From Library Journal, which is the third of the Big Three industry journals (the other two being PW and Booklist):
**
Bauer (American literature, Coll. of William & Mary; The Well-Educated Mind) has produced a good introductory history to the ancient world in this first volume of a new series. Divided into more than 80 chapters, the work focuses on Western history but devotes space to the development of ancient civilizations in China and India. Time lines, 13 illustrations, and 80 maps are interspersed throughout to help guide readers through the twists and turns of assassinations, wars, and natural disasters that largely make up the history of the ancient world. An endnotes and a works-cited section are included. Those looking for a more scholarly examination may want to turn to D. Brendan Nagle’s The Ancient World: A Social and Cultural History, but Bauer’s book is recommended for all libraries needing a good primer on ancient history. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/06.]-Sean Michael Fleming, Lebanon P.L.s, NH Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
*
I’m still waiting for someone to say that this is THE MOST BRILLIANT history EVER written, but in the meantime, this is pretty good too.
Yay! First of all, to all of the classical scholars it will be the MOST BRILLIANT, (according to all of your replies and my own opinion.)
Also, I enjoyed your review of Stackhouse. I doubt I’ll ever read his book, I’m too backlogged on TWTM, however I’ve found that blog discussion exceedingly fascinating. I’m glad you’ve shaken things up a bit!
I’m disappointed in your travel plans, because it doesn’t look like you’re going to HEAV. I missed hearing you speak last year and I was hoping for this year. I’ll only be in VA for a few more years so maybe next year? Maybe I can make one of your other engagements! Do you do “extra” talks at the College?
This blog is one of very few I read and I always love it!
Thanks for letting us in on your fun, hard work!
That is wonderful. What a great review. I’m glad that all of your hard work is being noticed and praised.
May I ask how will your books compare with J.M. Roberts’ History of the World?
When I used to be involved with theater, a director told once told me “Any review is a great review when you aren’t being drug through the mud.” I think it is now conclusive that this book is wonderful. I know that I for one, cannot wait to our copy!
This book is THE MOST BRILLIANT EVER WRITTEN. (Of course my review would carry more weight if I had read the book or had even finished working through SOTW1 with my daughter. Nevertheless. . .)
Well, it might not say the key words MOST BRILLIANT, but it’s still a good, solid review. Moreover, ALL of the big three have been good, solid reviews, haven’t they?
If my memory serves me correctly on that point, that would mean you have consensus, which I think will work well for you. I mean, the guy does say all libraries that need a history primer should buy one, doesn’t he? That could be a goodly number of sales.
I think this is much better than having inconsistent or lukewarm reviews among the big three. Hopefully discerning folks will say, “Hmmm, ALL of the big three have good things to say, so let’s give it a try.”
Chin up. I think it’s going to be a winner.
Sherrill
Nice recognition for your work. Congrats!