3 comments about Atlas of the Greek World (Cultural Atlas of).

1. People like Greek mythology and Greek civilization as I do. This book is a good source of information for the subject.



2. Beware, I found this book is not easily readable, but if you persevere you will increase your knowledge of Ancient Greeks quite a bit.

   The difficult arises with the way the book is written, the author being from time to time more a poet than a prose writer. If you like poetry, the book reads itself differently. Some sentences are unusually long, and holding more than one substantial idea in them. So from time to time I found myself guessing what was the main point, because more than usual sound ideas are crammed together.

   Compared with two other books of similar aim and scope, Cornell's The Roman World and Baines' Ancient Egypt, The Greek World lags behind. In this book the geographical approach is not followed, but rather a cultural one is. Then, it fills the ranks of other books on Greece, but I found it harder to read. That's why I'm ranking it with three stars. Illustrations, many and of quality will help. All three books are good additions to a library of anyone with and interest in ancient history and geography.




3. While this is an essential general reference on Greece, the reader should beware that it contains inherited bias when dealing with some subjects. Of particular note is the role of women in ancient Greek society and religion. While a difficult topic to cover in today's PC world, neverless the Victorian imprint in Levi's work is hard to miss. There are also patronistic references to ethnic Greeks today, and quoted sources and the author frequently relate observations from Greeks who obviously had their "tongues in their cheeks" when talking to the curious foreignors. Other statements are made as "given" which could be challenged -- for example, "caves are mysterious" thus they are the center for religious mysteries. Some caves may be mysterious, but others are now and in past times used as animal stables and shelters, certainly not a very mysterious usage.

   So, while I recommend this book as a good general reference, and the gross amount of material presented is exceptional, the student should not swallow all its attitudes and opinions without critical study.

2 comments about Crete Travel Map (Globetrotter Travel Map).

1. In preparation for my month in Crete recently, I bought three books...Globetrotter's Travel Pack/Crete, Berlitz's Greek Cassette Pack with Phrase Book and Wicked Greek for the Traveler and out of the three the one that proved most comprehensive and valuable was Globetrotter's Travel Pack. Nick Hanna does not fail the traveler in any aspect of his descriptions...from what sights to see, to accomodations, to where to find a great meal. I stayed with an American friend who has lived in the village of Kiparissos, outside of Chania, for 12 years (and who is considered to be horiata or native) and we were always, genuinely delighted and amazed at the detail Mr. Hanna provided as we adventured around the island of Crete doing the tourist trail with this lovely little book and map in hand.

   Outside of the ocasional typo or incorrect telephone number (not unusual for Crete) Globetrotter and Mr. Hanna do a superb job of presenting Crete to the traveler on a silver platter. Bravo!!!!




2. I bought the first edition in 1996 and have been using it regularly since. Well researched on out of the way places - it's one of the few english-language guides to mention the two tavernas at the tiny Ayios Ghiorgios along the coast from Ayia Ghalini on the south coast, although you can walk it in 30-40 min rather than the 2hrs quoted if you ask the locals the way. Logical layout, decent maps, sensible advice, and not too much history and politics, which just adds bulk to so many guides. On the other hand, just enough about people and customs to be genuinley useful as a starter if you want to move from the north coast tourist strip. I bought the map separately and I don't recommend it. There are 4 decent scale (1:79,000) maps of the Chania, Rethymnon, Iraklio and Lassithi areas available locally. Highly recommended for a first-time visitor.

2 comments about Insight Fleximap Athens.

1. This is a great map for anyone who is spending time in Athens. It got me around the city great, and it's really easy to use.



2. Having experince in other Fleximaps (Barcelona, Los Angeles) I ordered Fleximap Athens for my approaching trip to Greece. The map is exactly what I need when taking a closer view of the town. Going around on foot or by car, one has to appreciate comprehensive presentation of streets - with their names in English - not only the major ones. In addition, underground lines are clearly shown on the map as well as a descripion of 19 top sights within the city area. I am sure this map will be for my full satisfaction.

2 comments about The Rough Guide to Crete Counrty Map (Rough Guide City Maps).

1. It contains updated information about the roads in Crete and a city map of the main harbors.



2. we used this map when we rented a car in crete for our honeymoon. we never got lost so it worked well! it is better than buying one when you are already there. I don't think we ever were on any road that wasn't on the map. we also just drove around and went to some of the monuments that were on the map - that actually were not in our guidebooks because the guidebook we had was not too comprehensive on crete, and that was kind of fun.

3 comments about Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World (with Map-by-Map Directory on CD-ROM).

1. Finally, after years in the making, this atlas is finished and I'm glad to have it.

   This is a great work, all the detailed knowledge about location of cities, shrines, roads, etc, etc., etc., that has been gathered about Roman and Greek sites has been put together in just one atlas. Even individual estates are placed on maps, when convenient.

   Seamlessly, from one map to another you can trace any route, find any name, and look into the neighboring area.

   The map by map directory provides further insight into the sources of information, variant ancient names and modern place names (if any),

   Obviously there's no such a thing as a telescope/microscope. You have to know what you are looking for, because details can sometimes shield the big picture. You need to know the original spelling of a name, or some variant. This book is invaluable when looking for names and places that are nowhere else printed in a map, at least a map that covers an area that places them in context.

   Now, what else could be useful?

   Basically, I would have liked three things:

   - an 'inverse' gazetteer or 'name dictionary'. Look for modern place names and find ancient equivalents.

   To look for a modern name is difficult. The book is not intended for this. You have to use the search engine in Acrobat, which means that you have to be using a computer. And scroll though the results. There is no straightforward way. So, a 'Modern Names Gazetteer' with ancient equivalents is something I'd like to have. Could a database fulfill this purpose? PDF formats do not allow data management, but the editor must have the data. Someone will provide this.

   - a different altitude color-coded scale

   As for the altitude color-coded tints, to my taste, there is at least a brown shade too many. The tinted scale is such, that some maps look a little brownish, because everything above 1000 feet has that background color. Of course, there are contour lines, but you have to look at them and read the numbers. Coding is not very useful in such a situation. Printed names over brown background are not easily readable.

   - a heavy paper o plastic loose-leaf with the Map Key

   The Map Key appears only on map 1, on the reverse side of the page, a good idea since the maps are not clogged with repetitive information and space is used for the essential purpose. But then you have to return to it for a reference. Thence, either it will wear out or hopefully you will remember usual references. Not for the casual reader. I've already photocopied it.

   Overall, an outstanding achievement. Four stars, could have been five if some of the above items had been included.




2. There has never been an atlas of the ancient world to compare with this incredible piece of scholarship and mapmaking. At a cost of about five million dollars and over a decade in development, it contains highly detailed professional maps equivalent to the best atlases of our modern world. It goes beyond the Mediterranean world to include europe as far as Britain and the east as far India. The last atlas of this time period I purchased had a few dozen imprecise and limited small maps. There are 99 full-color large-scale maps in this volume. I haven't been this excited about a reference book for several years.



3. I wish I could have given 5 stars, but since the book, shipped on January the 7th, still hasn't arrived at the moment of this writing (April the 3rd!), I can't evaluate it properly... and so I have to rely on other people's opinions.

4 comments about Greek Waters Pilot 10th Edition.

1. If you'e going, get this book. If you've been there hopefully it was already aboard with you. Great reference book: It is the book to have as a sailor in that area. Greek mapping of ATONs etc is not the best and this publication contains the best local knowledge you could have aboard unless your skipper is a highly knowledgeable local sailor. Landmarks, harbor services, native's demeanor, food & supplies, light historical info, phone numbers, even a glossary of useful Greek terms. This was my second trip using this book.



2. This book is definitely a "must have" for everyone sailing in Greece. We have used it now for 4 Years there without having any problems finding the information we need to find. Together with the local charts (which are often not too accurate) You will definitely find your way to the destination safely.



3. I am planning to bareboat in the Saronic / Argolic soon. It will be my first experience in the area, since in previous ocasions I bareboated, I did it in the British Virgin Islands.
   This is why, My first reaction was to compare this guide with the ones I used in the BVI.
   Assuming it covers an area which is dramatically bigger than the BVI, I was not surprised with the size of the book, which, is big and bulky (certainly not a pocket one, or something you can read at bead, you need a table to put it over...).
   I found the book is clearly written, easy to understand, with good diagrams. If I not rate it with a five (5), is because:
   
   - Though it has a general map at the begining of each section, once you are inside a section, reviewing the different places, is difficult to place certain port in the big picture context. This requires going back and forward, which is certainly not easy considering the size of the book. I believe having the ports (or anchorages) diagrams refered to a bigger portion of the area, would be helpful. This would make easier to plan itineraries.
   - Main ports and anchorages are included. But it seems the book lacks of information about secluded places, which may serve as lunch stops between main destinations.
   - Would have expected more "local flavour" in the descriptions of ports, once you are in. Maybe more recommendations on where to go, or what to do. Or that kind of data, which really makes the difference between the so called "milk charters" or a "tailored" one.
   
   This book is the default guide which you will find on board of many of the yachts in the greek area (as I could find out from many quotations I received when planning my vacation). But if you are going there for the first time, I strongly recommend to have the book far in advance, since is not the kind of book easy to use on board (mainly because of it size, you will only use it down at the navigation table, but not in the cokpit). Then, is up to you if you decide to take it with you in the plane... or trust the one you will find on board is in good shape. But the important thing is to be acquainted with it. Having said all this, I am very happy to have this book in my library while planning my vacations.



4. I'm heading for the Cyclades this summer on a yacht. This book has all the information I need for my trip.

5 comments about The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece.

1. This superficially attractive book should be approached carefully. The author makes several strong, yet unsupported statements in an attempt to minimize the effect of Classical Greece on western civilization. It is refreshing to see a different viewpoint. However, the book has no references; only further readings. Had I not been exposed to other viewpoints before reading this book, I would walk away thinking the Athenian contribution to Western philosophy, arts, architecture, letters, etc., was rather inconsequential and evolutionary in nature (rather than revolutionary as it is customarily accepted). There is nothing wrong with a new point of view. But, if it is radical, it should be supported (via references, etc.) -- otherwise, it is suspect.

   An example of this is the statement (p. 93) that an exquisite ivory carving of Philip II "a little over three centimetres in height ... belies Demosthenes' claim that the Macedonians were 'barbarians'". In the same paragraph we hear that Philip employed many Greeks at his court, including Aristotle. Could it be possible that the barbarian conqueror, Phillip, surrounded himself with the beauty of the world he conquered? Readers exposed to the beauty of Classical Greek thought and art are left wondering about the motives (or background) of this author who chooses to focus on the political, military, and perhaps greedy aspects of Greek civilization, while completely ignoring its more noble contributions to Western thought. Perhaps the book balances the opposite tendency, i.e., to focus on the marvels of Greek Arts, and disregard the support environment that provided the safety and affluence for Greek Arts to flourish. The author only mentions Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle by name, but without any statement that might suggest he has studied their works (which I am sure he has, but ...).

   A search on the web reveals the author is mainly an Egyptologist. This explains his belief that the Greeks were not initiators of Western thought, but rather mere continuators of the Egyptian arts and sciences, and "deeply influenced in all [their historical and cultural] phases by the other civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia." While it is true that Greek culture was influenced by other cultures of the region, it is suspect to underplay the influence of Greek innovation on Democratic thought and other noble ideals of western society.

   Again, balance this book with other viewpoints and do study some Plato (among others), while you are at it.




2. I agree with the reviewer who said that this book assumes you are already familiar with Greek history and even Greek geography. It is not an introductory book. Rather, it's a very good book to read after you have read a number of other books. It ties together scholarly opinion. There are still-existing controversies in Greek history, and it may be that this book takes a position in some instances that not everyone agrees with. But I don't see that as a major issue.
   To be able to read comfortably just about any book on Greek history you should be familiar with the geography. This is hard for us Americans, but it is a gradual learning process, and finally when they mention Argos or Thebes or Delphi or Thrace you will know more or less where these places are located. Of course, the maps in this book can be used to make other books more readable.
   An example of how this book is enjoyable in the context of other books previously-read, is the subject of Crete, Mycenae and Linear A and Linear B. The most interesting way to learn about this controversy is to read one or better yet both books about the interpretation of Linear B. The significance of the discovery that Linear B was a form of Greek is that it meant that at least by 1450 or 1400 BC Mycenae held sway over Crete instead of vice versa. What this Penguin book does is to emphasize that, according to the author, prior to 1450 BC, and for the previous say 600 years, there is no question that the Minoan civilization (Crete) held sway over Mycenae and much of the eastern mediterranean. I was not aware of that, and I'm not sure there is a consensus on that, but it is an example of how this book is much more meaningful if you have read a lot of Greek history prior to this book. This book is not an introductory course, it is a delicious dessert.



3. The maps of countries change so much throughout history, making this book a must have for students of Greek history.



4. With all the fine Classical scholars out there, why did Penguin pick an Egyptologist? The volume on Egypt isn't done by a scholar of Summerian history. His views are often dated, criticising or praising theories that are long since forgotten. A scholar like Peter Green could have made a fine book out of this.



5. Sure, maybe Penguin waters things down a bit to much but when it comes to reading complicated primary texts or reviewing scholarly essays, sometimes you need something reliable, short, and to the point and this is it. Also, accompanying every section if a primary quote which I think is a nice touch, there are also good maps and some photographs. I am a fan.

5 comments about The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome (Hist Atlas).

1. Good tool to assist in studying the history of Ancient Rome.



2. I think I found answers to all I've ever wanted to know about the Roman Empire. This book is certainly readable by anyone. If you don't like reading long texts, this book is perfect. If you do like longer texts, this book is also nice. The balance between pictures and texts is optimal in my opinion.



3. I would like to second the comments of Jacques P. Talbot. I bought this book expecting an atlas, that is a book of maps. There are some maps in this book, but they are small and cluttered and I don't really find them useful. The book is mostly pictures and text. It reminds me of that Time-Life series, that is aimed at young people, although this book is not as good as any in that series. The publishers must have changed their mind about what they wanted to do with this book. They should not have put the word "Atlas" on this confused mess. It might be OK as an introduction for people about 14-16 years old, but if you want an atlas with useful maps in it, don't buy this.



4. The atlas is not that large. I bought four similar atlases all from Penguin and they are all thin books (< 150 pages) and small in size (10" x 7").
   Atlases are supposed to be hugh.
   However this (and the other 3 books) do contain loads of information.
   The book skims over the Republican era. The first map at page 22 and by page 32 the Republic is over.
   The book has only a few maps of the expansion of Rome within Italy (hardly a mention of the Samnites, or Sabines; and one small blip on the map for Sparticus)
   It has a few maps of Asia Minor at this time. With Carthage and the Punic wars taking up most of these few pre-Empire maps.
   Maybe 10 maps to cover 600 years.
   
   We then have many maps to cover the next three hundred years.
   
   Then the book ends abruptly. Shows Constantine's Empire and then quickly shows the Germanic kingdoms and the new Byzantine Empire. And it is over. No maps of Parthia or the neo Persian empires. No maps of the distribution of Germanic tribes outside of Roman areas.
   
   I would have liked to have a bigger book with larger maps. Too many maps cover two pages, so the book binding obscures some information and making a scan of a map is very hard.
   
   On the plus it has many other types of information (unfortunately sometimes repeated by the author in the start of a chapter and later in some specific article).
   The types of info include the economy, currency (25 silver Denarius = 1 gold Aureus), the legions (names and numbers at different times), how mines work, the olive oil industry, and of course articles on emperors, politics and religion. A good dozen examples of city maps and a legion camp are shown.
   
   On the whole a good reference and a good read on the history of Rome. But of course a real book with 1000+ pages is required to cover all aspects of the Roman empire. So this is a great companion atlas to that other book. I also got Penguin's Ancient & Medieval Histories (2xMcEvedy) and Ancient Civilizations (Haywood). Together all four give you the info to cover Rome very well.



5. This short book is an excellent introduction to Roman history. It is divided into easy to digest chapters which deal with a single theme.

1 comments about Michelin Greece/Grece (Michelin).

1. This map was easy to read, gave us enough detail for driving to various locations throughout the country and was very practical. The only problem was when driving on the roads in Greece, none but the super-highways has any route markers. We drove for miles and miles on state highways and never once saw a route sign. You have to navigate by destinations toward a city or village. (So that's not a fault of the map.)

5 comments about Streetwise Athens Map - Laminated City Street Map of Athens, Greece.

1. When you review the specifications of this map you see 8 papes what you are not told is when you unfold the entire map it only measures 8 1/2 by 32 inches.
   it only covers " downtown Athens " I was looking for a resturant in the outskirts of Athens hopeing I could find it in this map.

   I purchased a map in Athens a few years ago which is more complete.

   I wouldn't recommend this map to anyone.

   I also purchased a Michelin road map to Greece and it was just as I expected very detailed map

   B.W.




2. This map is typical of the "Streetwise" series: Easily folded , LAMINATED (which makes it easy to write on, and keeps the map from falling apart when wet), and with handy stuff like metro stops, hotels. All landmarks the tourist needs to navigate around the town. The Athens one concentrates, naturally on the area around the Parthenon; the rest of Athens is on the other side. However, a new edition is certainly warranted as the metro now extends out to the airport, and the important hub of Syntagma Square isn't listed, and some Lat/Long lines would be great for us GPS-geeks.
   Overall worth taking with you.



3. This handy little map has all the details needed to enjoy the tourist attractions of Athens, while being sturdy and easily transported in your daypack, or even a deep pocket. GREAT to travel with!



4. I've used the Streetwise Paris map several times and am looking forward to using the Athens one on my upcoming trip to Greece. The Paris map is complete, thorough, useful, etc. It folds into a small size and is waterproof for rainy days. These are great maps - try them! The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is that the Paris map is set up somewhat confusingly - with the middle on one side and the areas both North and South of that on the other side. But it was fine once I remembered that odd placement.



5. The handy litte map was exactly what we needed in the urban center of Athens. It was clear to read, and fit right in my pocket as we walked around. With the subway information it made it so simple to get started underway to any city goal.