Description
Book SynopsisAs Richard vibrantly describes the contributions of the individuals, he details the historical context in which each lived, showing how these men influenced their world and ours.
Trade ReviewCarl Richard's lively tour through the lives of twelve Greeks and Romans who created the Western world is a liberal education in itself, clearly telling us not just what we should know but why we should know it. For those tired of the melodrama of Western wickedness, Twelve Greeks and Romans will provide them with the necessary corrective: a clear overview of the unique virtues of the West and their origins among the Greeks and Romans. -- Bruce S. Thornton, California State University, Fresno
By setting these biographical essays deeply within their subjects' historical contexts, Carl Richard has given us an accessible and concise guide not only to these twelve major figures of ancient literature, philosophy, and history, but to the principal events of the Greek and Roman world from the Mycenaean Bronze Age to the Christian world of Augustine. The prose is lively, the anecdotes are entertaining and apt, and the range is remarkable in a text of this size.... -- Ward Briggs, University of South Carolina
Carl Richard's book is easy to read and highly recommended for those waiting to take a course on Western Civilization or who are rediscovering classical Greek and Roman history. * Great Lakes Bulletin *
A valuable overview of ancient history, politics, economics, science, literature, art, philosophy, and religion in Greece and Rome. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Readers will enjoy learning about how the lives and works of such figures as Plato, Alexander the Great, Julius Ceaser, and Cicero became part of modern political debates, and about the debt that Western writers owe to Homer. * History *
By setting these biographical essays deeply within their subjects' historical contexts, Carl Richard has given us an accessible and concise guide not only to these twelve major figures of ancient literature, philosophy, and history, but to the principal events of the Greek and Roman world from the Mycenaean Bronze Age to the Christian world of Augustine. The prose is lively, the anecdotes are entertaining and apt, and the range is remarkable in a text of this size. -- Ward Briggs, University of South Carolina
This book is a breathtaking accomplishment. There is a wealth here of information, wisdom, and wit. The author of The Founders and the Classics has written another classic. -- Susan Ford Wiltshire, Vanderbilt University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Homer: Founder of Western Literature Chapter 4 Thales: Founder of Western Science Chapter 5 Themistocles: Defender of Greek Civilization Chapter 6 Pericles: Democratic Reformer Chapter 7 Plato: Founder of Western Philosophy Chapter 8 Alexander the Great: Disseminator of Greek Culture Chapter 9 Scipio Africanus: Defender of the Roman Republic Chapter 10 Julius Caesar: Destroyer of the Roman Republic Chapter 11 Cicero: Statesman, Philosopher, and Republican Martyr Chapter 12 Augustus: Founder of the Roman Empire Chapter 13 Paul of Tarsus: Christian Evangelist Chapter 14 Augustine: Christian Theologian Chapter 15 Brief Bibliographical Suggestions for General Readers
