April 15, 2013
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.