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(Essential Histories)

Summary: Brevity Is Not Always A Bad Thing

Rating: 4

For someone already versed in Roman history, this book may not contain much new information, but for a reader who wants a good, short

overview of the Punic Wars, then this works fine for that. At less than one-hundred pages, can be read in

one sitting, and I found little quarrel with the author's presentation of facts or take on the conflict. Not comprehensive, not meant

to be, this book is perfect for someone only wanting to gain a sound working familiarity with these conflicts.

Summary: Good History of First and Second Punic Wars

Rating: 4

This book gives a decent summary of Polybius. Good maps, illustrations, and photographs enhance the reader's understanding of the

geography and topography of battles.

"The Punic Wars," however, falls short in its summary of the Third Punic War: only three or four pages are spent discussing its

events. Furthermore, the author provided excellent coverage of the interwar years between the first two wars, yet completely ignores

the 50+ year gap between the end of the second war and beginning of the third.

Summary: I like a brief history as much as the next guy, but...

Rating: 2

I decided to give this book a try because I'd read and really liked the book on Alexander the Great in the Essential Histories series.

it was short and captivating.

but I was less impressed with this volume on the Punic Wars. as far as presentation is concerned, I think it's short on images,

anecdote and other things that made Alexander a smoother and more enjoyable read. these things aren't superfluous, they help the

history go down easy :)

I was uncomfortable with the overall structure of the book: the not-entirely-chronological presentation of the wars, the brief

Hannibal/Scipio biographies which followed, etc. the progression didn't seem natural.

also, in terms of content, the introduction was a little week in telling us what the Roman Republic was like at the time, what it's

tendancies were, etc.

to this book's credit, you can't beat a short and concise history if, like me, you're not a big historial. this volume of the

Essential Histories series just didn't pull it off well.

Summary: Good Starter Volume

Rating: 3

Another decent Osprey book. Only 95 pages and easy to read. The book has some holes in the content, but it is only meant to be a

starter. I mean how can you cover all three Punic Wars in 95 pages? You can't. I have read quite a few Osprey books because I like the

abridged content, but in this case I didn't think the 95 pages was enough. For instance the battle of Cannae was covered in two pages.

That just wasn't enough for the single most important battle of all the Punic Wars and one which could have ended Rome before it ever

became the empire it grew into. I like the glossy pages and the color maps were very helpful. The author spends a little time on the

social aspects of these wars between Carthage and Rome and how they affected ordinary citizens. This was helpful, but again it was

only a couple pages and the one page bibliography wasn't much help for further reading. I'm sure it is difficult to write about the

Punic Wars because it is all one sided. After the third war Carthage was completely wiped out so we have no evidence or writings which

came out of Carthage. All the primary sources have come out of ancient Rome. Generally speaking I like these Essential Histories

series of books and I would recommend these to anyone. However, if you really want to learn about the Punic Wars I would suggest

searching elsewhere for a larger volume. This one is just too short.

Summary: With Hannibal against Rome

Rating: 5

The great difficulties with writing a history book are always a) Trying to present the information without bias (or as close as is

possible), and b) taking the reader with you on the journey, involving them in the events.

Nigel Bagnall succeds on both counts.This is a book packed with all sorts of interest and some wonderfully clear and precise military

writing.Bagnall clearly knows his subject well, and his enthusiasm for the history of this great conflict is contagious.

This is a history book that will involve and engage you fully.

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Rating:
2.5 out of 5 by Book123