Well-Done Review of Classical and Pre-Classical Rome:
In this book, Edith Hamilton focuses on the poets, playwrights, and other writers of Rome from approximately 250 BC to 150 AD. She chooses to do this because of the rarity of historical data for the earlier part of that period. I do not rate this book as highly as her The Greek Way, because she seems not to have the sympathy for Roman culture that she does for Greek culture. Also, she gives very little in the way of explanation as to how Greek culture became Roman culture, e.g., the transformation of... more info
The Roman Way:
Edith Hamilton's "The Roman Way" should not be considered if one is looking for a complete and definitive historical analysis of Roman civilization. I would consider it more of an informative pamphlet on certain aspects of the Romans. Hamilton uses only primary sources in her book. In this way she is able to avoid any misquided interpretations or exaggerations that some secondary sources contain. But what she gains in her use of primary sources exclusively, she loses in the more contemporary analyses of... more info
When in Rome.....:
After reading the first two chapters of 'The Roman Way' I almost gave up. Hamilton's use of Roman theatre and comedy to introduce the reader to "The Roman Way", well quite frankly, bored me to tears. I just couldn't get into it. It seems that other reviewers enjoyed this approach so I suppose this is just my personal taste. That being said, I found the rest of the book to be mostly enjoyable. Hamilton's elegant writing style is certainly unique and I would agree with the reviewer who said that her writing... more info
A Good Introduction:
"The Roman Way" was a useful introduction into the famous figures of Roman literature, and the mindset of the people who built a great empire. Although sweeping generalizations about the Romans might prove irritating to anyone already very familiar with classical history, I think Hamilton still has plenty of insight about Roman culture--how it was at once noble and brutal, disciplined and imaginative.
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