Greece: Splendours of Ancient Greece

Contemporary Review, July, 2005

Greece: Splendours of Ancient Greece. Furio Durando. Thames & Hudson. [pounds sterling]12.95. 292 pages. ISBN 0-500-51204-3. Rome: Splendours of an Ancient Civilization. Anna Maria Liberati and Fabio Bourbon. Thames & Hudson. [pounds sterling]12.95. 292 pages. ISBN 0-500-51205-1. These two titles were first published in hardback in 1996 and as paperbacks in 2001.

In both instances there was a larger format. The publishers have now taken the opportunity to reissue these justifiably popular books in a new, smaller or compact format. The two volumes, each complete with hundreds of illustrations, the majority of which are in colour, give readers an unparalleled introduction to Greek and Roman life. Of equal value are the reconstructions and drawings based on archaeological evidence and the explanatory notes and text. This new format is as welcome as the earlier presentations. (P.P.F.)