The World of Greece and Rome; An Illustrated World History, Volume 3

Hammondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books, 1980. First U.K. Edition, presumed First Printing. Hardcover. Very good. Diana Phillips (illustration research). The format is approximately 7.25 inches by 9 inches. 128, [1] pages. No dust jacket present. Illustrated front cover. Illustrations (some in color). Time Chart, Index. This is the third volume of an eight volume set (believed to have been expanded in later editions). John Morris Roberts CBE (14 April 1928 - 30 May 2003) was a British historian with many published works. From 1979 to 1985 he was vice chancellor of the University of Southampton, and from 1985 to 1994, Warden of Merton College, Oxford. He also wrote and presented the BBC TV series The Triumph of the West, first broadcast in 1985. From 1966 to 1977 Roberts served as joint editor of the English Historical Review. The Times Literary Supplement described Roberts as "master of the broad brush-stroke", and in 1985 Roberts wrote and presented the thirteen-part BBC television series The Triumph of the West, a series which painted a broad canvas but avoided simplistic solutions, encouraging the audience to think and reach its own conclusions. Later he served as historical advisor to the BBC series People's Century. The World of Greece and Rome tells the story of the Mediterranean Basin and the Near East from c. 500 BC to AD 500. It describes the development of the Greek and Roman civilizations which, together with the growth of Christianity, were to have a profound effect on the future and are the foundation of 'Western' civilization. The Illustrated History of the World is a new, lavishly illustrated edition of J. M. Roberts's bestselling History of the World. Now completely revised and updated, this comprehensive set traces the tumultuous story of humankind from the origins of Homo sapiens to the most recent upheavals in Africa and the Balkans. The rise and fall of civilizations; war, revolution, and peace; the attempts of peoples to mold and sustain their national identities; the impact of powerful individuals on world events; the interplay of state and religion; the social and economic factors that influence societies--these are some of the themes of this masterful, sweeping narrative. More than 2,000 photographs in color and black and white present a unique visual panoply of the march of history. In addition, more than 200 maps and artworks in full color bring complex situations into clear focus. Fully integrated sidebars and feature boxes narrow in on key themes, providing an additional layer of interest. Each volume also contains a double-page, illustrated chronology of major events, plus a bibliography and detailed index. Dr. Roberts' revisions to the ancient history portion of the text, made specifically for this edition, ensure that the latest findings of archaeology and anthropology are taken into account. Authoritative, brilliantly written, and superbly illustrated, this outstanding work of scholarship makes the whole sweep of history vivid and accessible as never before.