Questions About SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

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Answered Questions (11)

Two questions: 1) does this book read like a textbook? And 2) how unbiased is it? Eurocentric? AntiEurocentric? I want neither.

Skye 1) It definitely doesn't read like a textbook. I just finished taking a "History of Latin Literature" class where we had several textbooks, and now I'…more1) It definitely doesn't read like a textbook. I just finished taking a "History of Latin Literature" class where we had several textbooks, and now I'm reading SPQR (the day after my final exam, I might add) for pleasure because it feels like a fun and dynamic re-working of all I have just learned. You could definitely read it for bed or at the beach without feeling bored at all.

2) It's hardly biased-- I mean, any source about history has some bias, but SPQR is only biased in that Mary Beard is devoted to not just telling one side of the story. So from one perspective, you could say she goes out of her way to give a fair picture of Roman history-- one that includes women, children, non-Romans, and pretty much anyone else who is usually ignored by Roman histories. It's a book on Europe so it's about Europe (hardly a fault of the book), but I wouldn't say it's Eurocentric because she ties in connections to today and, occasionally, other civilizations. I think it's the fairest, best Roman history book you could find if you don't want a textbook and want a fair representation of history. (less)

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Hi Martha I agree about history being a keen interest in many genres. Another book to add to my growing list of ' to read' books. Was this a relatively easy book to read? Were the chapters not too long? I like setting myself a chapter a day as an aim.

Cliff I read the 500+ pages of this in 4 days - it is written in an exceptionally readable style, but doesn't 'talk down'.…moreI read the 500+ pages of this in 4 days - it is written in an exceptionally readable style, but doesn't 'talk down'.(less)

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Can anyone recommend introductory reading material for ancient Rome? Would S.P.Q.R. be good reading material?

Varði This is definitely the book for someone looking for an introduction to Roman history.

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Can a 13 year old, avid reader, read this book? Or is it a bit too heavy. She wants to read more non-fiction books and enjoys the histories of Ancient Rome and Greece.

John Matthew IV Mary has a great writing style that I think a 13-year-old could easily understand. Realize this is a not a PG book but I think that's accepted.…moreMary has a great writing style that I think a 13-year-old could easily understand. Realize this is a not a PG book but I think that's accepted.(less)

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Seeing that the author is a staunch feminist, is this book focused on women during the period? I support women's equality issues, but want a comprehensive history of Rome and not a narrow analysis of one aspect.

Mary Flynn Not specifically. Women in ancient Rome is a theme throughout the book, but it's not a history of women in ancient Rome. It is a more general history.…moreNot specifically. Women in ancient Rome is a theme throughout the book, but it's not a history of women in ancient Rome. It is a more general history.(less)

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