The legacy of Greece

by Richard Livingstone

Numerose tavole in nero . 16mo pp. 424 Brossura (wrappers) Molto buono (Very Good)

Genres: History, Philosophy

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a spotty compilation of essays reflecting on the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Greece's legacy to the West, by a collection of leading classicists of the early 20th century. The essays by Murray (The Value of Greece to the Future of the World), Burnett (Philosophy), Livingstone (Literature), and Zimmern (Political Thought) are absolutely first-rate, regardless of their age. The essays on religion, history, and Greek art seemed hopelessly out-of-date with their deeply conservative, nay, even imperialistic outlook (Rule, Britannia!) and their overtly pro-Christian (Protestant) biases. The essay on architecture was enjoyable, if not particularly memorable. As to the essays on mathematics, medicine, and the natural sciences, I'm too ignorant of these subjects to hold a meaningful opinion. On the whole, as a closet classicist myself, I found this a worthwhile read and recommend it especially for those essays I've praised above. Just be aware of the (infuriating) biases you're likely to encounter in some of the others should you deign to delve.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually try to have something positive to say about everything I read, even when I do not like it, because I realize people put time and work into creating it. I also realize some books are not for everyone. This book is not for me. I thought that I would greatly enjoy it, because I love Greek mythology, and I recognize that Greek society had a large reach. This book was just absolutely dull. I cannot think of anything constructive to say about this book. I do not recommend wasting your time.