Barry S. Strauss

Various vignettes over the course of ancient history featuring many well known battles and participants. The authors necessarily do not go into great detail into each encounter and the personalities as entire books are written on each subject. Nonetheless, sufficient context is provided so that the reader can appreciate the authors' analysis of the factors that led to defeat.

As a fan of ancient history familiar with each of the battles described, I could easily follow the rather cursory summaries provided. Perhaps this would be a bit more difficult for those with no background into the subject matter.

The book flows well and objectively described the various encounters. Further, the authors' analysis of the strategic errors are interesting and rarely found standard battle narratives.… (mere)

As with his previous works, the author has an easy reading style that makes his book flow smoothly and quickly. He has the ability to include just the right amount of detail so as not to bog down the reader but still inform.

By any standard, this book will be the preeminent source for the background and context of the Battle of Actium as well as its immediate aftermath. It includes an informative discussion of both Octavian (the future Augustus) and Mark Antony, as well as Cleopatra. Other notable figures are also included such as Agrippa, Octavian's sister Octavia, etc.

A minor complaint is that the author, as is his style, over inflates the importance of female figures. No doubt his intent is to be inclusive in his historical reporting, but he loses credibility by overemphasizing the importance of such figures despite their lack of historical accounts.… (mere)