The reign of Cleopatra /

Greenwood's "Guides to the Historic Events of the Ancient World" series aspires to "provide ready reference materials that include a quick, in-depth examination of the topic and insightful guidelines for interpretive analysis." These titles represent the first five in a projected ten-volume set. Each title includes a chronology, series of chapters, photographs, biographies of figures significant to the title, English translations of primary sources, glossary, and annotated bibliography. Although the titles sometimes note areas of controversy or express skepticism about ancient sources, they rarely make direct references to scholarly publications in which these issues are more fully discussed. However, references are present, particularly in The Peloponnesian War. Some cross-references direct readers from the chapters to primary sources. Lengthier studies of the same topics exist, such as John W. Barker's Justinian and the Later Roman Empire (1966), but for those who need a concise overview without quotations in the original language(s), these titles will provide a satisfactory introduction. Areas of disagreement noted in the text, along with extensive annotated bibliographies, will guide those with interest and access to research materials to additional information. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and two-year technical program students; general readers. R. Withers Miami University

Gr 10 Up-Although each of these titles provides a lively, interesting overview of its respective subject, their real value lies in their primary-source material. The writing in each title is clear, sometimes sophisticated, and, in the case of the Roman Empire, the author references many of the archival documents as evidence of his position. Each volume has an extensive chronology, a historical discussion of the subject, related maps and art, and biographical sketches of significant figures. Much of the information is available in encyclopedias and in titles such as Don Nardo's The Fall of the Roman Empire (1998) and Cleopatra (2000, both Gale). Both Greenwood volumes examine their topics through culture, religion, population changes, and history. Solid additions to Advanced Placement, High Honors, or undergraduate populations.-Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.