In Chapter Two he gives an overview students. Pages 109-118 are a treat for of the play’s plot providing literary and Classicists as Shaw argues how Cyclops character analyses including its setting may be an example of Euripides actually near Mount Etna, considering the satirising his own writing by have Cyclops BOOK limitations of the outdoor theatre of make reference to the earlier plays of the Dionysus. His analysis shows Euripides’ tetralogy (Helen, his lost Andromeda, use of Homer’s Odyssey, especially playing Iphigenia amongst the Taurians). REVIEWS with the theme of ′ανδρα from the Furthermore, he suggests how Sophocles’ proem (p.39), ′ουτις (p.41), lewd humour Philoctetes and Aristophanes’ (pp.42-43; pp.47-49), the reputation of Thesmophoriazusae in turn make gentle Helen (p.44), sophistic comments upon satiric reference to Cyclops which may have divinity (pp.51-52), issues of plot (e.g. that become a classic of Athenian drama. the Cyclops here does not block off the Food or maybe wine for thought for cave’s entrance (p.54)) and the more anyone who enjoys 5th Century Shaw (C.A.) civilised nature of Polyphemus (p.55). intertextuality. Euripides: Cyclops. A Satyr Play. This chapter would be of great help for a London and New York: Bloomsbury student writing a project upon this play, A.K.J. Carroll, Saint Olave’s Grammar Academic, 2018. £18.99. having read it in translation. School, Kent ISBN 978-1474245807 Chapters 3 and 4 are more advanced, accessible and fascinating. Shaw challenges the idea that drama was ‘nothing to do with Dionysus’ showing Finglass (P.J.) that this play is all about him. Indeed, he shows how Satyr drama was very self- Sophocles: Oedipus the King. conscious and metatheatrical: ‘Each year, (Cambridge Classical Texts and there were tragedies and comedies at the Commentaries 57). Cambridge: festival, but the choruses of these genres Cambridge University Press. 2018. continually changed. No matter what Cased. £135. ISBN 978-1-108-41951-2 myth was presented in a satyr play, though, there was (almost) always a chorus of satyrs’ (p.69). Thus, satyr drama is very self-referential, working under the aegis of ‘take myth, add satyrs, observe result’; therefore Cyclops gives us a way into understanding the Athenian understanding of Dionysiac religion. Pages 75-85 provide an interesting discussion of xenia, barbarians, philosophy and links the play with the Sicilian disaster. Sections of this would be good for students studying A-Level Classical Civilisation and Ancient History, Professor Shaw has produced an account if they wanted to add a novel ancient which is not only enjoyable to read, but source to their arsenal. Chapter 4 goes a also gives keen insights into Euripides’ step wider and discusses Alcestis’ and play and Greek theatre in general. His Cyclops’ links with the Decree of sections upon the Dionysia (pp.1-3) and Morychides (440-436), outlawing the satyrs (pp.3-20) are suitable for teachers direct and personal mocking attacks and sixth form students alike. In addition which were a vital feature of Old Comedy. to this his discussion of Cyclops’ position The discussion of this decree is brilliant In the newest version of Sophocles’ OT within the context of 5th Century for any A-Level teacher of Classical since Dawe’s 2006 revision of his Athenian culture and history provides comedy. Shaw concludes that Cyclops was Cambridge ‘green and yellow’ text, fascinating reading for any Classicist with meant to be the best satyr play of all time, Professor Finglass offers the first editio an interest for the period, especially being self-referential in the extreme. He maior in any language since Jebb’s in 1883. literary history. Throughout, black and continues to show how this is our earliest, Comprised of a new text and apparatus white images of vases are provided as contemporary commentary upon — the author counting 56 substantive useful evidence and the book itself is a Homer’s Cyclops myth (useful again for differences between his text and Lloyd- fine object, well-bound in hardback with a Classical Civilisation, pp.97-102) and the Jones and Wilson’s revised Oxford clear font, wide margins, nice paper; it Homeric Hymn to Dionysus (pp.102-104). Classical Text — this sizable volume looks good on the shelf. These would need careful distilling for offers nearly 100 pages of introduction

The Journal of Classics Teaching 20 (39) p.117-133 © The Classical Association 2019. This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction Downloaded infrom any https://www.cambridge.org/core medium, provided the original. IP work address: is properly 170.106.202.8 cited., on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31, subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at 117 https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 and some 450 pages of commentary. weary eyes: where Jebb experimented paperback — or perhaps, to take Jebb’s Time will be the best judge of Professor with various layouts in his editions of tradition further still, an abridged edition Finglass’ emendation of a corrupt Sophocles, with notes (in English) for schools? manuscript tradition (if not Finglass beneath his Greek text and a Loeb-style himself: his predecessors Lloyd-Jones and translation opposite, F. opts for a Peter Olive, Royal Holloway, Wilson have revised their OCT once, and compromise that will keep purists happy University of London, Westminster Dawe edited the text five times); this without forgetting those of us grateful for Tutors, London SW7 review will focus on the didactic qualities a little help: leaving only an apparatus and accessibility of what may well be a beneath an unadorned Greek text, landmark edition. Professor Finglass fully reprints and Murnaghan (S.) (ed., trans.) Following his editions of Electra translates all Greek lemmata in the (2007) and Ajax (2013) Professor Finglass commentary, enabling less confident Medea New York; London: W. W. treads carefully in the footsteps of Hellenists — or even, feasibly, those with Norton & Company 2018. £7.95. Richard Claverhouse Jebb, who published no Greek at all — to make the most of ISBN: 9780-393265-453. editions of these plays in the same this edition. This simple measure enables sequence. Published between 1883-96, the reader to savour the commentary, Jebb’s editions of Sophocles are among uninterrupted by the flicking back and few works of 19th century scholarship forth required by Cambridge ‘green and that retain currency in the 21st. In the yellows’ and Bristol Classical texts. I path of such a grandee, it is not only commend the book in particular for its Finglass’ phenomenal knowledge of the remarkably thorough indices (of Greek play’s exegetic tradition that will ensure words, and of subjects). this edition’s legacy, but his consideration F. has come under fire from for the varied requirements of today’s reviewers in the past for not dwelling readership. more on reception — albeit hardly the From the introduction, Finglass’ primary task of an editor of Sophocles’ spare and lucid prose is a treat to read, Greek — and for those interested in and there is much to appeal to teachers of performance, he points readers in the Classical Civilisation, instructors in Greek direction of Macintosh’s brilliant Oedipus language and the dramaturgically Tyrannus (2009). For those whose inclined — as well, of course, as those definition of reception includes the whose interest in Greek is primarily history of scholarship however, F. comes philological. In an impressively thorough into his own, opening up an intellectual introduction, F. takes us on a guided tour history that can often feel impenetrable. of the Oedipus myth’s transformations in As Steiner observed in his Antigones (1984, antiquity (13-40), pauses to situate OT 216) commentary can be ‘latent with amid subgenres of tragedy (40-82), and unendingness. The breeding of exegesis poses pertinent questions arising from out of previous exegesis is menacing in so very recent discourse, such as Edith Hall’s far as it occludes the primary text.’ Far This book is a part of the series Norton blog post about OT and vase painting from adding to the exegetic pileup, Critical Editions which aims to present (85). There are some thoughtful Professor Finglass’ selective approach students with some of the ‘great’ works inclusions about the play in performance, does much to demystify and declutter a of literature from across the canon. It such as a table of role division (11) and vast canon of critical heritage. The seeks to be a translation based on current great attention is paid to entrances, exits omission of the Paris school from the scholarship while giving some wider and other matters of production bibliography will disappoint fans of context to the play. Murnaghan has a throughout. structuralism, but such matters of good pedigree as Professor of Greek at Like Jebb, F. has kept the use of Latin preference aside, generations to come will the University of Pennsylvania and indeed to a minimum; textual abbreviations and no doubt be grateful for such a concise, is currently working on a ‘Green and sigla are generally confined to the inclusive, thoughtfully written Yellow’ edition of Sophocles’ Ajax. But apparatus, enabling the reader of the commentary. what can another translation into English commentary to concentrate on the Greek The only less fortunate similarity to bring? itself. Matters of textual criticism are Jebb’s editions of Sophocles — whose Murnaghan’s translation itself is explained with remarkably little jargon in cost A.E. Housman once lamented — based on Mastronarde’s text in the ‘Green the commentary, which is neatly divided is the price-tag: not yet available in and Yellow’ series. It follows the Greek into numbered episodes and stasima. At paperback, the hardback comes in at a closely (the line numbers correspond to the beginning of each such section is a whopping £135, a price most school the Greek) but is not afraid to read as if précis of the action, with comment on its (and some university) libraries’ budgets written in natural English. It takes out relationship to the whole. As we get stuck will balk at. Despite this, it would take a some of the repetitions and idioms of the into the commentary itself, we find a great deal to rival this volume as a Greek, but avoids modern colloquialisms thoughtful design providing relief for definitive edition of OT, so roll on the which would quickly date. It also has the

Downloaded118 from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 benefit of clarity, helped by sensible line Drama. This has detailed notes facing each of translation, context, and other points divisions and ordering of clauses and page of translation and is an excellent way of interest. These diversions arguably phrases. In some other translations, I find of understanding the significance of what detract from Mulroy’s effort to create a myself reading the words but then having is said, line-by-line. Murnaghan has a great book specifically for the reader. to ask myself what they actually mean. deal more background material, which can To judge this work on Mulroy’s own This is not the case with Murnaghan’s help students achieve a richer experience terms, we should examine the quality of translation. At the same time, it is very of the context of the play. The clarity of his translation. Each of the three plays is easy to see how the translation reflects the the translation means that this would be studded with creative and lively Greek. This is no easy feat, and makes an particularly good to give to a student who renderings of the Greek. From his enjoyable read for those new to Greek wanted to read a play on their own that Agamemnon: ‘Just honor me as human, not drama while satisfying those of us who they were not going to be examined on. It divine. // Our language makes the are concerned that the words of would also be particularly helpful to give differences between fine woven works Euripides should not misrepresented in a to students in Year 12 considering reading and foot towels clear.’ (p.42, vv.925-927); concern for accessibility. Classics or Classical Civilisation at from his Libation Bearers: ‘Send Justice As well as her translation, the book university to see how the subject widens forth to help, or else let us // secure the contains her introduction and two further out beyond detailed reading of the text. wrestling grip they used on you, // if you sections entitled Contexts and Criticism. intend to win the second match.’ (p.108, Her introduction, amounting to 14 pages, Clive Letchford, University of Warwick vv.497-499); and, from his Holy Goddesses, covers the areas of the myth before an evocative image: ‘You’ll retch and Euripides, the play’s production and vomit up the frothy blood // and clotted afterlife as well as the relationship of Mulroy (D.) (ed., trans.) gore you’ve sucked from mortal men.’ myth and society and a consideration of (p.151, vv.183-184). Mulroy is happy to the character of Medea. Contexts and Aeschylus: The Oresteia. Agamemnon, depart from stiff translation, and in the Criticism gives some additional readings. Libation Bearers, and The Holy choral odes especially, employs phrases Contexts presents three extracts over ten Goddesses. Pp. xxx + 234. Madison, which are derived or expanded from the pages to place the play within the context WI: University of Wisconsin Press, Greek, with pleasing outcomes, such as of thought of the ancient world: from the 2018. Paper, US$19.95 (Cased, this from his Holy Goddesses: ‘We choose to Oeconomicus of Xenophon on the nature US$39.95). ISBN: 978-0-299-31564-1 level houses // revelling in sin, // when of marriage; the Argonautica by Apollonius Ares turns domestic, // and someone of Rhodes, in Book 3 where Medea murders kin.’ (p.160, vv.354-356). debates with herself her dilemma of Given Mulroy’s priority of whether to abandon her parents; and beauteous, English formalism, that his Seneca’s Medea, at the point where she has verses might occasionally depart too far just killed one of her sons and prepares to from the Greek is to be understood, kill the other. There are also three though I contend that they do, often. elements to the Criticism section, which Take these verses from his Agamemnon: comprises secondary literature: Pat ‘Except one man who didn’t wish to sail: Easterling’s 1977 article entitled The // Odysseus. He became my favorite Infanticide in Euripides’ Medea; Helene horse,’ (p.39, vv.841-842), which hardly Foley’s chapter Medea’s Divided Self (2001) functions as a metaphor when deprived from Female Acts in Greek Tragedy; and of ζευχθεìς … σειραφόρος (‘having Edith Halls’ Divine and Human in Euripides’ been yoked, the trace horse…’). Medea (2014). The selections are Nevertheless, even on Mulroy’s own interesting and well-judged. I particularly terms as above, there are too many lines liked the primary sources taking the which read as facile, or at least in the reader from the well-known Euripides to wrong register. For instance, from his lesser-known authors. Choosing just three Agamemnon: ‘She strikes. He falls where secondary sources is asking a lot, but waters wash // his wounded body clean, these three cover sensible areas and are // a basin built for taking baths, // a approachable to those thinking about the clever death machine.’ (p.54, vv.1126- play for the first time. With a total of 45 1129), which elides πέπλοισι (‘the pages, these give the reader something Mulroy has approached translation of the robe’), misinterprets μηχανήματι substantial to get their teeth into. For Oresteia with a focus on recreating that (here, ‘devious’ or ‘hidden’ perhaps) of the those whose curiosity is stimulated, she alien concept, to the modern ear, of Greek, but worst of all, fails to capture ends with a two-page Selected Bibliography formalism, which he achieves through the deranged nature of Cassandra’s for investigating the play further. iambic pentameter and ‘some end rhyme’ prophesying. The register and tone suffer For those studying the text for (pp.xii-xiii). The translation, which again in Libation Bearers, when Electra A-level, the translation used on the Mulroy hopes will be ‘distinguished’ by could not seem more apathetic as she examination paper is Harrison’s in the this approach, is then disrupted as the segues between a solemn religious rite, series Cambridge Translations from Greek editor follows up on loose ends in terms and a moment of high drama; she has

Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at 119 https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 discovered a clue of her estranged of English, may be baffled by interjected first-year students using the Histories, but brother’s presence: ‘Since Father has had comments on textual corruptions and now would be leading an independent his muddy offerings now, // I’d like to conjectured reconstructions, which too study by more advanced students. I would share another bit of news.’ (p.92, often bar a straightforward reading. say that this guide would be of more use to vv.164-166). And when Apollo describes Mulroy has the capacity to write for either the more advanced students. the return of Agamemnon in the Holy audience, but he must choose which. The reading toward which Sheehan Goddesses, the lightness of language results I repeat that this volume has much to would guide us is complex, flexible, and in a phrase too bland for a god, testifying offer. The three translations are often sophisticated. It draws upon Herodotean in an Athenian court no less: ‘The king lively and the metre does not restrain bold scholarship from Felix Jacoby to Tom had just returned from waging war // and and beautiful language. The wealth of Holland (though Seth Benardete appears as doing rather well.’ (p.173, vv.631-632). information contained in the footnotes ‘Bernadette’), folds in the anthropology of Alongside the text, the volume has and appendices, evidence of the depth of Levi-Strauss and the metahistory of much to offer, although the intended research, stimulates engagement with Hayden White; and invokes such figures as audience of the peripheral information is these texts at any level. However, it will be Walter Benjamin and the Bakhtinian. He not always clear. Mulroy uses the Preface incumbent on any reader to read even reaches as far afield as Finnegans Wake (pp.ix-x) and the Introduction (pp.xi-xv) selectively, or for the teacher to select for ‘Hairyoddities’, Joyce’s gloss on the to, slightly haphazardly, discuss themes, appropriate extracts. Furthermore, reading tendency of the Father of History to be a historical context, the authorial voice, this edition alongside other translations, purveyor of fables. On the other hand, he and the idiosyncrasies of his edition and indeed the Greek text, will illuminate is very concerned to make the Histories (i.e. naming the wife of Agamemnon obscurity, throw occasional bland passages accessible to those who would look to him ‘Clytaemestra’ with good reason, and into relief, and ultimately achieve the best for guidance. The Guide includes a series labelling the Chorus Leader ‘Coryphaeus’ understanding of the Oresteia. of diagrams – which he calls ‘boxes’– which with none). These pique the interest but it outline the logoi, lay out the plots and plot is not clear why some information is Edmund Gazeley, Merchant Taylors’ the themes, and mobilise the quotes. These fronted in the introduction, and other School, Northwood are always clear, and clearly connected to pertinent or useful material is relegated the more discursive explication. to the seven appendices at the end Sheehan’s Guide is divided into a series (pp.193-231). For the reader, Appendices Sheehan (S.) of chapters representing ‘Approaches to 1 and 3, which contain synopses and the Herodotus’, followed by ‘Commentary’, mythological background, are most useful, A Guide to Reading Herodotus’ which proceeds straightforwardly through while Appendices 2 and 4, on Aeschylus, Histories. Pp. xii + 316, ills. London: each of the nine books of the Histories. and the historical and political context, Bloomsbury Academic, 2018. Paper, These Approaches are themselves may suit the school student. Appendix 7 £22.99. ISBN: 978-1-4742-9266-5. straightforward enough: The Form of the addresses the theatrical context and Histories; Herodotus the Historian; The staging, which is also inconsistently Histories as Literature, among others; but a included by Mulroy in the body of his comparison of these with the chapter translation; at times he asserts a certain titles of similar introductory books about staging, beyond what is necessary for an Herodotus might remind readers of this understanding of the text, such as the one just how approachable the Histories tentative direction in the Holy Goddesses: are. James Romm writes of ‘The Man and ‘the Ghost of Clytaemestra appears. the Work’, but also of ‘The Downfall of Perhaps she rises from behind the navel Greatness’ and ‘The Kingdom of Culture’. stone’ (p.146), but does not do this often John Gould, whose work Sheehan seems enough to properly scaffold a production. to particularly approve of, has written Appendices 5 and 6 concern the about ‘Enquiry’ and ‘Social Memory’, technicalities of Mulroy’s renaming of the ‘Mapping Other Worlds’, and, in the end, Eumenides to the Holy Goddesses (a ‘Reading Herodotus’. I once thought of compelling argument), and a detailed writing such a book myself; it would have discussion of metre, both Greek and begun with ‘What is History for English. I would be surprised if either of Herodotus?’ and ended with ‘Herodotus these would be accessible to anyone below Today’. These books are made of those undergraduate level. Taken as a whole, the approaches, but have not the Commentary appendices, as well as the footnoting and that comprises the greater part of bibliography, represent far too varied a Sheehan’s Guide. It is rather more like J. L. selection of information. A trained Myres’ Herodotus: The Father of History, Classicist may well find themselves which does not appear in Sheehan’s distracted or bored by footnotes I was very pleased to have come across this bibliography. But if that is outdated, explaining, for instance, who Zeus is book just as I was preparing to teach Sheehan updates it. It is no longer (pp.4-5), but more concerningly, Mulroy’s Herodotus again after an interval of several necessary to convince readers that target audience, that is an interested reader years. I had taught a core History course to Herodotus was indeed the Father of

Downloaded120 from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 History; but it is now necessary to observations and claims,and its deployment current and forthcoming OCR set texts. convince people to read the Histories. of quotes from both Herodotus and The ever-present issue of these editions is We may take as an example of Herodotean scholars, Sheehan can show utility; the text is virtually unchanged from Sheehan’s approaches the one that considers students how such stuff is done. the 1918 OCT edition (v. p.34), and this ‘Herodotus the Historian’. Herodotus is When I first taught the Histories, book will very soon be outdated (these ‘The Father of History’, because what he Herodotus was hot. The 9/11 attacks had sections of Philippics II will be the set text wrote was history, and no one wrote it reactivated the ancient narrative of enmity for examination in 2020-2021). As such, before he did. As early as Thucydides and between East and West. The Zach Snyder one might expect a substantial Plutarch, critics have questioned whether film 300 brought the Persian Wars into commentary, as well as a decent array of Herodotus makes proper use of his sources; popular culture. Tom Holland first came to corresponding information to support the but Sheehan argues that he used the sources Herodotean prominence with Persian Fire. I teacher and student. In this, Tanfield available to him; and if he sometimes seems set up a Google Alert for Herodotus, and delivers on the latter, but not the former. too credulous, at other times he is explicitly every day would get an email with at least Tanfield provides a meaty critical. The historie are critical on ‘an half a dozen links to news articles and blog introduction to this edition (pp.1-27), epistemological sliding scale’ (p.17) that posts. The Landmark Herodotus was which covers historical context, accounts for the relative credibility of his published, as were Travels with Herodotus by introduction to and classification of various sources. Herodotus has a sense of Ryszard Kapuscinski and The Way of classical oratory (which happily does not history, recent and distant; he knows what Herodotus by Justin Marozzi. Anthony shy away from a wealth of technical can be known, and what can’t. He can Pagden’s Worlds at War began precisely terms), Demosthenes’ legacy, a glossary of distinguish between what he knows from where Herodotus did. That moment seems stylistic features, notes on scansion and what he hears, and what he knows from to have passed; and yet Herodotus is no clausulae, and a reading list. Here the value what he sees. His use of folk tales and oral less worth reading. I hope that Sheehan’s of the book is most apparent; not only has traditions (where he may seem most Guide might inspire a new generation of Tanfield collated this information uncritically credulous) sheds light on how students to read their Histories. effectively (so the teacher doesn’t have to), history works. ‘The conversation between it is also written in an accessible way, Solon and Croesus’, for instance, ‘may be an Barry Knowlton clearly with the A-level student in mind. invention originating in oral tradition, but it The exemplar paragraph which shows functions as a paradigm for underlying how to tackle rhetorical devices in essay themes of importance to Herodotus’ view Tanfield (C.) (ed.) writing is a particular highlight and could of history’ (p.20). easily and usefully be incorporated into a As for the commentary on the nine Cicero Philippic II: A Selection. Pp. lesson. The introduction thoroughly books, let us take Book Two, since that is viii + 179, maps. London: Bloomsbury prepares the student for reading the text where I am at the moment with my Academic, 2018. Paper, £16.99. with full knowledge of the historical and Herodotus students. Book Two is all about ISBN: 978-1-350-01023-9. linguistic hinterland. This is then further Egypt. It is less digressive than Book One, supported by the detailed summaries of but is itself a digression. Herodotus writes the non-examined Latin and otherwise about Egypt because the Persian King prescribed English text, which are Cambyses is planning an invasion; he can excellent and seem to represent the bulk write about Egypt because Greeks have of Tanfield’s work, again to the benefit of been there for centuries, and he went there the teacher (pp.51-53, 69-70, 100). himself. He writes about the history of As for the commentary itself, the Egypt, but also the geography, ethnography, content is variable. In its favour, it is and even zoology of the country. He is peppered throughout with references to always interested in religion, but is here Bennett’s New Latin Grammar (1918), which particularly interested in distinguishing takes on the heavy lifting of specific religion from history, even though most of grammatical features; for the purposes of his sources are Egyptian priests. They are understanding the language, this is a the keepers of extensive records covering sensible subcontraction to a resource thousands of years; but though they have easily found online. The vocabulary list kept records, they have not made inquiries. (pp.137-179) is another highly beneficial And Herodotus, in Egypt, relies as much feature, which will allow the student to on what he sees as on what they say. work from a single book, if that is desirable. This is a good Guide to Reading The vocabulary items are also marked with Herodotus’ Histories, in that it is also a good an asterisk if they are also found on the guide to writing about it. Neither the OCR Defined Vocabulary List. Approaches nor the Commentary explicitly The commentary is also full of small address the writing that the readers are likely pointers, such as on §91: idem tamen: ‘you, to do; but a teacher might readily turn it to This work, blue-liveried and with the OCR however, also…’; quasi fuligine abstersa: those purposes. In its organisation, its mix stamp of endorsement, joins the growing Ablative absolute NLG 227 (p.96). The of paraphrase, summary, and interpretive collection of companion editions for benefit of such useful nudges to an

Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at 121 https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 A-level student when preparing the text for single facts. By contrast Ramsey just six of the ‘Roman’ odes of Horace, independently is undeniable. However it gives the dates of Caesar’s absence, and the first six poems of Book III. is for the teacher to decide how much doesn’t even say where he was (p.313). Nowadays we must be content to teach explicit linguistic support is necessary or This edition offers much in the way – at least for narrow examination beneficial outside of the classroom. of support to both student and teacher. purposes – the four odes (2, 3, 4 & 6) In the preface (p.viii), Tanfield The quality of the introductory material specified by OCR. acknowledges Ramsey’s commentary for is excellent and contains everything To this end, Godwin has given us its assistance; this is scant indication that a needed for an A-level student to tackle an edition which has been carefully significant portion of this commentary is a both the reading of and writing about and successfully pitched at sixth-form paraphrase of Ramsey’s edition (Cicero: the text. The value of the edition is level. Beginning with a short Philippics (2003, CUP)). For instance, take however significantly undermined by the Introduction, including crucially Tanfield’s note on praetextatum in §44: ‘The commentary, which is derived from ‘Horace and Augustus’, Godwin gives toga praetexta, a toga bordered with purple Ramsey to no small extent, with the most the background to the focus on to recall the gown worn by the kings of significant modifications being the Parthia and memories of Crassus’ Rome, was what boys wore until, at the age omission of explanation of linguistic disastrous defeat at Carrhae in 53 of 15 or 16, they took up the plain white features beyond A-level, and the addition BCE, as well as summarising the likely toga virilis’ (p.54). Compare this with of simple grammatical information. intention of Horace in referring to Ramsey: ‘until the age of 15 or 16 when While the value of OCR editions is in Philippi where he had been on the free-born Roman boys donned the plain comprehensive coverage of the set text ‘wrong’ side. The poet’s revolutionary white toga virilis of manhood, they wore the and therefore ‘peace of mind’, it act in merging public concerns with toga praetexta, which had a purple border becomes much harder to justify the cost (originally Greek) lyric metres is also recalling the purple gown formerly worn of copies for each student when the well brought out. by the kings of Rome.’ (Ramsey p.226) teacher could as easily pull the ‘Green The fact that all four of the Or take §89, and Tanfield’s note on the and Yellow’ and the Loeb (2009) from specified poems are in Alcaics renders Capitoline: ‘After Caesar’s assassination, the the shelf (both of which have their own, the section on metre very short; conspirators (who had styled themselves quite detailed introductions), and employ perhaps a little more on the rules for ‘liberators’) walled themselves up on the selectively, as necessary for the students. determining the length of a given Capitol, under the guard of D. Brutus’s syllable – as in the OCR/Bloomsbury gladiators. Cicero visited them on the night Edmund Gazeley, Merchant Taylors’ edition of Aeneid XI – would have been of the 15/16 March to advise that they call School, Northwood desirable. a meeting of the senate on the Capitol and When it comes to the commentary, take advantage of the disarray among the Godwin is unfailingly clear and helpful, supporters of Caesar. They failed to do so, Godwin (J.) (ed.) assuming (rightly, I think) a bit more and came down after a meeting of the knowledge of (e.g.) case usage than senate on 17 March, called by Antony, had Horace Odes: A Selection London: does the companion OCR/Bloomsbury declared an amnesty and Antony had Bloomsbury Academic, 2018. £12.99 edition of Cicero’s Philippic II. His great provided his own son as a hostage to the ISBN: 978-1-5013-2422-2 care, not to be confused with the conspirators.’ (p.92). Compare this to fussiness one sometimes encounters, is Ramsey (pp.290-291) and observe that shown in items like his discussion of Tanfield has rearranged the clauses and the choice between bibit/bibet in Ode 3, added two minor details. line 12. Though concerning, thankfully such Godwin’s thoughts on Ode 6 begin examples are rare, and more often with a masterly section including Tanfield gives useful expansion on background on the moral and social material that Ramsey passes over more legislation of Augustus; and when we get briefly, such as a reference to Caesar’s to the dedecorum pretiosus emptor, that absence from Rome in §103, which quintessentially Horatian characterisation Tanfield glosses with: ‘After Pharsalus in line 32, the editor is there with (June 48 BC Julian date), Caesar pursued conciseness and clarity. Pompey to Egypt. Despite Pompey’s Although students with access to murder, Caesar remained there backing Williams’ (1969) or West’s (2002) Cleopatra VII in her conflict with her commentaries on Odes III may be brother, Ptolemy XIII, and from interested to see what light those scholars December 48 till June 47 was shed on these fascinating products of the incommunicado, not returning to Rome Augustan age, they will be more than until October that year.’ (p.109). Tanfield adequately served by Godwin’s purpose- also goes on to explain why this reference written work. is pertinent to Cicero’s point, thereby saving both student and teacher from It does not seem all that long since the Giles Dawson, Freelance Classics teacher, following up references and reading lists AQA A-level specification included all Oxfordshire

Downloaded122 from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 found near Carthage a cave containing The vocabulary is rendered less a huge amount of gold hidden by Dido useful by not being specifically targeted to Fratantuono (L.) (ed.) herself. Nero welcomes this news, the text and because it is not complete: no entirely taken in, until Bassus’ fictions gloss for copia in the difficult phrase si Tacitus: Annals XVI London and New are exposed and he escapes disgrace notitiam criminum et copiam diluendi habuisset York: Bloomsbury Academic 2018 ‘voluntaria morte’ – the first of many (p25); an unhelpful gloss for inservire in the £14.99 ISBN: 978-1-350-02351-2 suicides. Nero’s embarrassing phrase hortorum potius amoenitati inservirent’ insistence on performing comes next, p26 – ‘serve, defer to’ won’t do as a followed by the death of Poppaea. translation. Thereafter begins such a catalogue Fratantuono enjoys his parsing and of deaths that Tacitus himself (in revels in choice technical terms – chapter 16) has to apologise for the perhaps this suits the American market monotony of horror. Those who know – so will tell us that pauca repetenda sunt CLC Stage 40 will recognise the fate is ‘Gerundive: passive periphrastic’ of Salvius in the description of the (p95) or that obstitissent is ‘Pluperfect death of Thrasea Paetus. subjunctive in a contrary to fact In a brief introduction Fratantuono protasis’; sometimes - but not always – gives an overview of the Annals, sketches these comments are clarified with a the little we know of Tacitus’ own life, translation. The grammatical help given briefly surveys his other works and is surprisingly uneven; Fratantuono will concludes with a discussion of the themes sometimes explain very basic points of Book XVI. There are very full (p101) esset: ‘Imperfect subjunctive’; references to further reading and other (p85) apud: ‘once again with its usual editions for those wishing to explore accusative object’. However elsewhere further. Fratantuono offers no help where it The text follows and then the would certainly be needed by students: commentary. Fratantuono begins each he frequently fails to alert readers to section with an introduction, discussing accusative and infinitive in reported themes and providing detailed speech, even when there is no This volume is a very welcome references to relevant books and introductory verb; a very densely addition to the available editions of articles. He then covers such issues as argued passage in chapter 26 needs a Tacitus. Fratantuono rightly notes a manuscript problems, explanations of lot more explication. ‘dearth of editions of Tacitus that are characters who appear in the narrative, Also rather disappointing is the suitable for college and university use’ translations of difficult expressions, relatively small amount of discussion and in particular the lack of separate grammatical explanation, stylistic points of style, something which would editions of Book XVI. He provides an and allusions to other authors; for those particularly aid sixth-form students: affordable, accessible, concise interested in reception there are a few (p26) postera luce elicits the comment: paperback edition which is ‘designed references to the film Quo Vadis. In ‘the phrase is not at all common as a to be of particular help to general, the notes are mostly clear, temporal marker’ – and nothing more. undergraduate students who are accessible and helpful and would be This is surely poetic vocabulary, and approaching the author for the first suitable for sixth- form students. indeed probably an echo of Virgil. time’ as well as more advanced There follows a dedicated vocabulary, Expansion on these sorts of points students. He has aimed to write a a brief bibliography (far more would be welcome. traditional ‘school commentary’, which bibliographical material appears in the Conversely Fratantuono digresses includes plenty of grammatical help as commentary itself) and a useful index, freely into seemingly irrelevant asides – well as comments on Tacitus’ ‘program mostly of names, but also of themes, (p125) explaining that the word basilica and plan in the Annals’ and on links concepts, Latin terms etc. had come to refer to Christian churches. with other authors, especially Virgil It seems churlish to make complaints More self-discipline in these matters and Lucan. This would certainly be a about a text which has so many good would have freed up space (if that is what book one could use with sixth- qualities, but there are some niggles which he is short of) to expand upon matters formers, should the occasion arise. seem annoying and distracting. The book germane to the text. Being unfinished or partially lost, has been very poorly proof-read. There So, all in all, a useful book on many Annals XVI is a compassable length are words missing from the Latin text: levels and certainly welcome given the and yet manages to include a variety of p19 ad accusandum’ instead of ad accusandum availability of commentaries on Tacitus, typically Tacitean material. It deals transgrediens, p28 ipse quamcumque subiret but one that would have benefitted from a with parts of the years 65-66, when instead of ipse quamcumque sortem subiret; more disciplined and more clearly focused Nero is becoming ever more tyrannical this is inexcusable. There are typos: p94 approach. Do buy it, though! and unhinged. Money problems are ‘grows ever space’ for ‘grows ever apace’, pressing and the first episode concerns p168 oblectamentum –I (the autocorrect is Hilary Walters, Ex of Loughborough Caesellius Bassus, who claims to have no doubt to blame here). Grammar School

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This is an expensive book, and not £85. ISBN: 978-1-350-04053-3. It is in this spirit, too, that the one which is scheduled to be a set text. impressive commentary is best Schools are therefore unlikely to buy a set understood. There are 61 pages of for a class. From a school perspective, it commentary on this 93-line poem, a would be a useful book to recommend to substantial part of which is devoted to the sixth-form student who wishes to explaining choices made in the editing. understand more about manuscripts and The author regularly explains the rationale editing, as the process is so clearly visible behind the choices he has made with in the commentary. Aside from this niche, clarity and detail. To take one example of however, I cannot see that the text would very many, in the commentary on line be of much value in the schoolroom; its 57/p. 117 (iussit et nudo puellas nil Amori sometimes intimidating erudition, which credere), he explains his choice of credere. recommends it to the more advanced He first discusses Christine Schmitz’s student or scholar, renders it less ‘attractive alternative reading’of cedere in accessible to the school-aged student. place of credere, summing up the arguments in favour of it (verbal parallels Maria Bergquist, Merchant Taylors’ with Virgil, Eclogues 10.69, and a neat School, Northwood internal logic emphasising the importance of Venus). He then balances this against the fact that all the manuscripts have credere and the fact that credere has been Billows (R.A.) used in connection with Amor before. As Before and After Alexander: The Legend well as providing a discussion and a and Legacy of Alexander the Great. I am probably not alone in having first defence of choices in editing, the Pp. 336, ills, maps. New Yok and encountered the Pervigilium Veneris by commentary gives insightful London: The Overlook Press, 2018. accident, because it is housed in a Loeb interpretations of the text, for example Cased, US$32.95. with Catullus and Tibullus. This new drawing the reader’s attention to the ISBN: 978-0-715681-7 critical text with translation and poet’s inclusion of the refrain at the end commentary provides a learned and of the poem to create ‘a sense of irony detailed guide to this poetic gem. and displacement’ (p.136). An impressive The introduction contains sections number of other ancient authors are cited on the manuscript tradition, the date and throughout to illustrate parallels or authorship of the poem, the metre, the contrasts of theme and language usage. final stanza and interpretation of the The sheer detail of the commentary can poem, and its literary reception. The poem make it feel a little cumbersome, but it was rediscovered in the 16th century; given seems churlish to complain; the depth of its corrupt and challenging manuscript erudition is impressive and illuminating, tradition and the uncertainty and debate and the reader gains a much better surrounding its author, the first two understanding of the poem through the sections of the introduction are extremely many explanations and cross-references. helpful in summarising the key problems The translation strikes a good and arguments. The last section is an balance between being faithful to the interesting addition, though it is a shame Latin and being readable. Faithfulness to that the author ends his discussion of the the Latin text at times allows some of the reception of the poem at c.1800 on the most beautiful imagery in the poem to grounds that ‘’the poem’s reception after shine through: ‘It is she who paints the 1809 is (relatively) well known’ (p. 49). purpling year with flowery gems, // She Barton provides an English who encourages the West Wind’s breath translation alongside his edition of the // Into their unfolding nodes; she who Latin text, which is presented with a sprinkles the moistening waters // Of formidable critical apparatus. He glittering dew that the night breeze leaves I was intrigued by the premise of this charmingly explains that part of the behind’ (p.65 vv.13-16). On rare book which does exactly what it says on

Downloaded124 from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 the cover. There seems to be less of an explaining how the legend of Alexander interest in Philip and the Successors than gained traction. The remainder of the in the rather more dashing, glamorous book deals with the Successors and gives Rhodes (P.J.) Alexander himself, so the book-ending a clear account of the divisions and of his life in this way fills in the gaps conspiracies that characterised this Periclean Athens Bloomsbury, 2018. about the influences on him, and his period. As Robin Waterfield points out Paper: 144 pages. $21.56 own influence on his successors. It is the (Dividing the Spoils 2011), this period ISBN-13: 978-1350014954 method employed by Bettany Hughes in deserves to be known better than it is. the Hemlock Cup in which she sets out The figure of Antigonus the One-Eyed to create a ‘Socrates-shaped hole’ in stands out, not only for his long life but Athenian history and Billows appears to for his skill and determination. He have done the same; it works. The earlier makes two appearances in Arrian, the parts of the book trace the history of first when he is appointed governor of Macedonia, the genealogy, and deeds of Phrygia in Book 1 and again in Book 7 the royal family into which Philip was when the prophet, Peithagoras, predicts born in 383BC, beginning with their his death in battle. What is not origins in Argos, which led to Alexander mentioned in Arrian is that the battle in being allowed to take part in the sprint question (Ipsus) was in 301BC and race at the Olympic games. There is Antigonus was 81 years old. The much to wade through, but the general statesmanship of Ptolemy is also noted overview is clear and the chapters on the as he, to a large extent, stays put in reorganisation of the Macedonian army Egypt and founds the dynasty which explain much about their later successes; was to end with Cleopatra VII in 31BC. in fact, there is a wealth of military detail The final section, however, was for me and analysis of battle strategy which will the most interesting as Billows surveys delight armchair generals and students the Hellenistic legacy. The book does of warfare alike, (e.g. the introduction of not end with the death of those who the sarissa, the cavalry wedge and the had known Alexander but considers the more elaborate and more disciplined spread of Hellenistic culture in the As someone who regularly spends a training given to soldiers). This is lands that Alexander conquered and portion of their week teaching Greek to inevitable when dealing with such a passed through with his Macedonian students on limited time (usually involving subject, but it does not become boring army. That cities and towns across the an extract of Thucydides at A-Level), for and the later focus on the battles of Middle East were based on Greek plans me Rhodes’ exploration of Athens during Antigonus the One-Eyed and Seleucus, drawn up by Hippodamus of Miletus the time of Pericles held instant appeal. to name but two, is engagingly described. and still survive in modern towns, Something concise, yet informative, which There is no doubt that the author including New York, is testament to the offers a broader understanding of the believes that Alexander himself gained influence spread by Alexander’s period, not just focusing on the conflict his reputation as a result of inheriting a campaign. Billows explains how Greek between Athens and Sparta, in an easily well-trained and supplied army; and in texts, collected in Ptolemy’s famous accessible format, this work has the reading about Philip’s policy of Museion in Alexandria were passed potential to be of real benefit not only to removing sons from the families of the down through the Roman era and how students of Ancient History or Classical nobility to train them in his army, one they were preserved by Islamic scholars. Civilisation, but especially to those can see the seeds of Alexander’s This I found to be one of the most studying the Greek language in a Epigoni. However, it is not only military fascinating parts of this book. The compressed fashion and for whom a quick innovation for which we should volume is not overly filled with injection of background material could remember Philip. When Cleitus the illustrations but those that are there are transform their understanding of texts. Black accused Alexander of forgetting well-chosen, and there are maps Rhodes is pretty clear about his target the debt he owed to his mortal father detailing the various stages covered. audience for the work. It is designed (Plutarch 50) we understandably think References to ancient sources are clearly explicitly with the ‘late school’ and ‘early of the army he led, but Philip also signalled and the genealogies, timeline university’ levels in mind. As such, it is not undertook a programme of urbanisation and extensive bibliography will be meant to be a comprehensive, detailed as mentioned by Arrian (7.9.2), which welcomed by teachers, students, and study of the period, but something which resulted in economic development and casual readers. Sadly, Alexander the will introduce the student to a variety of the ability to fund his reforms. All this Great no longer appears on the A-level topics and give them the basics they need served to make Macedonia and its Classical Civilisation syllabus but there is to understand the period in an people a force to be reckoned with. much of interest here, and the subject overarching fashion. Similarly, in the Around 40 pages are given over to matter is well-suited to the OCR Ancient space of a work which is quite limited in Alexander himself with a clearly argued History module ‘The Rise of Macedon.’ terms of its physical size (at 104 pages it is section questioning whether he really strikingly unintimidating), Rhodes does deserved the name ‘Great’ and J M Lashly, Shrewsbury High School not limit himself only to the Athens of

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Oxford: Oxford University The structure which Rhodes has support his work goes considerably further Press, 2018. Cased, £25, US$34.95. chosen for the work divides the material than that and could keep even the most ISBN: 978-0-19-872788-0 into six topics: Pericles and His City, inquisitive student, along with Rhodes’ Democracy, Empire, Religion and Philosophy, very helpful recommendations for further Literature, Art, Architecture (as a single reading, occupied for a considerable section) and After Pericles. Each of these amount of time. There are also a number topics is then divided into sub-topics of useful maps, diagrams and images allowing Rhodes to focus on one particular which will undoubtedly provide valuable aspect. For example, Pericles and His City context and support to the reader. contains a broader exploration of the As with any work of this size, though, Greek world (looking to impress upon its accessibility can also feel like a weakness. students that Athens is not Greece and Certain topics work extremely well as an Greece is not the Greek world) and then overview and I have no doubt that the looks to find Athens’ place within wider sections on democracy and empire would Greek history and society (Athens and the prove valuable to students in understanding Greek world). Overviews of religion, modes their mechanisms and functions. When of government and thoughts on what an discussing literature, art and architecture, ideal Greek citizen might have looked like however, the broad nature of Rhodes’ are all present. Only after this does Rhodes approach means that these topics felt look to find Pericles’ place within Athens slightly unfulfilling. In particular I hoped for through an exploration of what we know a little more discourse concerning the of his family, its origins and status in the evolution of such modes of expression in a fifth century (Pericles and Athens). Similar democratic (yet imperialist) state and the approaches are adopted for all the other potential influences such a mode of Robin Waterfield’s history of Greece topics Rhodes has chosen, taking a broad government may have had on the achieves the feat of compressing 750 years overview and homing in on particular production of art and vice-versa. Similarly, of the history of innumerable Greek aspects as he moves through the material. the section on philosophy seems at points to states into 500 or so pages. He brings a For the final topic, After Pericles, Rhodes be reduced to a list of philosophers and the sharp forensic analysis to the morass of then revisits each of the four previous philosophical schools of thought which one sources that drives the reader through topics and explores their development might have encountered in Athens rather even the most complex and tortuous of (albeit briefly) into the fourth century and than a discussion of their role in society or inter-state shenanigans and brings us out beyond, giving the reader a sense of how and why these might have emerged at the other side unscathed and perhaps, only development throughout the work and an this time and in this place. Oddly, occasionally, a little bewildered. overall understanding of the bigger picture. considering the book’s size, there was also a Physically, this is an attractive tome Not only are those topics chosen by noticeable amount of repetition of material which is a pleasure to read. Its typesetting Rhodes absolutely key to understanding when moving from topic to topic. is gracious and approachable and the the world of Athens in the fifth century Despite, however, feeling like presentation of information always clear. and of great assistance in understanding Rhodes’ overview is, for certain topics, The black and white illustrations are the Peloponnesian War and Thucydides’ just a little too brief, I think that this book pertinent and helpful and the maps are account of it, the manner itself in which undoubtedly has a tremendous amount indispensable. Rhodes chooses to present these topics going for it. The sheer range of topics The book starts, generously, with two should also prove beneficial to the student. touched on and the potential that has to introductions; one to the environmental Although the work is certainly small spark further questions and investigations background and the second to the enough for a student to take as a whole, the among students makes it an excellent historical. This is not a book that deals individual topics covered would also starting point for anyone who wants an with Mycenae in depth, for example: the function perfectly well when read as introduction to Classical Athens and the focus is on the Greeks, rather than their stand-alone extracts. In this way the work is wider Greek world in an immediately forebears. Deliberately, as Waterfield flexible enough to be dipped into as accessible format whether for use in the explains, the book gives equal weight to required, or for individual topics to be classroom or outside of it. I will be the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic recommended to students who need recommending this to my students. periods and during these periods the particularly to know about, for instance, action is shared between the various the Delian League or the functioning of Neil Treble, King Edward VI School, states. At times, as in the case of Syracuse, Athenian democracy. In addition, it is Stratford-upon-Avon the narrative structure provides a

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Each section begins with a title page well as social and personal glosses. and emotions from source material. and a glossary, and then contains a Countless little treasures abound The volume is certainly not number of double-page spreads, each of with stories of significant figures’ actions unreadable for a capable Classics A-level which covers a more specific topic. The and sayings. Tantalising quotations and student and sections would likely appeal. It double-page spreads follow a consistent titbits of information, such as Cleopatra’s is not, in my view, however, as some format throughout the book. The treatise on medicine, are doled out reviewers have stated, a text book, per se. left-hand page provides a short, written liberally but rarely gone into in any depth. Anyone with an interest in the subject area introduction to the topic; it is these texts This all provides a piquant counterpoint could find things of use and of delight, that give the book its name, as they are to the intensity of the historical narrative. informed, as it is by the progress in ‘every intended to be read ‘in 30 seconds’, Many other reviewers use the word field of Classical and ancient historical although they may in fact require a little ‘authoritative’ to describe Robin Waterfield’s studies’ (p. x). To me this history fits well longer. This page also contains either a writing. In reading the book, this was a word into Robin Waterfield’s own description of fact-box or a ‘3-minute mission’, the latter that resonated throughout. The author’s Polybius, the historian ‘For Polybius, the of which either encourages further ease in ascribing motivation or asserting the mere chronicling of events was not exploration of and reflection on the condition of matters without obvious enough: events demand an explanation …’ page’s topic or sets a practical challenge to reference to source material is at once and it is this that Robin Waterfield amply give a sense of life in ancient Greece. impressive and faintly disappointing. At and consummately provides. These challenges include writing a letter, times specific statements are made which making pancakes and carving a bust from caused me to want to understand more and Chloë Barnett, Bishop Luffa School a bar of soap, and often wisely include an I searched in vain for the evidence to ‘adult helper’ as one of the items support them. Often, however, interesting necessary to complete the task. The same quotations and references are provided. Senker (C.) page also includes a ‘3-second sum-up’ – a In all historiography there has to be a sentence which summarises the main question of the threshold of evidence to Ancient Greece in 30 Seconds. 30 message of the double-page spread. The attribute motivation. In studying a subject Awesome Topics for Kid Classicists right-hand page is an illustration-based where the source materials can be sketchy Explained in Half a Minute. pp. 96, ‘colourful at-a-glance guide’ (p. 7) to the at best and might well be biased: it is the colour ills. Quarto Publishing Group topic, with some text included, and informed exploration and elucidation of UK, 2018. Paper, £7.99. provides information to supplement what intention, and the care with which this ISBN: 978-1-78240-586-3. has been read on the left-hand page. path is walked, which is the strength of The book principally focuses on the the book and evokes that ever-present experience of living in Greece – including sense of authority. such topics as ‘Greek clothes’, ‘Farming The author’s tone is never dull. Given the land’ and ‘Food and feasts’ – rather the extent and, at times, complexity of the than a narrative of ‘what happened’ in inter-relations between feuding and allied Greece, although some key incidents from states, the reading is not turgid. Robin history are discussed, chiefly in the final Waterfield’s dry asides leaven moments of section where the topic ‘Ancient Greece at concentration and there are occasions when war’ (covering the Persian invasions and metaphor takes over, for example when the Peloponnesian War) is joined by those ‘terror and starvation stalked the streets of on ‘Alexander the Great’ and ‘The Athens’ produces a rather striking and Hellenistic Age’. Although there are some curiously poetic moment. For me the work references to earlier and later, the book was reminiscent of Winston Churchill’s mainly addresses what it calls the ‘Golden History of the English Speaking Peoples in style. Age’ ‘from around 480 BCE to around 330 This particularly showed itself at moments BCE, when Greek culture thrived …’ of historic tension, in the pithy final (p. 11 and elsewhere). By the end of the sentence of a chapter, as for example, ‘The book one has a rich sense of life in ancient delusory nature of such dreams would Greece, with topics such as ‘Athens: rule rapidly be exposed’ at the end of the by the people’ and ‘The Olympic Games’ chapter on The Macedonian Conquest. Although the title of this book may give joined by others such as ‘Children: toil and This foreshadowing by our omniscient the impression that it covers its subject toys’ and ‘Off to market’, ensuring that author keeps the chapters rolling. matter in limited detail, this is in fact a presentation of some of the most famous The question for me is: what kind of wide-ranging, informative introduction to features of ancient Greece is accompanied book is this, and what is its place in the the ancient Greek world. by consideration of everyday life. The

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It provides an excellent transparent – again, a good example for subsequently receive much discussion), and overview of life in ancient Greece, and will the Ancient History beginner. However, in the ‘Great Thinkers’ topic, Plato’s story be enjoyed for far longer than 30 seconds! readers will need to look elsewhere for, of the Cave is presented (in cartoon form). say, any discussion of Cicero’s character The final double-page spread concerns James Watson assassination of Mark Antony in the itself with ‘What did the Greeks do for Philippics. us?’, which brings together many ideas All in all, as a survey of 170 years of raised in the book while also prompting Osgood (J.) Rome’s role in the world, this book stands reflection on the legacy of ancient Greece. up well to both the established (e.g. The book is visually impressive, with Rome and the Making of a World State Scullard) and recent (e.g. Beard’s SPQR) colour drawings throughout which help to 150 BCE – 20 CE Cambridge: competition and can be recommended to bring each topic to life. These sometimes Cambridge University Press, 2018 any sixth-former who might wish to include versions of recognisable ancient Paper, £21.99 ISBN: inform themselves about the period by a objects (for example the Minoan ‘bull- 978-1-108-41319-0 couple of days’ reading. leaping’ fresco from Knossos) and maps, but often are imagined scenes in a Giles Dawson, Freelance Classics teacher, distinctive, clear style. Although there are Oxfordshire no photographs in the book to show what remains of ancient Greece today, the excellent, vibrant illustrations help the Wallace-Hadrill (A.) reader to imagine how ancient Greece might once have appeared. Augustan Rome. Second Edition. There are very few errors in this pp. xx + 147, ills. London and New well-produced book, although the spelling York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2018 ‘bouleterion’ (p. 21 and p. 68), and the (first published 1993). Paper. £14.99. suggestion that the Parthenon’s outer ISBN: 978-1-4725-3426-2. frieze of triglyphs and metopes shows ‘the procession of worshippers to the temple’ (p. 57) have made it into print. There also seems to be a discrepancy between the information given in the ‘Festivals’ topic and that given in ‘At the theatre’: in the To claim, as this author does in a concise former we read of the festival of Dionysus and very readable account, that the fall of that ‘all citizens attended – probably the Roman Republic essentially ensured the women as well as men’ (p. 58), whilst in the ascent of Rome, is not new. Nevertheless, latter we are told that ‘the majority of the this proves to be a worthwhile addition to audience were men, as women were the secondary literature on a key period of discouraged from going out in public’ European history. (p. 76) – each statement therefore giving a The style of writing alternates rather different impression of life in between lively details and general ancient Greece. These are, however, rare sketches, in prose which one reviewer has examples which do not really detract from characterised as ‘highly journalistic’. the excellent information presented Indeed, Osgood’s asides can be irritating: throughout the book. ‘If [Julia] did carry on love affairs, The language used in the book is especially after being compelled to marry Documenting the life, legacy and accessible, and often quite complex topics Marcellus, Agrippa and then Tiberius … associated intrigues of the man who are distilled into straightforward who could blame her?’ found Rome in bricks and left it in marble summaries. The book is therefore Osgood tells the story of a republic is no mean feat; yet Andrew Wallace- eminently suitable as an introduction to which, to the accompaniment of frequent Hadrill - among the world’s foremost ancient Greece for its intended audience bursts of civic mayhem and bloodshed, Roman cultural historians - hits pay dirt in of ‘kid classicists’, but older readers will became increasingly unable to handle the this second edition of Augustan Rome. find much to delight them within its pages job of governance. In a particularly fine First published in 1993, the original too. Those whose appetite has been chapter, ‘The Spiral of Violence, 104-80 edition of this slim volume was pegged by whetted by its contents can refer to a BCE’, he gives a clear picture of the the author as an ‘interpretive essay’ rather

Downloaded128 from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 than a definitive account of its subject, with for having ‘extraordinary grasp as well as ‘(Augustus) understood the enormous the express purpose (as per the preface to drama’– thus, those with no knowledge political potential of manipulating religious this new edition) of cajoling readers ‘to of the period may start by reading this sentiment’ and ‘revived traditional roman raise questions and make connections’. As summary; its bountiful suggestions for religious practices and values, but in such a such, from the outset the intended audience further reading will illuminate way as to place him at the centre of the is made clear - geared towards sixth form or understanding and curiosity. system’ (p.111). first-year university level, Wallace-Hadrill’s The chapters follow key ideas, The addition of a postscript prose is unfussy, clearly structured, and free intertwined with analysis of how the reflecting on Augustus’ legacy and of the over-erudition which mars many sources (most notably the poets Horace, reception in the 21st century is thoughtful, treatises on this lofty subject, aiming to Propertius and Virgil) espouse the coming and in keeping with the text’s main aims; stimulate the reader to ‘construct his or her of a saviour. Starting with ‘The Myth of as Wallace-Hadrill tells us ‘the positive and own Augustus’, as Augustus is ‘far too Actium’, Wallace-Hadrill asserts that this negative sides of Augustus are entwined, complex for any one view be rated as truly decisive battle and its outcome was ‘a not merely in his personality, but in the authoritative’. double victory … as well as the naval situation he found himself confronting’ This approach succeeds battle, there was a propaganda battle’, (p.133), as, in spite of an occasionally dim magnificently, with effortless integration marking one of the key themes of this view, the author is at pains to point out of the ample literary and archaeological most intriguing of figures. Refreshingly that the city of Rome prospered as never evidence alongside an interpretation of throughout, the author sprinkles a dash of before under the new regime. A generous the dense politics of his reign. The Symes-esque cynicism amongst his and full further reading section – again, author’s chronological scope compelling commentary of Augustan thematically arranged – provides easy and (31BC-14AD), encompassing ‘The Myth images of power, ensuring an open-ended welcoming access for those wishing to go of Actium’ via his gradual view of this strangely impenetrable beyond this marvellous 147-page ‘Metamorphosis’ from Octavian to character is presented. The second chapter ‘introduction’, an edition which remains Augustus, his rule and rebuilding of (‘Metamorphosis’) neatly dissects the vitally essential in coming to grips with the ‘Golden Rome’ and subsequent superhuman connotations of Octavian’s Son of a God who first presided over the deification (‘God and Man’) makes it plain transition to Augustus as he ‘turned the vastness of the Roman Empire. for the nascent scholar just how Octavian, city of Rome from a place of competition with victory at Actium, impacted the city to an imperial showplace’ (p.39). ‘Palace John Hayden, Head of Classical Studies, of Rome, its values and art. and Court’ (Chapter 3) looks at how rather Columba College, Dunedin, New Zealand The additions for this second edition than usurping the power of the were prompted by the author’s enormous Republican nobility, as the feted ‘restorer fortune to have lived in Rome at the of the old republic’ Augustus took care to Cottam (C.), Hodgkinson (D.L.S.), forefront of new excavations in the ‘Jubilee preserve the old families, transforming Year’ of 2000 (notable for the controversial them from independent agencies to his Matthews (S.), Nicholas (L.), rehousing of the Ara Pacis Augustae), as own courtiers – while still managing to Renshaw (J.) well as at Nicopolis, where monuments to build his ‘humble abode’ at the summit of Augustus’ victories at Actium still stand the Palatine Hill, next to the mythical hut OCR Ancient History AS & A level proudly – a new introduction reflects this, as of Rome’s founder Romulus! Component 1: Greece London & New does a postscript, which attempts to reassess The fourth chapter (‘Golden Rome’) York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2017, Augustus’ legacy. Updated references and is a buoyant survey of the architecture £17.99 ISBN: 978-1-350-01523-4 reading list also reflect this explosion in new commissioned under Augustus, which materials and methods of scholarship. ‘made the city a showpiece simultaneously While the main body of the text of Rome’s power in the word and of his remains unaltered, a new introduction own power in Rome’ (p.87), lavishly helpfully surveys the myriad of both illustrated with a wealth of glossy plates, primary and secondary sources. From including maps, plans, photographs and Horace, Virgil and Ovid through to diagrams which neatly complement the raft modern interpretations from the likes of of numismatics used elsewhere throughout Paul Zanker, author of Power of Images in the volume. ‘Love And War’ (Chapter Five) Augustan Rome (1987) and the former head tackles the moral reform which of the German Archaeological Institute underpinned the whole order (including Edmund Buchner, who in the 1980s the construction of the Ara Pacis), and discovered the Horologium Augusti (the how Augustus cannily used the cultural sundial made of Egyptian granite brought patronage of the era’s poets to ‘promote a back from Heliopolis, recalling again the positive image of himself in the literature triumph of Actium). Elsewhere, Wallace- of the day’ (p.91). There is a seamless segue Hadrill rightly cites Symes’ The Roman from ‘Augustus the moral model’ to the Revolution as the classic modern treatment final chapter ‘God and Man’, wherein his We have come a long way since Bury and of his subject, while Shakespeare’s Julius adoption of the title Pontifex Maximus is Burn. Right from the start of this densely- Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra are praised discussed alongside the assertion that packed textbook, the authors make salient

Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at 129 https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 points about the nature of the problems revisionist?’; though students might like sources for Augustus alone. It is good to posed by Herodotus’ Histories, while to know about Burrow’s A History of find four odes of Horace and extracts making no bones about what a unique and Histories, absent from the Further Reading from Ovid’s Fasti alongside Tacitus and essential source it is. By way of contrast, it lists in this book. the first emperor’s own Res Gestae – not to is good for students to be made aware of It hardly needs saying that students mention a wide range of relevant what survives of the tombs of Darius and could not attempt the OCR Ancient inscriptions and coins. This textbook Xerxes at Naqs-e Rustam, including the History A-level without making this adopts a ground-breaking format, in statement of Darius’ ideology. volume a key part of their studies. It will displaying and explaining individual items Throughout the book, the ‘PS’ leave them in no doubt of the 21st century from the material culture as being just as (Prescribed Sources) icon is used demands of the subject, and of the high worthy of close study as the better known frequently, with the expressed and standard of exposition maintained by the and more obvious literary sources. laudable purpose of keeping the student five co-authors. So as well as breaking new ground in clued-up on Herodotus, Thucydides and actually providing a dedicated textbook other Greek literary sources, plus a variety Giles Dawson, Freelance Classics teacher, for A-level Ancient History, the authors of Persian material which has only Oxfordshire go into laudable detail in explain the featured relatively recently at this level. significance of each chosen source. The section on the Persian invasion of Depth Studies (a choice of three) 480-479 provides an excellent illustration Cromarty (R.), Harrison (J.), have been well chosen and defined. One of the authors’ approach to 5th and 4th might fairly expect ‘The breakdown of century BCE history. Their account of Matthews (S.) (edd.) the late Republic, 88-31 BC’ to prove the Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea and Mycale most popular choice. Here it is given very is both clear and analytical, making it plain OCR Ancient History AS and A level thorough and clear treatment, punctuated that there is no rigid certainty about the Component 2: Rome London & New by suggestions for debate – another course of these epoch-making events and York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2017. textbook innovation for this subject/ those who participated in them. Paper, £17.99 ISBN: level – with useful references to recent A good discussion of Diodorus 978-1-350-01527-2 scholarship as well as established Siculus and Plutarch as sources for the secondary authorities. An invitation to mid-5th century opens chapter 1.2; later in criticise an article on ‘Aristocrats and this section, it is pleasing to note the Agriculture’ in JRS for 2008 suggests the consideration of Harpokration, adoption of a university-level approach – commenting on an assertion by providing ‘stretch and challenge’ indeed. Theopompus that the Peace of Callias was For the ‘Ruling Roman Britain’ a forgery designed to keep up Athenian Depth Study, students are wisely advised spirits at a time of relative decline. to handle Tacitus’ Agricola with care, 3.1, opening the second of the three whilst the likelihood of its basic factual Depth Studies, is an especially fine chapter accuracy is acknowledged. Teachers and on Athenian political and social culture. students who go for this option will of Prescribed sources include as many as eight course benefit from the sheer accessibility authors, each of whose work is briefly but of many archaeological and material helpfully characterised. Impressive too is sources. the coverage, in Depth Study 3, of the Technical terms are adequately major events of Alexander the Great’s explained in marginal boxed format, as career, and their significance. Again, a wide also in the ‘Greece’ book. However, this variety of both literary and material culture OCR with Bloomsbury have been prompt ‘Rome’ volume has not been so carefully sources is brought into play. in publishing well-written and densely- proof-read as its companion (what, for Technical vocabulary (e.g. archon, packed guides to the Ancient History example, might ‘poor-planning’ be?) but demagogue, hegemony) is concisely specifications which began to be taught fortunately not so badly as to mislead the explained in marginal boxes. Study from September 2017. reader or put him/her off. Questions are impressive in their rigour, Before getting stuck into the It would be impossible to imagine a e.g. ‘Compare the accounts of Diodorus (compulsory) Part 1 – ‘Julio-Claudian student now tackling OCR A-level and Plutarch mentioned here. How emperors, 31 BC – AD 68’ – readers are Ancient History without relying on this plausible does Plutarch’s description of provided with a helpful double-page spread comprehensive guide to the subject- Aristeides sound in comparison to that of map of the rapidly growing Roman empire. matter of Component 2. It would also be Diodorus?’. Each chapter concludes with Given the scope and quality of the text difficult to conceive of a better job being Practice Questions, worded in the style which follows, they can be sure of gaining a made, at this price, of providing an that exam candidates can expect. lively appreciation of how the empire came appropriate guide to this fascinating Stretch & Challenge questions live up to be so extensive over the course of the period. to their title, e.g. ‘With reference to the Julio-Claudian and Flavian periods. modern writers who consider Thucydides’ An impressive twelve very varied Giles Dawson, Freelance Classics teacher, methodology, how far was Thucydides a authors’ work serves as prescribed Oxfordshire

Downloaded130 from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.202.8, on 25 Sep 2021 at 22:58:31 , subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631019000242 Chapter one positions the city of Pen & Sword is a publishing house Rome within the psyche of the Romans and specialising in matters military and Dolansky (F.) and Raucci (S.) charts the mythical founding of the city. McCall, a classroom teacher in the Chapter two explores what the city was like U.S.A., also seems to specialise in that Rome: A Sourcebook on the Ancient to live in. Quotes from Horace, Quintilian area. The book might seem overpriced, City Continuum Publishing and Juvenal, amongst others, are used to but is available, considerably cheaper, Corporation (2018) Paper: pp. 272. build up a sense of the sounds and smells online, and in both ePub and Kindle ISBN-13: 978-1441194190 that surrounded Rome’s inhabitants. Details format. An introductory chapter of the different types of housing available, underlines inter alia the difficulties of including details of how one would rent an making sense of early Roman history apartment, are also given. Chapter eight and of reconciling our sources, mainly gives a comprehensive overview of the Livy, Diodorus and Dionysius of infrastructure of Rome, from the aqueducts, Halicarnassus, to a coherent account. sewer system and latrines to the roads, That said, McCall is adept at suggesting bridges and walls of the city. logical solutions to knotty problems of Several chapters are devoted to the interpretation nor does he let them different aspects of Roman life: commerce interfere with his running narrative. He and leisure (chapter three), entertainment is particularly good on the legendary (chapter five), religion (chapter six), politics battle of Cremera, where the whole clan (chapter seven), the triumph (chapter nine), was - almost - wiped out and on the and death (chapter eleven). Chapter four later battle of Sentinum; chapters 2 - 4, looks at the differences in the city between however, often resolve into a list of the hours of daylight and night and the events, which cannot easily be freed various disasters that plagued Rome - fires, from the historical murk in which they Dolansky and Raucci see this sourcebook floods, epidemics and grain shortages - are reside. as being placed ‘at the intersection of discussed in chapter ten. McCall comes into his own with topography, social history and culture’. It The sourcebook presents the city of Fabius Maximus Cunctator and the explores the physical attributes of the city; Rome as a living organism that is as War against Hannibal. His writing the sewers, insulae blocks, grand porticoes fascinating as the people who lived in it. It seems to pick up pace here and one and temples. It also stimulates the modern is a useful and valuable tool for anyone clearly feels that he is in his element. imagination through its description of the interested in understanding the lives of The book is written for a reader not sounds and smells of Ancient Rome and those who lived in ancient Rome. versed in the Classics and serves its it places the city within the Roman purpose admirably. The military psyche. Its scope is extensive and, whilst Jessica Dixon, London Oratory School detail, strategy and tactical nous of a the authors acknowledge that they can’t whole line of Fabii will be appreciated cover all sources on the ancient city, it by many readers; this is enhanced by certainly provides a significant overview. McCall (J) M.’s style, a curious mixture of British The sourcebook brings together a and American English, both being range of literary and epigraphical source Clan Fabius, Defenders of Rome: A occasionally strained and material, the majority of which comes History of the Republic’s Most idiosyncratic. The concluding chapter from the late republican and early imperial Illustrious Family Pen & Sword confirms poor historical pickings periods. It is organised by themes rather (History) Publishing, 2018. Hardback, indeed for the clan and McCall has to than by geographical regions so that the £19.99 ISBN 978-1-4738-8561-5 eke it out somewhat. sites discussed are placed in the context The book has four appendices: of the lived experience of Rome’s Roman Names; A Glossary of Some inhabitants. Each chapter is subdivided Technical Terms; A Glossary of and clear headings make it easy to search Major Sources for the Republic; for sources on specific aspects of the city. Online Sources of Ancient Authors Furthermore, each subsection is given an in Translation (this last is an introduction, as well as suggestions for unnecessarily long list of URLs - most further secondary scholarship. This makes readers would know how to search the sourcebook accessible and easily within the three of four named navigable, particularly for students at both websites). There is also a list of school and university level. However, this endnotes, a Bibliography (sadly, format of organisation means that the omitting all non-anglophone development of the city over time and the scholarship) and a good Index. I chronology of the sources is not always found only few typos, although one made clear and could lead to confusion runs into ‘Catalinus’ on p. 163. for those readers who are not familiar with Roman history and literature. Terry Walsh, retired teacher

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Although little known in the ISBN 978-0190692759 much of the content provides interesting UK, many people around the world believe background to how chariot racing and it is the best Latin course. However, both drama worked in the Roman world volumes are written entirely in Latin, so (Chapters Three and Four passim). Of some guidance is necessary - or is it? further interest are his explanations of the The course was written by Hans H. theological debates which were at the centre Ørberg, a Danish grammar school teacher of so much of the politics of the time of English, French and Latin. He (pp.18-22) and his details about wondered why his experience of teaching contraception (pp.50ff.). Theodora’s own Latin seemed so ineffective and dull influence upon politics is considered compared with his teaching of English throughout; however of great note are and French. He spent the rest of his life Potter’s details about her sponsorship of developing a course which uses many of relief for prostitutes (pp.55-57; 136-138; the techniques employed by MFL teachers 180-183). and which recent research into learning Historiography with consideration shows are effective. The concept of his of sources is scholarly as are his thoughts course is that the meaning of all new about Theodora’s legacy and reception. vocabulary and features of the language His footnotes and bibliography are can be understood from the immediate This is a very suitable and good book for thorough, providing opportunity for contexts in which they are introduced. Classicists aiming to extend their knowledge further reading. His index, timeline, maps, The series’ title, Lingua Latina per se of the Later Roman Empire following the images and, most importantly, dramatis illustrata, refers to this, where some words collapse of the West’s supremacy. Potter personae are all greatly appreciated and are given a meaning by picture, some by covers a vast swathe of factual detail helpful. It should be said that, although definition in Latin by reference to words alongside his biography of Theodora. His suitable for precocious sixth formers, already known, and others can only have analysis and tone are pointed, clear and sections (e.g. Chapter Two) are quite racy. one meaning in their context. often amusingly tongue-in-cheek making Familia Romana introduces all the this book a pleasurable read. He engages A.K.J. Carroll, Saint Olave’s Grammar accidence and virtually all basic syntax of with history, religion, culture, the rich and School, Kent Latin, together with a good working poor of society, men and women, foreign vocabulary of 1800 words. It is more than and domestic affairs richly. His portrayal of sufficient as a basis from which to tackle Theodora is attractive, sophisticated, Neumann (J.) unadapted Latin. Roma Aeterna adds more touching and fair. We follow her unplanned detailed Latin usages, and expands the Odysseus-esque journey across the eastern A Companion to Roma Aeterna known vocabulary to 3,000 words. The Roman world from life as an actress to Indianapolis; Cambridge 2017. £29 aim is to provide sufficiently extensive becoming empress. During this journey ISBN: 978-1585108411 practice in reading Latin to promote Potter engages with the position of actors fluency in reading original Latin texts. The and actresses and the nature of texts are all based on Roman authors but entertainment in the Later Roman Empire simplified (less so as the book progresses) from drama to circus performances. He Virgil (early books of the Aeneid), Livy, discusses the harsh lives of actresses and the Sallust and Cicero. position of prostitution with sensitivity Why a companion in English at all? showing how the laws of the empire Ørberg provided a very short guide to his (pp.39f.) were designed to curtail their course, so unless you are a purist, freedoms and prevent social ascent (pp.46f.). dedicated to sticking exclusively in the Nonetheless he is realistic, pointing out how target language, guidance in ones’ own these families were not starving and lived language is useful. Neumann takes this relatively well (p.12). Once enthroned, Ørberg’s guidance as her starting point Potter shows how the other, richer half lived - indeed she includes all of his very brief with analyses of life in court (pp.123f.). guidance - and adds a great deal more Architecture, ceremony and bureaucracy are analysis and explanation of her own. She covered on pp.107-122. Similarly, he writes (often at some length) about new provides insights into the importance of the grammar; she goes into the detail in the chariot race teams (reds, blues, whites etc.) This is a guide, 463 pages in length, to the manner of ‘spiral’ curriculum, both for and the power which these teams (or rather second volume of a Latin course of some grammar and vocabulary; she talks

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A lot of used by many teachers in schools and 7-year-old was sufficiently impressed that the explanations are very good, and reveal colleges in the U.S. and in Europe. For he asked to read the book for himself a skilled, experienced teacher who has a those who want to teach Latin via Latin again, having been read it by me. The deep understanding of Latin and a knack this book is of less use. Indeed, in a story continues the adventures of the of explaining things in a way that makes lecture at a conference in February 2018, ‘Museum Mystery Squad’, a band of them clear and logical. There is also great Living Latin in New York City1, Nancy three intrepid children and their value in seeing explanations from the Llewellyn stated that using a companion obligatory pet sidekick in the National different tradition that the U.S. has. There to the course had put her teaching back Museum of Scotland. is a lot of comparison and bringing things three years because it had taken her The stories cohere around items together - for example the seven ways students out of the target language. from the particular area of the museum Latin has for expressing purpose. These The book is certainly useful for those where the Mystery Squad’s adventures are also illustrated by many examples, who teach in a more traditional way, but take place: in this case, the Roman some from the first book Familia Romana. the detail is likely to be too much for most galleries. The tale itself is lively, silly and For example, a section on purpose clauses students who are seeing the material for thoroughly entertaining for children of has 30 examples taken from Ørberg’s text. the first time. However, for those who no more than ten, featuring as it does a There is a lot of wisdom in this approach want to recharge their language, or who reported ghost, a professional ghost if one’s aim is to encourage fluency in want to increase the fluency of their hunter and a variety of entertaining reading. reading this book has much to offer. characters. Over the course of the story Roma Aeterna does not have to be Experience has shown that those who children are introduced to concepts such worked though from cover to cover. This have a decent grasp of Latin can profit as treasure trove, items that might be means that some repetition is inevitable in greatly from working through Roma found in the pertinent section of the any companion. Neumann strikes a good Aeterna, and having this companion to museum, and so on. This is a lovely balance between cross-referencing and hand would make the process more example of gentle education through having each chapter standing alone. She enlightening. stealth and context, rather than the occasionally cross-references forward which ‘factual’ books that primary children are might be off-putting to some. She adopts a Clive Letchford, University of Warwick subjected to as part of reading schemes. general scheme for each chapter of five Aside from the actual narrative of sections: new syntax; expansion of previous the story, factual information is also syntax; explanation of words and phrases; Nicholson (M.) presented in a lively, entertaining way with review; and points of style. As the book quizzes, fact-files and word searches at the progresses, the first two sections are not Museum Mystery Squad and the Case of end of a number of chapters. Mike needed to any great extent. The accuracy of the Roman Riddle. pp 143, ills. Phillips’ excellent cartoon illustrations are her explanations of the text is good. The Edinburgh: Floris Books, 2018. huge fun and add to the general occasional macron has gone awry but this is Paper. £5.00, US$ 6.95. entertainment and accessibility of the unlikely to confuse most users. The ISBN: 978-178250-364-4 book. presentation is also clear, with enough space As a Classics teacher, one small on each page to avoid the text appearing too disappointment for me was the translation dense and uninviting. The list of vocabulary of esse as ‘here’, which, although for each chapter is helpfully listed by parts thoroughly believable, (garnered in the of speech and within these alphabetically. It plot, as it was from an internet translation would have been even more helpful if the site) was, I felt, unnecessary given the third declension nouns had been grouped quality and educational value of the rest by gender. of the book. For some, the explanations might be too full. The North American tradition Chloë Barnett, Bishop Luffa School employs descriptive analysis and use of technical terms to a greater extent than we are used to in the U.K. and for students in the latter tradition, it may prove counterproductive rather than helpful. It also rather goes against the spirit of the course which is that the Latin passages are best understood from within the language 1https://medium.com/in-medias-res/ rather than described and explained from in-or-out-of-oerberg-217997ec1ad5, another language (such as English). Of accessed 29 January 2019

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