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gilroi's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
This is neither exhaustive nor focused, but that's kind of the point. This is a pleasant read if you need something to kind of settle into and you want it to be about the classical period. Unlike a lot of pop history of this type, it cites sources very directly and hides as little in footnotes as possible -- I find personally find it helpful to read a book and see 'according to Plutarch' rather than a citation at the end that I'm much less likely to remember. Unfortunately, like a lot of pop history of this type, it mashes hundreds of years of culture together indiscriminately, and we're never entirely sure what period of antiquity we're talking about unless it's immediately relevant to the answer. That said, the good is greater than the mediocre, and I plan to read the 'sequel' the next time I need some background listening (I highly recommend the audiobook) that's still educational and not a podcast.
randomprogrammer's review
4.0
quick, fun, and worth the read. great book for a car ride with a friend.
lavisgate's review
2.5
Some interesting parts but the format was not for me. Why does every answer have to start with a terrible narrative that is sometimes barely related?
ms0blonde's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
classic_toby's review
5.0
Informative and highly entertaining, Garrett Ryan’s wit and humor combined with his knowledge of and obvious passion for Antiquity are on full display in each easily digestible chapter. As a longtime fan of his YouTube channel Toldinstone I found myself reading the book in his trademark monotone yet endearing voice. The narrative parts found throughout the book amidst all the facts were incredibly well written and really helped to immerse me in the daily lives of the ancients and I could read another entire book composed solely of these narratives. I really could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book but honestly you should just read it for yourself and see what I’m talking about!