Greece Books


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Greece Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Greece
D'aulaire's Book of Greek Myths
Published in Hardcover by Doubleday Books for Young Readers (1962-10-19)
Authors: Ingri D'Aulaire and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
List price: $29.95
New price: $17.88
Used price: $7.74
Collectible price: $34.00

Average review score:

Spellbound
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
My seven year old daughter was spellbound by the prose and the drawings in this wonderful version of the Greek myths.

As Good as I Remembered
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-20
My junior high used this as a textbook. I loved it so much that I bought a copy, only to lose it years later. Because I couldn't remember the author, I spent more than a decade hunting for a copy (try googling "Greek Myths"!), but now I've found it. As far as I'm concerned no other retelling of Greek mythology can hold a candle to D'Aulaires'. A must for any library -- personal or public.

Beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-30
I got this book a long time ago when I was little, and even though some of the content was no doubt too old for me at the time, I still loved it and never grew tired of reading the book.

I use this as my guide to greek mythology still - the pictures are gorgeous, and the stories well done.

I'd recommend this for any Greek mythology lover.

Wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-18
I have had this book over 10 years and it is wonderful. It introduced me to mythology and hooked me from the beginning. I remember spending much time studying the pictures which are bright and detailed. Beyond being entertaining, the stories helped to prepare me for the frequent references to greek mythology in all types of art.

A great look into ancient Greece.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-15
If and easy-to-read introduction into Greek Mythology is what you are seeking, then there is no need to look any longer. All the stories from Gaia and her children the Titans to the legendary gods atop Mt. Olympus and their children are explained in rich detail with fully colored illustrations, that alone are worthy of 5-stars. But the adventure doesn't stop there, all the minor and major events that are attributed to Greek Lore are presented in the same painstaking detail. This definitely a must for all lovers of Greek legend and even for those with minor interests.

Editor of the highly recommended Greek novel: Fates by Georgiou Tino.

Greece
My Family and Other Animals
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (1977-03-31)
Author: Gerald Durrell
List price: $8.95
New price: $4.99
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

You'll end up reading this one over and over again...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-21
I must say this is one of the most light-hearted, hilarious books I have ever read. The story is of a world that one really may not get to see these days.. Go ahead and buy it..

Way better than Croc Hunter
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-30
In todays day and age of Steve Erwin and Jeff Corbin who go around hunting for animals, it is easy to forget where it all started. With people like Gerald, and the London zoo. In this book, he collects animals, deals with his demented siblings and his long suffering mother who has to raise four kids and fend off the advances of a really persistent Colonel who gets increasingly vulgar and `grabby' when he drinks. This is a rare story that combines a humorous story with humorous writing and I once caused passengers in a flight to turn around and give me strange looks, so hard was I laughing.

Skeleton of a Plot embellished with tonnes of vocab
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-17
My Family and Other Animals is a bare-bones story in terms of plot. The Durrell family goes to Corfu, lives through what could be termed as a soap opera, and leaves. It's humourous, but not particularly challenging.

However, the older Gerald Durrell utilises vivid vocabulary over and over when describing the setting and people of Corfu. Fifteen-letter words that paint a crystalline picture are used frequently, relieving the never-ending roller coaster that is the life of the Durrells.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining book that will keep you engaged for the week or so that you will spend reading it every spare second you have.

the funny Durrell
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-24
Gerald Durrell was not only a naturalist and a gifted writer about his beloved animals, but a loving brother and son whose descriptions of his family and their foibles will keep you laughing all the way through. This is one of those books which I've reread so many times I've lost count, and which I've given to many friends who needed cheering up. Always works, too!

I wish I could give it 6 stars!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-09
This book is absolutely, brilliantly funny. The wit and unique characterizations are woven with great descriptions of the animals and plants of Corfu. That Durrell can hold the attention of readers who have no interest in biology simply demonstrates what a fine work this is. Gerald's depiction of a larger-than-life expatriate family on a larger-than-life Greek island is a tremendous celebration of life. The variety of different Greek characters parading through this book rivals the variety of Corfu's flora and fauna. Absolute great read!

Greece
Warfare in the Classical World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Weapons, Warriors and Warfare in the Ancient Civilisations of Greece and Rome
Published in Paperback by University of Oklahoma Press (1995-10)
Author: John Gibson Warry
List price: $29.95
New price: $16.00
Used price: $7.93

Average review score:

Great Primer for Ancient Warfare
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-18
This is a superb introduction to ancient warfare and can serve as a springboard for further studies in ancient history. The artwork depicting the uniforms of various armies of that time is well done and the narratives, diagrams of battles are really helpful and informative.

Great Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-29
Loved the book. The sketches and battle tactics illustrated made them come alive for me. Gave me a much better insight into the whole thing. And the delivery was fast, even with free shipping.

The Best Resource Available on Ancient Warfare
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-09
As I researched the equipment and modes of Greek warfare while writing the historical novel "Maccabee," I consulted numerous excellent sources, but John Warry's book was without a doubt the best. It became my virtual bible for the staging of the battle sequences between the Jews in the Maccabean Revolt and their Syrian enemies who employed the Greek methods that had worked so well for Alexander the Great. Warry's explanations of military techniques in their historical context as well as the wealth of illustrations makes this a valuable resource for anyone interested in ancient warfare.

An excellent introduction to ancient warfare
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-13
This is an excellent introduction to ancient warfare. It is lavishly illustrated, and provides excellent diagrams to support some of the concepts such as how a phalanx of Greek infantry manoevered and then moved into combat. The book covers the technology of the times, but also looks at tactics and gives an overview of the politics that lead to the various conflicts. I would higly recommend this book for beginners in the field of ancient warfare such as myself. My only reservation, is that while the primarary authorities are extensively referenced in the text, I would have liked to see a bibliography (although the glossary is great too!) Highly recommended for beginners or those with a general interest in the topic.

Must have if you are interested in ancient wars
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-08
I just got this for my son and I ended up reading it first. I am sure during this X'Mas both of us will want to fight for the book. The pictures and the drawings are of the highest qualities. I love the descriptions of major wars. I just wish that the author has given it more explanation of the drawings for the major battles like adding more legends. Also, it is kind of hard to read/understand the numbers and types of soldiers for both sides on the battlefield. But all in all, this is a great book that I suspect I will read and re-read many times.

Greece
My Family and Other Animals
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (2004-06-29)
Author: Gerald Durrell
List price: $14.00
New price: $5.68
Used price: $5.68

Average review score:

If one could "fall in love" with a book, I did!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-26
I have never written a book review, and I am hesitant to do so now as whatever I say will certainly be redundant. But I am so enthralled with this little book that I can't contain my enthusiasm.

This is a quick read, but that is not to indicate any superficiality in the story or story telling. The author reveals a world of discovery in his life on Corfu. Far from dull, his time there is filled with small adventures and big lessons. There is nothing the least preachy or even "teachy" in the story line, but the learning for the reader takes place in such a pleasant fashion that you don't realize until the end how much knowledge you have gained.

His eccentric family provides light and very humorous moments, but, for the most part, I found them and the stories about them quite unnecessary.

The author's curiosity about the animals, amphibians, birds and world around him drive the story. His observations of human kind, especially the island people he meets, are equally compelling.

I could not put this book down and, as it was lent to me, I am now on a quest to purchase my own copy.

It only makes me wonder why children in modern day society need the enormous amount of stimulus and involvement to be content. Young Gerald Durrell spent much of his time alone, save the companionship of his "zoo", and was quite happy. No soccer games, no little league baseball, no hang-outs at the mall necessary. Oh, for the simple life.

Quite Excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Ever wonder what kind of person takes such an interest in every form of flora or fauna there is? One who is hyperobservant, apparently. And when Gerald Durrell turns that eye on the eccentric characters in his family and around him on the island of Corfu, you'll absolutely love reading his words.

My family and other animals
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-19
Not many adults ever reminisce about their childhood dreams. Those who do, generally label these as wishful thinking and sigh them away. Rarer are those who live lives of fulfilled dreams. Gerald Durrell, an eminent author, naturalist and expeditionist, was one of those uncommon individuals whose life's entirety was one long childhood dream come true. "My Family & Other Animals" is his most famous work, and is the first of his Corfu Trilogy.

The kid Gerald Durrell, or Gerry, was eight years old when his family moved from England to the Greek island of Corfu. Through the eyes of the young, fauna-loving and ever-inquisitive Gerry, Corfu seems to be the strangest place on Earth, and all humans, whether inhabitants of Corfu or not, appear to be strange people. The book describes Gerry's meticulous observations and detailed experiences in Corfu amongst dogs, cats, toads, snakes, scorpions, owls, magpies, gulls and other creatures he keeps as pets in his house, and his family members who are bemused as well as troubled by Gerry's love for these animals and insects. Young Gerry's mother and siblings stay engrossed in their own worlds, leaving Gerry alone to spend his days as he wishes, free from burdens such as going to school and being nagged by elders. Thus begins Gerry's exploration of Corfu, starting with the garden in his villa, and eventually his domain of knowledge crosses over to the neighboring islands.

The book will make you roar with laughter right from the preface itself. Descriptions of animals are unconventionally funny. Humans also are not spared. Imagine an entire family changing residence from one villa to another, just because one of them foolishly invited his friends so many that they would not fit in the current villa. After animals and humans, the third elaborately portrayed element is nature. Detailed descriptions of fig trees and setting suns create a Wordsworthian aura. Once Gerry sets on describing some of these, he can be drawn back only by some exquisitely crafted squirrel or a raucously howling dog.

The best way to savor the book is to read it over several sittings, by allowing the excessive laughter to brighten many a dull day. An enlightening perspective of the work can be seen through Gerry's eyes. Animals, unlike humans, know exactly what they want. They are easier to please and easier to be understood. Most importantly, animals are easily befriended and are almost always loyal. When the book ends, it feels as if an intimate and jocular friend has left you forever.

"My Family & Other Animals" is a beautiful comedy, and is highly recommendable for reading by people of all ages.

http://readsafe.blogspot.com

Gerald Durell is wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-21
All of Gerald Durell's writings are terrific, but the ones about his family are truly laugh-out-loud wonderful! This is a book I have enjoyed over and over, and have given as a gift many times.

Absolutely side-splitting
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-26
This book, ironically, was on one of those horrible "summer reading" lists so many of us are forced to do in high school. It's the only one I was ever forced to read that I truly, genuinely loved. I laughed out loud literally every two or three pages, and though I have no natural interest in animals (especially insects), Durell makes his descriptions of the nature on Corfu as gripping and as touching as his descriptions of his family.

It's been ten years since I first read this book, and when I get together with my old friends, we STILL argue about our favorite scenes, the best character, the most troublesome pet. This is a book you won't be able to put down the first time you read it, and will want to re-read the moment you finish it.

Greece
Into the Blue
Published in Paperback by Delta (2006-01-31)
Author: Robert Goddard
List price: $12.00
New price: $4.27
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $12.00

Average review score:

Into the Blue - KINDLE edition
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-06
I came across this novel quite by accident, having seen a Steven King review of one of Goddard's other novels. King praised Goddard so I decided to check out his work. I settled on "Into the Blue".

The book has been well reviewed by 20 others here and I will just add this: Goddard is quite literate, but never boorish. The story is intricate but well told. His characters are well developed and his telling of the tale is superb. It's a tale of mystery, murder and international intrigue. I will definitely read Goddard's other novels.

As to the Kindle edition of the book, it is superb. There was not a single typo or error of any kind. The text flowed smoothly and flawlessly.

I highly recommend the novel itself and I highly recommend the Kindle edition for you Kindle owners.

Addicted to Goddard
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-02
This was the first novel by Robert Goddard I read. After that, I was completely hooked. I rate Goddard as the best suspense novelist I've ever read. His plot twists are incredible; as a long-time reader, I'm used to being able to predict endings. It's depressing, really, how few can surprise me. Well, Goddard can! And his are true plot twists, all the information is planted early in the novel, but you can never quite see which little nugget of information will end up being the crucial one! Delightful! As for _Into the Blue_, I felt like I had visited Greece along with Harry. And Harry rates as one of the most likable characters in suspense fiction, too. Not all Goddard novels will hold the same interest, but they are all very well-plotted.

One of Robert Goddard's best
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-16
Harry Barnett lives the life of an Englishman on holiday on the Greek island of Rhodes where he is the care taker of the Villa ton Navarkhon belonging to his powerful friend Alan Dysart. He lives peacefully in the shadow of a past disgrace until Heather Mallender, a guest at the villa, disappears on a walking tour on Profitis Ilias. Harry becomes the number one suspect. While a Greek detective tries to catch him, and the British newspapers accuse him of murder, Harry's conscience is his worst enemy of all. What happened to young, beautiful Heather Mallender? Who took her-and why didn't Harry realize that something was amiss?
Suddenly Harry, a man steeped in failure, finds a purpose: retracing the strange, twisting route that led to Heather's vanishing. But the more he learns, the less he knows. Until Harry finds himself at the heart of a dangerous puzzle whose pieces are scattered everywhere: in the realm of British politics, in the beds of adulterous lovers, in the past, the present, and most of all, amid the secrets of an unsuspected killer....
A nicely designed plot with plenty of twists and turns and a sympathetic protagonist are the strengths of one of Mr Goddard's most entertaining adventure stories.
Paul Shelley reads "Into The Blue" for BBC Audiobooks. A very good performance indeed.

vivid, engrossing
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-09
You'll like Harry Barnett. He is in Greece, on the sunny sunny island of Rhodes, house-sitting there for a rich British member of parliament. Harry smokes, he drinks, he likes food, he likes women, especially the attractive young woman named Heather, who befriended him a few days ago. Heather is much younger than Harry's overweight middle-aged self.

Heather persuades Harry to take her on the half-hour drive up a nearby mountain for the view. They stop, get out of the car, and climb for a while. Heather decides to continue walking up to the summit. Somewhat winded, Harry says he'll sit and rest for a little. Harry waits and waits and waits, and no Heather. Heather does not return. Where is she? Where did she go? Was she waylaid? What happened? He finds her scarf, and loses it.

Harry goes to the police, who question him, begin their own meticulous search of the summit, dutifully find the scarf, but quickly begin to suspect himself, that he may have murdered her and done away with the body. She has disappeared Into the Blue.

The book involves Harry's search for the young woman and what happened to her. A most engrossing and vivid read. This is Goddard at his best. A few months ago, local bookstores did not have any of his novels; he wasn't even listed in Books in Print. Amazon did not have him. You had to go to Amazon.co.uk. Goddard writes wonderfully. We must all be pleased that his excellent novels are now easily available.

A HUNT FOR THE TRUTH THAT LEADS INTO THE BLUE
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-15
Goddard does it again! In this novel we meet Harry Barnett, a fiftish failure with a past. Harry's life is immersed in failure; its only positive aspect being Harrys unlikely friendship with Alan Dysart, an Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Defense. While house sitting at Alan's villa in Greece, Harry is drawn into a perplexing and bizarre puzzle involving the disappearance of a beautiful, young houseguest.

These are only two of the several plot threads that textures this story and weaves it into compelling whole cloth. Goddard's writing invites you to walk in Harrys shoes as he attempts to utilize the one clue in his possession to solve a mystery whose pieces are scattered from Greece to England to Switzerland.

You may think you have the solution.....but don't be too sure!!

Greece
The Complete Cats in the Sun
Published in Hardcover by Chronicle Books (2000-09-01)
Author: Hans Silvester
List price: $35.00
New price: $84.43
Used price: $7.42

Average review score:

Such a Beautiful Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-12
I was given the postcards book as a gift and had to have this book. Full of color pictures. If you love cats or photography with great color and contrast, this is a wonderful book.

If you like to look at kitties....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-11
If you like to look at kitties, this is a no-brainer. It's a beautiful book. One of its charms is that it's a quiet, calming book. It brings the viewer into the world of these cats...and causes me to ask (not being on a sunny island) how can I bring such solitary basking moments into my life? how can I peacefully share space with others? can I find a warm, sunny, basking place within myself and the space I inhabit?

We often hear the expression "Lucky Dog". This book is "Lucky Cat".

Great present for cat lovers!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-19
I bought this fabulous coffee table book for my boyfriend's birthday last month, and we both think it is fantastic. The pictures are so luscious and colorful--now I can't wait to visit the Greek Isles and see some of these amazing cats.

.. beautiful cat and scenery...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-27
I purchased it to gift to my niece for her 15th birthday. She has mania for cats and many books related with feline. This book is better than the others she had because the beauty of the scenery is in harmony with cat feature. She was suffused with delight when received this gift.
It seems that every photograph has mood and story so that is create imagination of beautiful world. If you take a look the picture of this book then you will cannot help but like cats. I strongly recommend people interested in feline to purchase this book.

The Best Present for a Cat Lover!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-07
I was given this book as a present two months after my own kitty was put down. This is the most wonderful book on cats I've ever seen. It shows quite clearly how different their personalities are and seems to capture the essence of a cat's soul! These beautiful creatures will make you laugh because their personalities just shine through the pages of this wonderfully large coffee table book.

Just like cats, they don't need to say anything. There are no quotes within the book, just large beautifully artistic photographs with curious cats smiling, stretching, and being frisky. There is a touching introduction to these critters in the beginning, but then just sit back and make friends with these 400 cats!

Greece
The Life of Greece (Story of Civilization)
Published in Audio Cassette by Books on Tape (2000-09)
Author: Will Durant
List price: $79.95
New price: $174.99
Used price: $110.00

Average review score:

An in-depth survey of the genius of the ancient Greeks
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
This, the second volume of an awesome collective work, catalogues in rich detail the events and achievements of ancient Greece. But more than that, it tells the story about how the events unfold and gives insight into how science and philosophy came into being for the first time in civilization. For a long time, I had only a very scattered understanding of the ancient Greek world. This work gives me a much clearer view of the whole picture. There were a few sections where I did get stuck on the details - in the enumeration of people, places, and events - but it wasn't very often and it was probably due more to a lack of imagination on my part.

In trying to make a overly short synopsis, the book can be viewed as divided into three parts covering three different eras in Greek civilization. The first part delves into indefinite origins that can be traced back to the culture of ancient Crete, then the Mycenaean civilization, the Achaeans and the Homeric epic of Troy - which the archeologist Schliemann found actually existed in Asia Minor - and then the Dorian invasion. The second part concerns the Persian War and the coming of age of the city-states including Athens, it's friends and foes; and also the great advances in art, literature, science, philosophy and law as well as the decline that results mainly from the Peloponnesian War. The third part concerns the decay of mainland Greece but the diffusion of it's great culture to most of the known world through especially the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Vital to the development of Greek culture was the city-state, which grew in mainland Greece after the Dorian invasion (1100-950BC), and spread across the Aegean to the many islands and far-off shores of the Mediterranean. The city-states were separated and protected by mountainous terrain, which made it difficult to assert centralized control. They were linked principally by the waterways of the Aegean, and this linkage stimulated trade and preserved a common heritage, despite the many squabbles and wars. It was the burgeoning of trade and the opportunity for people to interact with others of different cultures that helped shake some of the ingrained beliefs and traditions and stimulate the inquiring mind. The Greeks were also freed to question supernatural explanations of the universe - and therefore develop science and philosophy - because they did not have a powerful priestly class, and thus were not so readily subject to persecution for the shattering of old myths. They were really quite ingenious in an age that had a very narrow view of the world. For example, Eratrosthenes made calculations concerning the curvature of the earth and computed the circumference of the earth to be very close to what we know it today.

One of the remarkable facts of the Golden Age of Periclean Athens (but not uncommon in those days) is that of the total population of Attica, some 315,000 peope, something like 115,000 were slaves. Of that difference consider, too, the number of woman, who were not participants in the political process. With that kind of distribution - more than half were not eligible - democracy had to be tenuous and fragile at best. For much of the history of the Greek city-states, there was this back-and-forth struggle between an obligarchy, the very richest and the aristocratic, and free citizens, who managed from time to time to rise above menial labor and assert themselves. During the time of Pericles, somehow a significant number of free citizens became active participants in government, signifying the dawning of a democratic process. But it did not last for long.

A Masterpiece of History and Prose
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-09
My set of Durants The Story of Civilization was purchased at a garage sale. Poor fools, they did not know what they were selling. Their loss is my gain. Volume Two, however, was missing, a situation that was remedied when I wandered into a used bookstore and there, on a shelf was Volume Two- The Life of Greece calling my name. I immediately forked out eight bucks and headed down to the local coffee house and began a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Having read through Volume 5, The Age of Faith, this has to be the best volume thus far- I could hardly put it down. To be sure there are areas that one has to plow through, that is to be expected of a work of this scope; but Durant has filled my world with the genius, history and drama of ancient Greece.

What made this book so fascinating is that, over and over again, Durant brought us into the lives of these men. We are not merely dealing with historical figures, but real people who lived, made love, made war, wrote masterpieces and who could act with courage, fall to cowardice or just make stupid mistakes. By far my favorite chapter was The Suicide of Greece. It told how a great civilization could fall. The story of Alcibiades was absolutely riveting. Both a brilliant leader and a scoundrel, he pushed Athens towards destruction by his fraternity style pranks that doomed his invasion of Sicily contributing significantly to the downfall of Athens as a power.

Consistent with all his volumes, Durant again shows us the cycle of civilization. He shows us again that the life of thought endangers every civilization that it adores. He writes:

As civilization develops, as customs, institutions, laws, and morals more and more restrict the operation of natural impulses, action gives way to thought, achievement to imagination, directness to subtlety, expression to concealment, cruelty to sympathy, belief to doubt the unity of character common to animal and primitive men passes away; behavior becomes fragmentary and hesitant, conscious and calculating; the willingness to fight subsides into a disposition to infinite argument. Few nations have been able to reach intellectual refinement and esthetic sensitivity without sacrificing so much in virility and unity that their wealth presents an irresitble temptation to impecunious barbarians. Around every Rome hover the Gauls; around ever Athens some Macedon.

I hope that Durant has not just written our epitaph as a great nation.

The Second Volume of The Story Of Civilization!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-30
Authors Dr. Will & Ariel Durant have compiled the history of ancient Greece in this, the second volume of The Story of Civilization.

At over >700 pages in length, the Durants launch into great detail about: The mysterious lost civilization of the island of Crete, land of the Minotaur and the labyrinth. The violent society of Homer's Iliad. The rise of classical Greece; a society of traders and navigators, explorers and colonists, soliders, sailors, and settlers. The origins of democracy and the political legacy to the Western world. The heroic battles against the Persians. The golden age of Athens. Backgrounds of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the birth of the Academy, and of course....Alexander the Great! Plus much more including plates and maps.

As with all of the volumes of The Story of Civilization, these books were written to stand alone and most likely will be read by the more serious students of history, however, they are composed and written to be understood by the layperson as well. In short, these books are for everyone! I rate it at five stars as the Durant's Magnum Opus!

Not a dull history book!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-29
Durant paints a fascinating portrait of Greek life and culture as well as the history of a country that provided a foundation for modern thought and politics in the modern world. Highly recommend for history buffs as well as serious students.

SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR ALL
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-24
This is the second of the multi-volume work by the Durant's. It is as good as the first (and not wanting to give anything away, chuckle), they only get better and better. The author's prose is almost as wonderful as the actual historical work. The author apparently spent fifty years in writing these books and it certainly was worth the effort. He, and his wife, make history come alive. Now granted, I am a history buff and simply cannot get enough of it. I realize that not all share my love for the subject, but I truely feel that the entire work should be required reading in our schools. Not only are they superior to any and all text I am familiar with, they are truely a joy to read. This particular volume gave me much more insight to the ancient Greeks, their culture, art and philosophy than any work I have read, thereby giving me a much better understanding to our own culture, etc. It's just me, I know, but an added joy to this work was prowling used book stores and finding these things one by one to add to my collection. Highly recommend these books.

Greece
The Hay Day Country Market Cookbook
Published in Paperback by Workman Publishing Company (1998-11-01)
Author: Kim Rizk
List price: $13.95
New price: $6.25
Used price: $0.68
Collectible price: $14.00

Average review score:

Wonderful cookbook
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
This cookbook is wonderful. The recipes are easy to follow and turn out great! Would recomend to anyone.

Wonderful--reads like a book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-27
This book is full of delicious and unique recipes. The recipes are very detailed--the writers do not leave out any steps (which is good for a beginner like me). The book is also fun to read through--there are interesting tips on a variety of foods and stories about the original markets.

Hey, Hay Day
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-27
One of the best I've used and I have a lot. The recipes are well written along with advice and stuff tastes great.

The BEST cookbook ever--and I have 50 other cookbooks!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-28
Words cannot describe how great this cookbook is. The pages are all covered with my exclamation points that I don't give out easily. I don't often repeat recipes...except the ones in this book. Inventive but also classic, seasonal, informative, fresh, healthy, flavorful, yum yum yum yum. If you don't like this book I will refund your money--just kidding, but that is how much I love it and want to spread the gospel.

Delicious, Fresh, Original Recipes
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-13
I received this cookbook as a gift, and bought another copy for a friend from Amazon. This is my favorite cookbook. Everything I have made is delicious, fresh and has an original twist. The recipes are simple to make and fabulous. Everyone that eats one of these dishes asks me for the recipe.

Greece
The Pale Surface of Things
Published in Paperback by Hopeace Press (2007-06-01)
Author: Janey Bennett
List price: $21.95
New price: $5.85
Used price: $5.00
Collectible price: $21.95

Average review score:

The Pale Surface of Things
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-21
I've read this book and it is absolutely wonderful. Great story line, believable characters, a very enjoyable read. Once you start to read it, you will not want to put it down because you will want to know what is going to happen next to each of the characters.

Well worth the read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-30
The Pale Surface of Things was a good read. Other reviewers tell the plot, I simply wanted to point out a couple of things to the reader- first, the author clearly understands the cultures she is writing about, and has done an excellent job of bringing this to the reader. Second, a number of the characters are skillfully brought full circle through personal crisis, paralleling events in the story.

You can't fake knowing the scent of the air, the sound of the forest, the taste of the foods, or the presence of culture, and this all came through quite well in the book.

I recommend it. I read it in Malta, relaxing by the Mediteranean, and it seemed a natural fit, nothing stilted or fake about this book.

Regarding the characters, one of the main characters not from Crete is shot by another, a local. the remark is made "Why would he shoot him? He's not even Greek!" and this is about as sharp a reflection of the culture as you can get, a true understanding of island thinking.

Take the time to read this.

Suspense and humor on Crete
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-07
This book grew on me, and I continue to have a sense of well-being after finishing it. I'm not sure how to characterize this book except to say that each time it seems to be fairly predictable it steps aside from the path, just enough to satisfy without being hokey.

It's set on Crete in current times and follows several characters who, of course, eventually intertwine and affect each other. Oh, by the way, drop your expectation of archaeology, it's tangential. The pace is good and the tale isn't maudlin or sappy. Mostly it's about values, the choices we make, and the consequences (no it doesn't preach at all) set in a pretty good story. Probably a good book group book.

Book Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-03
The Pale Surface of Things reads like a tapestry of textures weaving emotional, spiritual, cultural, and familial threads into an engrossing glimpse of life in a traditional Cretan village. Bennett's tale encompasses the dichotomies of life: human frailty and resilience, belonging and alienation, forgiveness and redemption, shame and courage. A fast paced novel that will transport you into the lives of unforgettable characters and a cherished ancient landscape.

Nicholas Zaferatos, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Urban Planning.
Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University.

Crete surprises
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-25
What a fun read! Having visited Crete twice, it was fun to imagine the this story unfolding as it did. The author created terrific characters with interesting backgrounds and many subplots with lots of twists and turns.

Greece
Greek Cooking for the Gods (101 Productions)
Published in Paperback by Cole Group (1992-05)
Author: Eva Zane
List price: $11.95
Used price: $38.48

Average review score:

This is a must have!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-13
Eva Zane wrote what I consider the best Greek cookbook, ever! (And trust me, I have many). The recipes are so authentic that my Greek parents, grand-parents and even one great-grandmother (Yaya) use it as a reference. Wonderful recipes for moussaka, youvarlakia (meatballs in avgolemano sauce), baklava, tzatzki, spanikopitas, wonderful fish and meat dishes and so much more. This book lacks pictures, but makes up for it with easy to follow, perfect-every-time recipes. Eva Zane also includes great stories and tidbits about Greek mythology, culinary history and culture. This book is out of print, so get a copy by any means necessary. You'll use it all the time!

Excellent book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-22
My mom and I have both used the recipes in this book for many years, and the dishes I have produced always garner many compliments! I made moussaka and dolmades for my Greek employers, which met with high praise. Highly recommend.

As close as it gets
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-24
As a non Greek married to a Greek, I received this book from my husband in 1971. He marked all the dishes that his mother cooked and I started to try to prepare them. Throughout the years I have used the book as guide and the compliments from my mother in law and Greek friends have been wonderful.I have tried other books however I keep coming back to this one. I have been told that I cook Greek food better than most Greeks. I purchased this book for my daughter and now she has become an excellent cook of Greek foods. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn to cook like a real Greek cook.

Family Favorite
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-19
This book has been circulating in my family for 3 generations, and our "bible" when preparing all holiday meals!!! We'd never prepare anything without it. Being of Greek descent, that pretty much says it all.....enjoy!!!!!

No OTHER Cookbook like this one !!!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-02
I bought my first copy of this book when I was 15 years old. My mother was an exceptional greek cook, and I always thought this cookbook was the closest thing to my mom's authentic greek cuisine. (In fact some of the recipes are better) When I was first married, I used the book and it eventually fell apart. I searched and found another copy. The same thing happened to the second one. I'm looking for my 3rd one now. I have purchased several greek cook books in the past and I still think Greek Cooking for the gods has the best and most authentic greek recipes available today. I have been using it for over 30 years.


Books-Under-Review-->Reference-->Education-->Colleges and Universities-->Europe-->Greece
Related Subjects: University of Crete Ionian University University of Patras Panteion University University of the Aegean
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