these. My Bachelors degree is in anthropology and archeology.
121kdweber
>120 HugoDumas: Not to mention Petra and the Lost Kingdom of the Nabataeans by Jane Taylor or the five book Lost Cities of the Ancient World series (2005).
122HugoDumas
>121 kdweber: great, will explore. Been to Petra and my LinkedIn and FB picture is at Petra!
Just found a mint set for $51 on Amazon. Will read Petra first, since it is a special place for me.
Just found a mint set for $51 on Amazon. Will read Petra first, since it is a special place for me.
123AlexCo
Re possible additions to the series, what about Kitto's 'The Greeks'? It is a classic, it is old enough so that publishing rights should not be a problem - i.e. it would be a reprint from Penguin. And as for empires, the Athenians had one.
124LesMiserables
>102 xavdaknave:
At AUD$270 before postage, I reckon I'll resist without any bother at all.
At AUD$270 before postage, I reckon I'll resist without any bother at all.
125HugoDumas
>124 LesMiserables: I understand. I was shocked at the price. But collectors who are completionists like me are irrational. Perhaps it helped to sell some of my other works on eBay to give me the delusion that the price was not that excessive. (PS. It was and is excessive).
