Integrates the political; social; military; and economic forces of the Civil WarAbsorbing and accessible; This Terrible War : The Civil War and Its Aftermath deals with the American Civil War in a realistic and unromantic light; discussing the hard experiences of ordinary people and the uncertain decisions of military and political leaders. The title explores both the years leading up to the Civil War; and the war's aftermath in the North and the South. The discussion extends to 1896; reframing the period of the Civil War. NOTE: This is the standalone book.
#252584 in Books 2013-11-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.40 x .70 x 9.20l; .0 #File Name: 0199981558416 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Introducing Greek historyBy HHPomeroy; Burstein; Donlan; Roberts; and Tandy's -- sounds like a classicist law firm! -- "A Brief History of Ancient Greece" unfolds chronologically from the early third millennium down to 30 B.C.; the subjugation of Ptolemaic Egypt by Rome. The reader is successfully invited to follow the main political and military events that shaped the Greek world and in the process is introduced to key social; economic and cultural phenomena. An introductory chapter on historical sources and methodology is followed by one on Bronze Age Greece. The Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations are well treated; but there is regrettably nothing on the Cycladic culture with its archetypal marble figurines. With the following chapter on the so-called 'Dark Age' we enter Greek history proper. Self-evidently; archaeology continues to be the main source of information for the period (marked by such major achievements as the first temples and the phonetic alphabet); and significant chronological events are still absent unless one allows for the foundation of the first colonies. Epic poetry; however; now provides a certain background against which one can attempt an analysis of socio economic developments; and several important issues of so-called Homeric society arise. Similarly; lyric poetry sustains the chapter on the Archaic period which saw the emergence of the city-state; tyranny; fine pottery; monumental architecture and philosophy. Two chapters on Sparta and Athens respectively interrupt somewhat the linear chronological account before it is resumed with an exploration of the 5th century (Delian League; Peloponnesian War/s) in Chapters 6-8. Chapters 9-11 cover 4th-century history (second Athenian confederacy; Theban hegemony; rise of Macedon under Philip II; and of course Alexander's conquests); leaving only the final chapter to encapsulate the three centuries known as the Hellenistic era. In compliance with long-established tradition the book contains a glossary of mainly; but not exclusively; Greek terms; it is a helpful tool. All in all; the whole work is well illustrated and edited. The absence of footnotes makes clear the authors' intention to spare the neophyte from burdensome bibliographical references. Yet each chapter is followed by a succinct guide for further reading; understandably one with a tangible American bias; although British works and some English-speaking editions of continental publications also appear (with hindsight it may all be due to economical considerations; given that American books tend to cost less; this interpretation receives further corroboration from the fact that the "Brief History" is an abridged -- and cheaper -- edition of Ancient Greece: A Political; Social; and Cultural History; 3rd Edition by the same authors. In sum; the "Brief History" is reliable and informative; and it will easily find its place in the syllabus of many first-year undergraduate courses of mainly American universities. It will not revolutionize history-teaching; its main advantage in comparison with similar preexisting manuals is that it's up to date.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent introduction to Ancient Greek political; societal and cultural historyBy Guy DeutschExactly as the title suggests; this is a BRIEF history of ancient Greece; discussing important milestones in the politics; society and culture of ancient Greece; from its first days to the fall of the Hellenistic kingdoms. Overall; this is an excellent introduction for students and general readers without expertise in the subject; written by prominent scholars in a very lucid; succinct and interesting manner; with the aid of many pictures; maps; excerpts from ancient sources; as well as a chronology of major events; suggested further reading and a short glossary of major terms. The chapter on Alexander the Great's conquests was especially captivating. Still; the brevity of the text does not allow for more than a short discussion of many subjects; and with regard to some this seemed very unsatisfying; e.g. Minoan civilization and the takeover of the Greek world by the Romans. Those who are looking for a more thorough discussion of ancient Greek history should therefore turn to the longer volume produced by the same authors under Oxford University Press. Otherwise; this is an excellent and highly recommended reading for those interested in a brief introduction/overveiw of the subject.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Was a good book; had a bit of fun reading itBy Jonathan; BuyerBook was used for history course at my University. Was a good book; had a bit of fun reading it.
