Ancient Greece from Homer to Alexander: The Evidence

"A welcome contribution to introductory studies on Greek history, and aims at presenting not just the historical narration but also the primary sources on which history is based... Whatever their background, all readers will benefit from this study, since Roisman manages to cover thoroughly the main aspects of each period. In addition to the historical narrative the book is supplemented with the basic secondary literature, the primary sources and, clearly one of its strengths, e- sources on the web. Thus, the reader gets a good idea both of the valid scholarly views and of what material exists on the internet to support these views. This work is surely a first step for everyone who wishes to explore Greek history. Finally, what is most helpful and educative is that Roisman's study lets the facts speak for themselves so that readers can form their own opinion about them. It seems that this kind of self-learning is the organising principle of the book. To my knowledge this is the first study of this kind, and I would strongly recommend its translation into other languages so that more students and the general public can benefit from it."  (Panagiotis Paraskevas, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 1 October 2012)

"Headlined ‘Historical Sources in Translation', this substantial 642-page annotated sourcebook is just the thing to place in the hands of bright sixth-form students doing the OCR AS/A2 Ancient History paper, or of undergraduates enjoying the proliferating Classical Studies courses at university." (The Anglo-Hellenic Review, Autumn 2011)

 

“Students of ancient Greece will respond to this book as John Sheffield (1709) did to Homer:  ‘you will hardly need another book.’  The new compilation of evidence merits the same praise for its range, aids and the quality of its illustrations and commentaries.” – Carol Thomas, University of Washington

“This wide-ranging collection of passages from the ancient sources, judiciously selected and edited by Joseph Roisman, and freshly translated by John Yardley, provides students of Greek History with an essential corpus of evidence for the period from Homer to the Macedonian conquest of the East. Roisman and Yardley are richly deserving of our praise and gratitude.” – Waldemar Heckel, University of Calgary

“If you want a thorough and expert introduction to the evidence of ancient Greek history – in other words, to the building blocks of western civilization – read this book.” - Barry Strauss, Cornell University