Roman Civilization: Selected Readings, Vol. 1: The Republic and the Augustan Age

Just totally awesome. Burned out on writing reviews right now or this one would be much better. But it's a very very good two volume set. While not historical *narrative*, there is much context provided from the editors/authors for all the selections. Also, the selections were plentiful and from a much wider variety of sources than I am used to seeing. Many of the expected ones are there (it's a law, I think, not to include Tacitus and Pliny in a book with 'words written by the romans themselves'). But that is there (and i was mostly kidding - it should be) but vignettes and graffiti and letters and so much more and from a variety of geographic locations, cultural allegiance, socio-economic class, etc. It's impossible to know if what survived from them is a statistically valid example of the whole civilization's views/attitudes, etc. - but I can't imagine doing a better job trying for that than these two books. Highly recommended.

I'm taking a Roman History class and this book was one of the requirements for it. It is an interesting read, and full of fun facts that I may not have known had I not read this book. Worth the read, even if you're not taking a college class.

Amazing book if you are interested in Roman History. This is not the typical history book, this is a very in depth book of roman history. I loved this and Vol II, absolutely a must buy if interested in the topic!

read it for history class, but definitely would recommend it, if you just want to expand your knowledge of Roman history

This source book of original historical materials is invaluable to my students. I love being able to have this book on hand to enrich the understanding of my students!

Great selection of readings. I shall cherish this book.

great book

Interesting read.

Full of primary sources. Saves a lot of hunting about on the internet.

A bit dry but a really good source!