Rome and the Classical West (The Illustrated History of the World, Volume 3)
This history covers the time period from prehistory to 1997. It is notable for its many time lines, charts, maps, drawings, illustrations, and photographs, which complement the text and bring it to life.The set is a revision ofHistory of the World(1976) by Roberts, a British historian, professor, editor, and author. He points out that any history of the world must be selective. In this one he has tried "to set our events, movements, determining facts and circumstances which have shaped most human lives." He emphasizes the most significant civilizations and tells their stories in all their interconnectedness, highlighting their most important contributions. The tone is optimistic, stressing human power to manage nature, overcome obstacles, and bring about conscious change.Primary arrangement is chronological by volume, with the chapters within each volume combining a thematic and geographic approach. For example, volume one,Prehistory and the First Civilizations,includes chapters on "Early Civilized Life," "Ancient Mesopotamia," and "Ancient Egypt." Some topics covered in "Ancient Egypt" are Mesopotamian influence, the role of the Nile, agriculture, religion, death and burial, hieroglyphic writing, the invention of papyrus, and the pyramids, as well as political topics, individuals, and the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. These topics are covered with little detail, however. The significance of hieroglyphic writing is related in one long paragraph, but there are no details or illustrations of how it is done. Each volume has its own index and contents list, in addition to a series contents page telling the time periods and events covered in each volume. There is no cumulative index.Roberts' goal of telling the main points of civilizations leads to his coverage being less detailed than sets it can be compared to, such as Time Life'sTime Frame(1987^-1999)andLost Civilizations(1992^-1999), orHistory of the Ancient and Medieval World[RBB O 15 97] andHistory of the Modern World(see review on p.1491). However, it gives a broad view and does lead to a quick identification of the main facts, which is often very useful. Its distillation of topics makes it valuable for younger readers, from the fifth grade through high school, and for this group it would be valuable both as a reference set and as circulating volumes. The fact that each volume can stand alone also makes it appropriate for the circulating collection for adults.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.