#238 The Ancient Greeks For Dummies (2008)

Author: Stephen Batchelor
Title: The Ancient Greeks For Dummies
Genre: History
Year: 2008
Pages: 320
Origin: read on the Kindle
Nod Rating: 2 nods out of 5

 

The Ancient Greeks For Dummies is the third of the For Dummies books consumed by the Worm during the summer of 2013. As with the other books, let us not kid ourselves that we are entering upon a highly enlightening read deserving of richly plump nods. 2 nods is all that is to be dished, as previously. But this is not to say that this book is not a worthwhile read.

The author – Stephen Batchelor – is a man who knows his ancient Greeks. He is a fitting guide through hundreds of years of dense history, highlighting the key areas and events. These range from ancient history and prehistoric civilisations (such as the Minoans and Mycenaneans), the onslaught of the Persians, the rise of Athens, the life-style of the Spartans, as well as the conquests of Alexander. As with the other For Dummies books, information moves beyond the narrative of history, with focus on other areas. This includes the home and family, architecture, as well as the famous Greek gods.

This completes the (un)holy trilogy of the For Dummies books (Tudors and Ancient Egyptians for the earlier two). The Worm feels as if he is repeating himself: nice reads, good for an introduction, but completely lacking in substance. It is another well eared 2 nods for the series, with no threat of taking any more. As for the Worm, he intends to go For Dummies hiatus for the remainder of the book-reading season. Overviews are all well and nice: but the real meat of words are needed to be ingested if he hopes to survive the coming winter.

Buy it here