An enlightening overview of the origins of travel in the ancient world. Most of the focus is on the classical period, both Greek and Roman, but with an emphasis on Roman due to the variety of source material available for the Imperial period before the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The level of detail and the use of primary sources is satisfying. I was slightly disappointed in the coverage of the non-Classical cultures but the author is a classicist and the book reflects his expertise. He is very strong on the Greek and Roman material and written evidence but less so on the Persian, Phoenician, Assyrian, Babylonian etc. Overall an excellent monograph on a niche subject but rather light on the non-classical cultures in the period. ( )

Excellent and one of the rare books to cover this subject. I also have the original edition. ( )

Part 1 covers travel in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece; Part 2 covers travel in the Roman Empire; and Part 3 covers tourism in the Roman Empire. ( )

If you like ancient history, this is a worthy addition to your collection. Casson relates all the information in a clear and logical fashion. Great little book, and covers ground that is usually neglected in other histories of the ancient world. ( )