The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ancient Greece

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Beginners!
Review: Nelson and Nelson, Ancient Greece 2004

Greek thought has always been at the forefront of Western learning. This book traces the development of Greek civilization from the Bronze Age to the downfall of Constantinople in 1453. Ancient Greece is written in a simple and lucid style.

Some major scholarly debates are simplified and have become highly readable for a lay leader within this work. One prime example Nelson and Nelson present is the current scholarly debate surrounding the collapse of Mycenaean civilization. In the work this debate is effectively synthesized and presented in an absolutely fascinating manner to a reader of any background, whom, I believe, will find that a civilization that collapsed and vanished from the historical record for 400 years before reappearing makes fascinating history and certainly a good read.

I bought this book to review and hopefully recommend to several of my not-so-Greek-savvy friends whom I will be traveling to Greece with in the not so distant future. I am sure they will enjoy it.

Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to a fascinating subject. I highly recommend it.
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