A Classical Primer
Ancient Knowledge for Modern Minds
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Didn't take Classics at school? Or maybe you've forgotten most of what you once knew? To save you looking it up, Classics is the study of the culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and takes in all aspects of their life and learning - from the languages to literature, philosophy, art, and much more besides. A Classical Primer is an accessible and enjoyable look back at classical civilization; how they lived, and how many aspects of our own daily lives have been directly influenced by theirs, from roads and concrete, to central heating, the twelve-month calendar, cranes and even the modern-day favourite, pizza! This handy, informative and enjoyable book is the perfect primer for people of all ages, and shows that even a basic knowledge of Classics is not only essential, bus also incredibly fascinating.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In response to the "rapid demise" of classical educations, Cambridge-trained linguist and classicist Crompton (translator, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum: The World's Oldest Joke Book) has written a brief introduction to ancient Greek and Roman culture to whet the unfamiliar reader's appetite and provide a general foundation of old-fashioned knowledge. He dips into topics as diverse as history, literature, philosophy, science, and architecture; all with an eye toward demonstrating classical influences and innovations still at work in contemporary society. Significant figures are discussed, including Alexander the Great, Homer, Virgil, and Plato. Plenty of fascinating, if lesser-known, characters and trivia pieces turn up like sunken treasure throughout the book as well turns out the alarm clock was invented back in the third century B.C.E. (you can blame Ctesibius for that one). Fit for students and curious novices alike, Crompton's light, witty, and informative book succeeds in its effort to pique readers' interest in the ancient world and stave off the demise of the classics at least for now. Illus. & maps.
