Title: SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Author: Mary Beard
Published: 2015
Language: English
Pages: 606
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
This is a book about ancient Rome, exploring how this major empire came to be, what it was like and how it evolved over time.
Review:
I have always been quite interested in ancient Greek history, but never really explored the history of ancient Rome, so I figured this would be a good introduction. And it was!
This delivers what it promises - an overall history of ancient Rome. I feel like I have a pretty good overview now, though some things have stuck more than others. I'm not going to lie though, I felt it was a bit dry in parts, especially in the beginning. I don't think it always succeeds in bringing ancient Rome to life, which I think is a shame, as history is at its best when you can find yourself immersed in it.
It also does feel a bit long. I know some people have said that this was a book they sat up at night reading because they couldn't put it down, but that's not how it was for me. I took breaks and tried taking my time, so I wouldn't feel like it got boring. It's one of those books I read because I wanted to know more about it, but not one I cuddled up on the sofa with and read for hours.
In the end, I perhaps wish it had been made a bit more lively, but other than that, it was a good book and an educational one.
You can get this book at The Book Depository*
You can read more about it on Goodreads
Author: Mary Beard
Published: 2015
Language: English
Pages: 606
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
This is a book about ancient Rome, exploring how this major empire came to be, what it was like and how it evolved over time.
Review:
I have always been quite interested in ancient Greek history, but never really explored the history of ancient Rome, so I figured this would be a good introduction. And it was!
This delivers what it promises - an overall history of ancient Rome. I feel like I have a pretty good overview now, though some things have stuck more than others. I'm not going to lie though, I felt it was a bit dry in parts, especially in the beginning. I don't think it always succeeds in bringing ancient Rome to life, which I think is a shame, as history is at its best when you can find yourself immersed in it.
It also does feel a bit long. I know some people have said that this was a book they sat up at night reading because they couldn't put it down, but that's not how it was for me. I took breaks and tried taking my time, so I wouldn't feel like it got boring. It's one of those books I read because I wanted to know more about it, but not one I cuddled up on the sofa with and read for hours.
In the end, I perhaps wish it had been made a bit more lively, but other than that, it was a good book and an educational one.
You can get this book at The Book Depository*
You can read more about it on Goodreads
*AFFILIATE LINK
