highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

History Ancient and Modern, 02 Nov 2008
As someone whose knowledge of Roman History was limited to Julius Caesar, Hadrian's Wall and the mistaken belief that the "Lays of Ancient Rome" was a report on the early history of prostitution, I read this book having seen the odd episode of the series on TV. What a pleasure it was to learn just how much we owe to the Romans and how salutary to know how little has changed after 2000 years. Wealth remains the key to power, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While humankind in pursuit of power invoke dieties they are but smokescreens to cover their own selfish ambition, greed and egotism. History is written by the victorious and what has been interpreted as history is constantly rewritten by new generations from a different perspective. The story of Christian persecution and later absorption into the Roman state - and the latter's perversion of the Christian message for the benefit of the state - provide uncomfortable reading for the atheistic messages of Hitchens et.al who blame religion rather than humans for the warring state of the world. The Romans not only killed their perceived enemies, they killed each other. In Nero's case his wife, her unborn child and his own mother were amongst the victims. The battles for power were hardly unique, simply a foretaste of power politics out of control and often in the name of liberty. This book is a superbly written piece of narrative history with very little interpretation which makes the reader want to seek out the ancient sources referred to in the many footnotes. This is a publication worthy of the BBC and far longer lasting than recent trash that has grabbed the headlines. An excellent read. An excellent buy.

a great read!, 08 Sep 2008
I have just returned from a week sitting on a sun lounger by the side of a pool.
I intended to part read the book on holiday and finish it upon my return.
once i started to read i could not stop & finished the book in 3 days.
The book is very informative but not too heavy going.
Lots of detail & well researched, i almost felt i was there watching the romans ultimatly self distruct!.
A superb read. a+


First class introducton, 19 Jul 2008
This must the best introduction to Roman history written so far, and one not likely to be superseded in a hurry. Not only that but it has features which can benefit anyone well read in the subject since it casts a new light on some of the most important events in that history.

Well Worth Reading, 06 May 2008

For anyone interested in the history and events that took place in the Roman Empire this book is like manna from heaven. The author relates Roman history in such a way that the book almost reads like a novel, being both exciting and educational. But if truth be told this is far more interesting than any novel.

Rome was after all one of the greatest, if not the greatest empire ever known. There are figures from its past that stick out like beacons. Probably the greatest of them all Julius Caesar and of course his main adversary Pompey. Others out of the many notables include Mark Antony, Nero, Claudius and many more.

There were also Rome's great buildings. The Forum, the circus maximus and the Flavian amphitheatre, now more commonly known as the Colosseum, all built to show potential enemies the might that was Rome. Then on to the true might of Rome, its Legions. An army that comprised the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. Because of their discipline and rigid training they were at that period in history, virtually unbeatable.

The author pulls all these facts together beautifully to make a book that is not only informative and educational but also high readable as well.

A wonderful read, 12 Mar 2008
The true story of Rome is more fasinating, grand, treacherous, heroic, futile and inspiring than any film has yet portrayed. This is an astonishingly rivetting read with an equally impressive bibliography, that I couldn't put down from start to finish. An absolute must for anyone remotely interested or curious in ancient Roman times!

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

History Ancient and Modern, 02 Nov 2008
As someone whose knowledge of Roman History was limited to Julius Caesar, Hadrian's Wall and the mistaken belief that the "Lays of Ancient Rome" was a report on the early history of prostitution, I read this book having seen the odd episode of the series on TV. What a pleasure it was to learn just how much we owe to the Romans and how salutary to know how little has changed after 2000 years. Wealth remains the key to power, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While humankind in pursuit of power invoke dieties they are but smokescreens to cover their own selfish ambition, greed and egotism. History is written by the victorious and what has been interpreted as history is constantly rewritten by new generations from a different perspective. The story of Christian persecution and later absorption into the Roman state - and the latter's perversion of the Christian message for the benefit of the state - provide uncomfortable reading for the atheistic messages of Hitchens et.al who blame religion rather than humans for the warring state of the world. The Romans not only killed their perceived enemies, they killed each other. In Nero's case his wife, her unborn child and his own mother were amongst the victims. The battles for power were hardly unique, simply a foretaste of power politics out of control and often in the name of liberty. This book is a superbly written piece of narrative history with very little interpretation which makes the reader want to seek out the ancient sources referred to in the many footnotes. This is a publication worthy of the BBC and far longer lasting than recent trash that has grabbed the headlines. An excellent read. An excellent buy.

a great read!, 08 Sep 2008
I have just returned from a week sitting on a sun lounger by the side of a pool.
I intended to part read the book on holiday and finish it upon my return.
once i started to read i could not stop & finished the book in 3 days.
The book is very informative but not too heavy going.
Lots of detail & well researched, i almost felt i was there watching the romans ultimatly self distruct!.
A superb read. a+


First class introducton, 19 Jul 2008
This must the best introduction to Roman history written so far, and one not likely to be superseded in a hurry. Not only that but it has features which can benefit anyone well read in the subject since it casts a new light on some of the most important events in that history.

Well Worth Reading, 06 May 2008

For anyone interested in the history and events that took place in the Roman Empire this book is like manna from heaven. The author relates Roman history in such a way that the book almost reads like a novel, being both exciting and educational. But if truth be told this is far more interesting than any novel.

Rome was after all one of the greatest, if not the greatest empire ever known. There are figures from its past that stick out like beacons. Probably the greatest of them all Julius Caesar and of course his main adversary Pompey. Others out of the many notables include Mark Antony, Nero, Claudius and many more.

There were also Rome's great buildings. The Forum, the circus maximus and the Flavian amphitheatre, now more commonly known as the Colosseum, all built to show potential enemies the might that was Rome. Then on to the true might of Rome, its Legions. An army that comprised the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. Because of their discipline and rigid training they were at that period in history, virtually unbeatable.

The author pulls all these facts together beautifully to make a book that is not only informative and educational but also high readable as well.

A wonderful read, 12 Mar 2008
The true story of Rome is more fasinating, grand, treacherous, heroic, futile and inspiring than any film has yet portrayed. This is an astonishingly rivetting read with an equally impressive bibliography, that I couldn't put down from start to finish. An absolute must for anyone remotely interested or curious in ancient Roman times!



Great popular history, 02 Aug 2008
I greatly enjoyed Tom Holland's 'Rubicon', full of juicy gossip about those naughty Romans but also genuinely respectful of the little that was worthwile in their legacy. 'Persian Fire' is a bit different, being a retelling of a story in which the stakes were considerably higher. If the Persians had conquered Greece, there is no doubt that the history of Europe would have ended up being very different. Not necessarily very much worse, just not the same. The Greeks would not have been allowed to develop the way that they did; the histories of philosophy, literature, drama and political theory would undoubtedly have been seriously affected. Whatever we may feel about the Romans (and I personally am not a huge fan of the Roman Empire), the Greek defeat of the Persians is something that played a big part in making Europe and Asia the way they are today.

I was fairly new to this subject, although I've since read about it in more detail, and I can say that this is an excellent introduction for anyone who doesn't even know that once upon a time a massive Persian army attempted to conquer Europe via Greece. Holland does a fine job of establishing the earlier history of the Persians and how they came to be launching the ill-fated expedition in the first place. He is aware that good popular history needs to be fun, and so he isn't scared of reporting some of the more lurid rumours of the time, such as the one about the Spartans' supposed penchant for heterosexual sodomy - although he does mention in footnotes when any given story happens to be of dubious credibility. The descriptions of battles are admirably clear, except when - as in the battle of Salamis - it's not at all clear what actually happened, and in those cases Holland is frank about the difficulties. His enthusiasm is infectious, his style is clear and novelistic and his scholarship is sound. There are of course more detailed and in-depth histories than these, but they aren't always for the popular reader. This is the first popular retelling of the Greco-Persian wars for years, and it has deserved all its success.

Vivid account, 24 Jul 2008
This fine book tells the story of an earlier war between East and West. In the fifth century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring order to what it regarded as two terrorist states. The superpower was Persia, the terrorist states Athens and Sparta. As Holland points out, "even the mightiest empires can suffer from overstretch."

He mordantly notes, with a passing hit at the British state's `special relationship' with the declining USA, "There was no greater source of self-contentment for a subject-nation, after all, and no surer badge of its continued servitude, than to imagine that it might have been graced with a special relationship with the king."


Fantastic, 08 Jul 2008
A truly excellent book. Holland has a real talent for bringing the characters to life. He makes the events of two thousand years ago immediate and exiting by connecting them to the Western language, culture and politics of today. The book builds in impressiveness throughout the reading. The beginning chapters on the Persians are fascinating. The chapter on Sparta was amazing. The description of the characters and political intrigues of Athens was magnificent. Holland's portrayal of Thermopylae and Salamis however, were just perfect. I feel as if I were really there. This book has made me go back to read more about ancient Greek history. If you haven't already done so check out his other book Rubicon which is fantastic too. Well done Mr. Holland, I can't wait to read your next book.

Very good but..., 25 May 2008
If you enjoyed the style Rubicon was written in then you'll enjoy Persian Fire's style too: very readable, well researched popular narrative history. This book will certainly keep you entertained and I reckon it is very informative too. I don't share some of the other reviewers' comments about Holland writing with a bias.

The one thing that I would draw attention to is that if you read this book because you are curious about Persian history (like I did) then you might be a bit dissappointed. Whilst it will certainly give you much information about the Persian empire and will run through the time of Cyrus and Darius, the book is more about Greek history than Persian. Basically beware of the title; I was expecting this to be more about the Persian empire.

The book is about the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks but the author is obviously more comfortable with and more knowledgable about Greek history than Persian history. Nevertheless its still an excellent book - just don't be swayed by the title. Enjoy!

Accessible and authoritative history, 01 May 2008
A superb and thoroughly enjoyable read.
The author is a gifted writer, conveying the events with immediacy and elegance, as well as obviously having a passion for the subject and knowing it inside out- it's not often you find these traits in an author.
Highly recommended.

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

History Ancient and Modern, 02 Nov 2008
As someone whose knowledge of Roman History was limited to Julius Caesar, Hadrian's Wall and the mistaken belief that the "Lays of Ancient Rome" was a report on the early history of prostitution, I read this book having seen the odd episode of the series on TV. What a pleasure it was to learn just how much we owe to the Romans and how salutary to know how little has changed after 2000 years. Wealth remains the key to power, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While humankind in pursuit of power invoke dieties they are but smokescreens to cover their own selfish ambition, greed and egotism. History is written by the victorious and what has been interpreted as history is constantly rewritten by new generations from a different perspective. The story of Christian persecution and later absorption into the Roman state - and the latter's perversion of the Christian message for the benefit of the state - provide uncomfortable reading for the atheistic messages of Hitchens et.al who blame religion rather than humans for the warring state of the world. The Romans not only killed their perceived enemies, they killed each other. In Nero's case his wife, her unborn child and his own mother were amongst the victims. The battles for power were hardly unique, simply a foretaste of power politics out of control and often in the name of liberty. This book is a superbly written piece of narrative history with very little interpretation which makes the reader want to seek out the ancient sources referred to in the many footnotes. This is a publication worthy of the BBC and far longer lasting than recent trash that has grabbed the headlines. An excellent read. An excellent buy.

a great read!, 08 Sep 2008
I have just returned from a week sitting on a sun lounger by the side of a pool.
I intended to part read the book on holiday and finish it upon my return.
once i started to read i could not stop & finished the book in 3 days.
The book is very informative but not too heavy going.
Lots of detail & well researched, i almost felt i was there watching the romans ultimatly self distruct!.
A superb read. a+


First class introducton, 19 Jul 2008
This must the best introduction to Roman history written so far, and one not likely to be superseded in a hurry. Not only that but it has features which can benefit anyone well read in the subject since it casts a new light on some of the most important events in that history.

Well Worth Reading, 06 May 2008

For anyone interested in the history and events that took place in the Roman Empire this book is like manna from heaven. The author relates Roman history in such a way that the book almost reads like a novel, being both exciting and educational. But if truth be told this is far more interesting than any novel.

Rome was after all one of the greatest, if not the greatest empire ever known. There are figures from its past that stick out like beacons. Probably the greatest of them all Julius Caesar and of course his main adversary Pompey. Others out of the many notables include Mark Antony, Nero, Claudius and many more.

There were also Rome's great buildings. The Forum, the circus maximus and the Flavian amphitheatre, now more commonly known as the Colosseum, all built to show potential enemies the might that was Rome. Then on to the true might of Rome, its Legions. An army that comprised the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. Because of their discipline and rigid training they were at that period in history, virtually unbeatable.

The author pulls all these facts together beautifully to make a book that is not only informative and educational but also high readable as well.

A wonderful read, 12 Mar 2008
The true story of Rome is more fasinating, grand, treacherous, heroic, futile and inspiring than any film has yet portrayed. This is an astonishingly rivetting read with an equally impressive bibliography, that I couldn't put down from start to finish. An absolute must for anyone remotely interested or curious in ancient Roman times!



Great popular history, 02 Aug 2008
I greatly enjoyed Tom Holland's 'Rubicon', full of juicy gossip about those naughty Romans but also genuinely respectful of the little that was worthwile in their legacy. 'Persian Fire' is a bit different, being a retelling of a story in which the stakes were considerably higher. If the Persians had conquered Greece, there is no doubt that the history of Europe would have ended up being very different. Not necessarily very much worse, just not the same. The Greeks would not have been allowed to develop the way that they did; the histories of philosophy, literature, drama and political theory would undoubtedly have been seriously affected. Whatever we may feel about the Romans (and I personally am not a huge fan of the Roman Empire), the Greek defeat of the Persians is something that played a big part in making Europe and Asia the way they are today.

I was fairly new to this subject, although I've since read about it in more detail, and I can say that this is an excellent introduction for anyone who doesn't even know that once upon a time a massive Persian army attempted to conquer Europe via Greece. Holland does a fine job of establishing the earlier history of the Persians and how they came to be launching the ill-fated expedition in the first place. He is aware that good popular history needs to be fun, and so he isn't scared of reporting some of the more lurid rumours of the time, such as the one about the Spartans' supposed penchant for heterosexual sodomy - although he does mention in footnotes when any given story happens to be of dubious credibility. The descriptions of battles are admirably clear, except when - as in the battle of Salamis - it's not at all clear what actually happened, and in those cases Holland is frank about the difficulties. His enthusiasm is infectious, his style is clear and novelistic and his scholarship is sound. There are of course more detailed and in-depth histories than these, but they aren't always for the popular reader. This is the first popular retelling of the Greco-Persian wars for years, and it has deserved all its success.

Vivid account, 24 Jul 2008
This fine book tells the story of an earlier war between East and West. In the fifth century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring order to what it regarded as two terrorist states. The superpower was Persia, the terrorist states Athens and Sparta. As Holland points out, "even the mightiest empires can suffer from overstretch."

He mordantly notes, with a passing hit at the British state's `special relationship' with the declining USA, "There was no greater source of self-contentment for a subject-nation, after all, and no surer badge of its continued servitude, than to imagine that it might have been graced with a special relationship with the king."


Fantastic, 08 Jul 2008
A truly excellent book. Holland has a real talent for bringing the characters to life. He makes the events of two thousand years ago immediate and exiting by connecting them to the Western language, culture and politics of today. The book builds in impressiveness throughout the reading. The beginning chapters on the Persians are fascinating. The chapter on Sparta was amazing. The description of the characters and political intrigues of Athens was magnificent. Holland's portrayal of Thermopylae and Salamis however, were just perfect. I feel as if I were really there. This book has made me go back to read more about ancient Greek history. If you haven't already done so check out his other book Rubicon which is fantastic too. Well done Mr. Holland, I can't wait to read your next book.

Very good but..., 25 May 2008
If you enjoyed the style Rubicon was written in then you'll enjoy Persian Fire's style too: very readable, well researched popular narrative history. This book will certainly keep you entertained and I reckon it is very informative too. I don't share some of the other reviewers' comments about Holland writing with a bias.

The one thing that I would draw attention to is that if you read this book because you are curious about Persian history (like I did) then you might be a bit dissappointed. Whilst it will certainly give you much information about the Persian empire and will run through the time of Cyrus and Darius, the book is more about Greek history than Persian. Basically beware of the title; I was expecting this to be more about the Persian empire.

The book is about the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks but the author is obviously more comfortable with and more knowledgable about Greek history than Persian history. Nevertheless its still an excellent book - just don't be swayed by the title. Enjoy!

Accessible and authoritative history, 01 May 2008
A superb and thoroughly enjoyable read.
The author is a gifted writer, conveying the events with immediacy and elegance, as well as obviously having a passion for the subject and knowing it inside out- it's not often you find these traits in an author.
Highly recommended.

Great read, 22 Sep 2008
Today we tend to think of 'The Roman Empire' with little thought to its two distinct stages. A republic and the transition to empire. This book is a lively read about the events leading up to Caesar being declared dictator, paving the way for his adopted son Augustus to sweep to power as the first emperor.

As is Holland's style he makes sure he gives us all the background we need to fully understand the main events. Although Augustus was skimmed over at the end. I understand however the book has to end somewhere.

This is basically as good as History gets. So readable, so engaging.

Yesterday informing today, 09 Sep 2008
I originally bought Rubicon out of interest in early history. Certainly that was to be found here in great, but never dull, detail. It's outstanding historiography. But there was more: it drew a line from then to now. This is more than history, but an example - and a warning. Rome was never more than a form of democracy, and never claimed to be. Still, the Republic had elected leaders with free elections. But lately (from around 70 BCE), there was a change: an undertaking of loyalty was demanded, not to the state but to individual persons (at first Pompey). The cult of personality had begun, and with it civil war and the end of republican government. If this personality cult sounds familiar, it has every reason to. It resonates today, more and more. We are approaching our own Rubicon. Perhaps it's significant that nobody knows where that little stream was. The impression gained daily is that we're standing unknowingly by the modern-day version - and we can never turn back once we cross.

Well Written and Highly Readable, 02 Sep 2008
I first read Rubicon at least a few years back, and some of its facts and anecdotes are still fresh and vivid in my mind today, which is what most history books attempt (and fail) to do. When I first brought it I was looking forward to getting into it, considering the high amounts of praise showered upon Holland's prose and my own love of Roman history.

At first I was slightly disappointed, as the book didn't live up to my expectations. I basically thought that the book was supposed to be a narrative history of Julius Caesar's age, and I was a bit put off with all the initial historical background to the Roman Republic.
But as I continued to read it, Holland's wonderful writing drew me in, and I realised I couldn't put it down.

Holland takes the reader on a journey through the history of the Republic, and does an excellent job of explaining the Republic's background in government and society.
With the Background set, Holland then takes us on a tour of the last few decades of the Republic, from the days of Marius and Sulla, to the age of Antony and Cleopatra.
Holland's great strength is his ability to makes these historical figures come to life. He describes their appearance and personality, and in so doing he creates a vivid portrait of the person. His description of Julius Caesar, grand military strategist and shrewd politician, as a bald-headed dandy, who loved to wear loose belts and was very self concscious about his appearance, will no doubt surprise those who have come to base their opinions of him from old films and television shows.
He's also very adept at describing the enviroment, and he can therefore explain the reasons for the Republic's fall, as well as narrating the events and characters of the age.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who's interested in Roman history. It might not be a great piece of historical scholarship, and it doesn't really present any groundbreaking new assessments of Roman History in the vein of Ronald Syme's 'The Roman Revolution'. That aside, what the book does do well is create a lively and fascinating trip through the last years of the Republic. Ancient History buffs will enjoy this, while newcomers and those who have no knowledge of the period will no doubt find it a good read. Highly Recommended!

Ancient Rome brought to life, 15 Aug 2008
I love reading non-fiction, particularly, history books. The only trouble with this is you start running out of areas of history to discover. Because of this I diligently avoided ancient history for a long time.

However when the time came to start exploring the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome I chose Tom Holland to be my guide and this turned out to be one of the best reading decisions I have ever made. Tom Holland is a master at bringing long dead worlds to life. He modernises and adds useful comparisons but never to the point of over simplification he also gleefully tells you the little details that make people more human.

The other inspiring point on Tom Holland's style is his ability to fast forward and pause the narrative seamlessly. This book covers hundreds of years of history so you get good background and a taste of what happened after. This sounds easy to do but I have read many books that miserably fail to do this. Ultimately it pauses on the period of Julius Caesar's life which shows you how the Republic got hijacked into an Empire.

An essential read for the casual historian and lovers of ancient history alike.


An outstanding Historical journey., 10 Jul 2008
Perhaps being slightly biased by an inherent love of History, and a fascination with The Romans, I must conclude that this is one of the finest accounts of the Roman Republic I have read. I would strongly recommend this book for lovers of History, and strangers to the subject alike. Superb.

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

History Ancient and Modern, 02 Nov 2008
As someone whose knowledge of Roman History was limited to Julius Caesar, Hadrian's Wall and the mistaken belief that the "Lays of Ancient Rome" was a report on the early history of prostitution, I read this book having seen the odd episode of the series on TV. What a pleasure it was to learn just how much we owe to the Romans and how salutary to know how little has changed after 2000 years. Wealth remains the key to power, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While humankind in pursuit of power invoke dieties they are but smokescreens to cover their own selfish ambition, greed and egotism. History is written by the victorious and what has been interpreted as history is constantly rewritten by new generations from a different perspective. The story of Christian persecution and later absorption into the Roman state - and the latter's perversion of the Christian message for the benefit of the state - provide uncomfortable reading for the atheistic messages of Hitchens et.al who blame religion rather than humans for the warring state of the world. The Romans not only killed their perceived enemies, they killed each other. In Nero's case his wife, her unborn child and his own mother were amongst the victims. The battles for power were hardly unique, simply a foretaste of power politics out of control and often in the name of liberty. This book is a superbly written piece of narrative history with very little interpretation which makes the reader want to seek out the ancient sources referred to in the many footnotes. This is a publication worthy of the BBC and far longer lasting than recent trash that has grabbed the headlines. An excellent read. An excellent buy.

a great read!, 08 Sep 2008
I have just returned from a week sitting on a sun lounger by the side of a pool.
I intended to part read the book on holiday and finish it upon my return.
once i started to read i could not stop & finished the book in 3 days.
The book is very informative but not too heavy going.
Lots of detail & well researched, i almost felt i was there watching the romans ultimatly self distruct!.
A superb read. a+


First class introducton, 19 Jul 2008
This must the best introduction to Roman history written so far, and one not likely to be superseded in a hurry. Not only that but it has features which can benefit anyone well read in the subject since it casts a new light on some of the most important events in that history.

Well Worth Reading, 06 May 2008

For anyone interested in the history and events that took place in the Roman Empire this book is like manna from heaven. The author relates Roman history in such a way that the book almost reads like a novel, being both exciting and educational. But if truth be told this is far more interesting than any novel.

Rome was after all one of the greatest, if not the greatest empire ever known. There are figures from its past that stick out like beacons. Probably the greatest of them all Julius Caesar and of course his main adversary Pompey. Others out of the many notables include Mark Antony, Nero, Claudius and many more.

There were also Rome's great buildings. The Forum, the circus maximus and the Flavian amphitheatre, now more commonly known as the Colosseum, all built to show potential enemies the might that was Rome. Then on to the true might of Rome, its Legions. An army that comprised the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. Because of their discipline and rigid training they were at that period in history, virtually unbeatable.

The author pulls all these facts together beautifully to make a book that is not only informative and educational but also high readable as well.

A wonderful read, 12 Mar 2008
The true story of Rome is more fasinating, grand, treacherous, heroic, futile and inspiring than any film has yet portrayed. This is an astonishingly rivetting read with an equally impressive bibliography, that I couldn't put down from start to finish. An absolute must for anyone remotely interested or curious in ancient Roman times!



Great popular history, 02 Aug 2008
I greatly enjoyed Tom Holland's 'Rubicon', full of juicy gossip about those naughty Romans but also genuinely respectful of the little that was worthwile in their legacy. 'Persian Fire' is a bit different, being a retelling of a story in which the stakes were considerably higher. If the Persians had conquered Greece, there is no doubt that the history of Europe would have ended up being very different. Not necessarily very much worse, just not the same. The Greeks would not have been allowed to develop the way that they did; the histories of philosophy, literature, drama and political theory would undoubtedly have been seriously affected. Whatever we may feel about the Romans (and I personally am not a huge fan of the Roman Empire), the Greek defeat of the Persians is something that played a big part in making Europe and Asia the way they are today.

I was fairly new to this subject, although I've since read about it in more detail, and I can say that this is an excellent introduction for anyone who doesn't even know that once upon a time a massive Persian army attempted to conquer Europe via Greece. Holland does a fine job of establishing the earlier history of the Persians and how they came to be launching the ill-fated expedition in the first place. He is aware that good popular history needs to be fun, and so he isn't scared of reporting some of the more lurid rumours of the time, such as the one about the Spartans' supposed penchant for heterosexual sodomy - although he does mention in footnotes when any given story happens to be of dubious credibility. The descriptions of battles are admirably clear, except when - as in the battle of Salamis - it's not at all clear what actually happened, and in those cases Holland is frank about the difficulties. His enthusiasm is infectious, his style is clear and novelistic and his scholarship is sound. There are of course more detailed and in-depth histories than these, but they aren't always for the popular reader. This is the first popular retelling of the Greco-Persian wars for years, and it has deserved all its success.

Vivid account, 24 Jul 2008
This fine book tells the story of an earlier war between East and West. In the fifth century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring order to what it regarded as two terrorist states. The superpower was Persia, the terrorist states Athens and Sparta. As Holland points out, "even the mightiest empires can suffer from overstretch."

He mordantly notes, with a passing hit at the British state's `special relationship' with the declining USA, "There was no greater source of self-contentment for a subject-nation, after all, and no surer badge of its continued servitude, than to imagine that it might have been graced with a special relationship with the king."


Fantastic, 08 Jul 2008
A truly excellent book. Holland has a real talent for bringing the characters to life. He makes the events of two thousand years ago immediate and exiting by connecting them to the Western language, culture and politics of today. The book builds in impressiveness throughout the reading. The beginning chapters on the Persians are fascinating. The chapter on Sparta was amazing. The description of the characters and political intrigues of Athens was magnificent. Holland's portrayal of Thermopylae and Salamis however, were just perfect. I feel as if I were really there. This book has made me go back to read more about ancient Greek history. If you haven't already done so check out his other book Rubicon which is fantastic too. Well done Mr. Holland, I can't wait to read your next book.

Very good but..., 25 May 2008
If you enjoyed the style Rubicon was written in then you'll enjoy Persian Fire's style too: very readable, well researched popular narrative history. This book will certainly keep you entertained and I reckon it is very informative too. I don't share some of the other reviewers' comments about Holland writing with a bias.

The one thing that I would draw attention to is that if you read this book because you are curious about Persian history (like I did) then you might be a bit dissappointed. Whilst it will certainly give you much information about the Persian empire and will run through the time of Cyrus and Darius, the book is more about Greek history than Persian. Basically beware of the title; I was expecting this to be more about the Persian empire.

The book is about the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks but the author is obviously more comfortable with and more knowledgable about Greek history than Persian history. Nevertheless its still an excellent book - just don't be swayed by the title. Enjoy!

Accessible and authoritative history, 01 May 2008
A superb and thoroughly enjoyable read.
The author is a gifted writer, conveying the events with immediacy and elegance, as well as obviously having a passion for the subject and knowing it inside out- it's not often you find these traits in an author.
Highly recommended.

Great read, 22 Sep 2008
Today we tend to think of 'The Roman Empire' with little thought to its two distinct stages. A republic and the transition to empire. This book is a lively read about the events leading up to Caesar being declared dictator, paving the way for his adopted son Augustus to sweep to power as the first emperor.

As is Holland's style he makes sure he gives us all the background we need to fully understand the main events. Although Augustus was skimmed over at the end. I understand however the book has to end somewhere.

This is basically as good as History gets. So readable, so engaging.

Yesterday informing today, 09 Sep 2008
I originally bought Rubicon out of interest in early history. Certainly that was to be found here in great, but never dull, detail. It's outstanding historiography. But there was more: it drew a line from then to now. This is more than history, but an example - and a warning. Rome was never more than a form of democracy, and never claimed to be. Still, the Republic had elected leaders with free elections. But lately (from around 70 BCE), there was a change: an undertaking of loyalty was demanded, not to the state but to individual persons (at first Pompey). The cult of personality had begun, and with it civil war and the end of republican government. If this personality cult sounds familiar, it has every reason to. It resonates today, more and more. We are approaching our own Rubicon. Perhaps it's significant that nobody knows where that little stream was. The impression gained daily is that we're standing unknowingly by the modern-day version - and we can never turn back once we cross.

Well Written and Highly Readable, 02 Sep 2008
I first read Rubicon at least a few years back, and some of its facts and anecdotes are still fresh and vivid in my mind today, which is what most history books attempt (and fail) to do. When I first brought it I was looking forward to getting into it, considering the high amounts of praise showered upon Holland's prose and my own love of Roman history.

At first I was slightly disappointed, as the book didn't live up to my expectations. I basically thought that the book was supposed to be a narrative history of Julius Caesar's age, and I was a bit put off with all the initial historical background to the Roman Republic.
But as I continued to read it, Holland's wonderful writing drew me in, and I realised I couldn't put it down.

Holland takes the reader on a journey through the history of the Republic, and does an excellent job of explaining the Republic's background in government and society.
With the Background set, Holland then takes us on a tour of the last few decades of the Republic, from the days of Marius and Sulla, to the age of Antony and Cleopatra.
Holland's great strength is his ability to makes these historical figures come to life. He describes their appearance and personality, and in so doing he creates a vivid portrait of the person. His description of Julius Caesar, grand military strategist and shrewd politician, as a bald-headed dandy, who loved to wear loose belts and was very self concscious about his appearance, will no doubt surprise those who have come to base their opinions of him from old films and television shows.
He's also very adept at describing the enviroment, and he can therefore explain the reasons for the Republic's fall, as well as narrating the events and characters of the age.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who's interested in Roman history. It might not be a great piece of historical scholarship, and it doesn't really present any groundbreaking new assessments of Roman History in the vein of Ronald Syme's 'The Roman Revolution'. That aside, what the book does do well is create a lively and fascinating trip through the last years of the Republic. Ancient History buffs will enjoy this, while newcomers and those who have no knowledge of the period will no doubt find it a good read. Highly Recommended!

Ancient Rome brought to life, 15 Aug 2008
I love reading non-fiction, particularly, history books. The only trouble with this is you start running out of areas of history to discover. Because of this I diligently avoided ancient history for a long time.

However when the time came to start exploring the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome I chose Tom Holland to be my guide and this turned out to be one of the best reading decisions I have ever made. Tom Holland is a master at bringing long dead worlds to life. He modernises and adds useful comparisons but never to the point of over simplification he also gleefully tells you the little details that make people more human.

The other inspiring point on Tom Holland's style is his ability to fast forward and pause the narrative seamlessly. This book covers hundreds of years of history so you get good background and a taste of what happened after. This sounds easy to do but I have read many books that miserably fail to do this. Ultimately it pauses on the period of Julius Caesar's life which shows you how the Republic got hijacked into an Empire.

An essential read for the casual historian and lovers of ancient history alike.


An outstanding Historical journey., 10 Jul 2008
Perhaps being slightly biased by an inherent love of History, and a fascination with The Romans, I must conclude that this is one of the finest accounts of the Roman Republic I have read. I would strongly recommend this book for lovers of History, and strangers to the subject alike. Superb.




The Schott's Almanac of Ancient Rome, 18 Sep 2008
Once you pick it up you wont be able to put it down again. Full of fascinating facts about Rome and a wonderful centre spread of how Rome would have looked. Great little book with good illustrations.

Brilliant!, 31 Jul 2008
This is a gem of a book! Witty, engrossing and erudite (It taught me more of the geography of ancient Rome than any other "general" overview I have read.
The author has managed to blend all the various changes from the early republic to late empire into one coherent overview of life in Rome. Simply a must buy book.

A Gem of a book!, 02 Mar 2008
What a quirky little book! I discovered it quite by accident but what a find. It basically tells you what to expect if you had the ability to travel back in time and found yourself a tourist in Ancient Rome. Based around AD200 but the author has borrowed from sources ranging over 300 years. It gives you an informative guide at every stage of your journey from getting there to eating out, where to stay, shopping and what sights every tourist ought to see and avoid! The book has lots of quotes from the likes of Cicero, Horace and Petronius but perhaps most amusing of all is the pages of useful phrases. The author has taken modern phrases and translated them into Latin - In hac tunica obesa videbor? This book should appeal to history buffs and travellers alike and anyone who has ever wished they could travel back in time to see what Ancient Rome was really like.

Carpe librum!, 10 Jun 2007
A librarian from Long Island sent this to me as a birthday present (thanks, Nephele) and I love it! With sections on Getting There, The Environs of Rome, Settling In, Out and About, Shopping, Law and Order, Entertainment, Religion, Must-See Sights and Roman Walks, it is accurate and fun. I especially like the quotes from Latin primary sources sprinkled here and there, and the sidebars with fun facts relating to each section. There are also some great full colour CGI illustrations of 2nd century Rome by my pals at Altair.

This book would make a great 'Vade Mecum' for anyone travelling to Rome and a great resource for any secondary-school classroom.

Carpe librum!

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

History Ancient and Modern, 02 Nov 2008
As someone whose knowledge of Roman History was limited to Julius Caesar, Hadrian's Wall and the mistaken belief that the "Lays of Ancient Rome" was a report on the early history of prostitution, I read this book having seen the odd episode of the series on TV. What a pleasure it was to learn just how much we owe to the Romans and how salutary to know how little has changed after 2000 years. Wealth remains the key to power, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While humankind in pursuit of power invoke dieties they are but smokescreens to cover their own selfish ambition, greed and egotism. History is written by the victorious and what has been interpreted as history is constantly rewritten by new generations from a different perspective. The story of Christian persecution and later absorption into the Roman state - and the latter's perversion of the Christian message for the benefit of the state - provide uncomfortable reading for the atheistic messages of Hitchens et.al who blame religion rather than humans for the warring state of the world. The Romans not only killed their perceived enemies, they killed each other. In Nero's case his wife, her unborn child and his own mother were amongst the victims. The battles for power were hardly unique, simply a foretaste of power politics out of control and often in the name of liberty. This book is a superbly written piece of narrative history with very little interpretation which makes the reader want to seek out the ancient sources referred to in the many footnotes. This is a publication worthy of the BBC and far longer lasting than recent trash that has grabbed the headlines. An excellent read. An excellent buy.

a great read!, 08 Sep 2008
I have just returned from a week sitting on a sun lounger by the side of a pool.
I intended to part read the book on holiday and finish it upon my return.
once i started to read i could not stop & finished the book in 3 days.
The book is very informative but not too heavy going.
Lots of detail & well researched, i almost felt i was there watching the romans ultimatly self distruct!.
A superb read. a+


First class introducton, 19 Jul 2008
This must the best introduction to Roman history written so far, and one not likely to be superseded in a hurry. Not only that but it has features which can benefit anyone well read in the subject since it casts a new light on some of the most important events in that history.

Well Worth Reading, 06 May 2008

For anyone interested in the history and events that took place in the Roman Empire this book is like manna from heaven. The author relates Roman history in such a way that the book almost reads like a novel, being both exciting and educational. But if truth be told this is far more interesting than any novel.

Rome was after all one of the greatest, if not the greatest empire ever known. There are figures from its past that stick out like beacons. Probably the greatest of them all Julius Caesar and of course his main adversary Pompey. Others out of the many notables include Mark Antony, Nero, Claudius and many more.

There were also Rome's great buildings. The Forum, the circus maximus and the Flavian amphitheatre, now more commonly known as the Colosseum, all built to show potential enemies the might that was Rome. Then on to the true might of Rome, its Legions. An army that comprised the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. Because of their discipline and rigid training they were at that period in history, virtually unbeatable.

The author pulls all these facts together beautifully to make a book that is not only informative and educational but also high readable as well.

A wonderful read, 12 Mar 2008
The true story of Rome is more fasinating, grand, treacherous, heroic, futile and inspiring than any film has yet portrayed. This is an astonishingly rivetting read with an equally impressive bibliography, that I couldn't put down from start to finish. An absolute must for anyone remotely interested or curious in ancient Roman times!



Great popular history, 02 Aug 2008
I greatly enjoyed Tom Holland's 'Rubicon', full of juicy gossip about those naughty Romans but also genuinely respectful of the little that was worthwile in their legacy. 'Persian Fire' is a bit different, being a retelling of a story in which the stakes were considerably higher. If the Persians had conquered Greece, there is no doubt that the history of Europe would have ended up being very different. Not necessarily very much worse, just not the same. The Greeks would not have been allowed to develop the way that they did; the histories of philosophy, literature, drama and political theory would undoubtedly have been seriously affected. Whatever we may feel about the Romans (and I personally am not a huge fan of the Roman Empire), the Greek defeat of the Persians is something that played a big part in making Europe and Asia the way they are today.

I was fairly new to this subject, although I've since read about it in more detail, and I can say that this is an excellent introduction for anyone who doesn't even know that once upon a time a massive Persian army attempted to conquer Europe via Greece. Holland does a fine job of establishing the earlier history of the Persians and how they came to be launching the ill-fated expedition in the first place. He is aware that good popular history needs to be fun, and so he isn't scared of reporting some of the more lurid rumours of the time, such as the one about the Spartans' supposed penchant for heterosexual sodomy - although he does mention in footnotes when any given story happens to be of dubious credibility. The descriptions of battles are admirably clear, except when - as in the battle of Salamis - it's not at all clear what actually happened, and in those cases Holland is frank about the difficulties. His enthusiasm is infectious, his style is clear and novelistic and his scholarship is sound. There are of course more detailed and in-depth histories than these, but they aren't always for the popular reader. This is the first popular retelling of the Greco-Persian wars for years, and it has deserved all its success.

Vivid account, 24 Jul 2008
This fine book tells the story of an earlier war between East and West. In the fifth century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring order to what it regarded as two terrorist states. The superpower was Persia, the terrorist states Athens and Sparta. As Holland points out, "even the mightiest empires can suffer from overstretch."

He mordantly notes, with a passing hit at the British state's `special relationship' with the declining USA, "There was no greater source of self-contentment for a subject-nation, after all, and no surer badge of its continued servitude, than to imagine that it might have been graced with a special relationship with the king."


Fantastic, 08 Jul 2008
A truly excellent book. Holland has a real talent for bringing the characters to life. He makes the events of two thousand years ago immediate and exiting by connecting them to the Western language, culture and politics of today. The book builds in impressiveness throughout the reading. The beginning chapters on the Persians are fascinating. The chapter on Sparta was amazing. The description of the characters and political intrigues of Athens was magnificent. Holland's portrayal of Thermopylae and Salamis however, were just perfect. I feel as if I were really there. This book has made me go back to read more about ancient Greek history. If you haven't already done so check out his other book Rubicon which is fantastic too. Well done Mr. Holland, I can't wait to read your next book.

Very good but..., 25 May 2008
If you enjoyed the style Rubicon was written in then you'll enjoy Persian Fire's style too: very readable, well researched popular narrative history. This book will certainly keep you entertained and I reckon it is very informative too. I don't share some of the other reviewers' comments about Holland writing with a bias.

The one thing that I would draw attention to is that if you read this book because you are curious about Persian history (like I did) then you might be a bit dissappointed. Whilst it will certainly give you much information about the Persian empire and will run through the time of Cyrus and Darius, the book is more about Greek history than Persian. Basically beware of the title; I was expecting this to be more about the Persian empire.

The book is about the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks but the author is obviously more comfortable with and more knowledgable about Greek history than Persian history. Nevertheless its still an excellent book - just don't be swayed by the title. Enjoy!

Accessible and authoritative history, 01 May 2008
A superb and thoroughly enjoyable read.
The author is a gifted writer, conveying the events with immediacy and elegance, as well as obviously having a passion for the subject and knowing it inside out- it's not often you find these traits in an author.
Highly recommended.

Great read, 22 Sep 2008
Today we tend to think of 'The Roman Empire' with little thought to its two distinct stages. A republic and the transition to empire. This book is a lively read about the events leading up to Caesar being declared dictator, paving the way for his adopted son Augustus to sweep to power as the first emperor.

As is Holland's style he makes sure he gives us all the background we need to fully understand the main events. Although Augustus was skimmed over at the end. I understand however the book has to end somewhere.

This is basically as good as History gets. So readable, so engaging.

Yesterday informing today, 09 Sep 2008
I originally bought Rubicon out of interest in early history. Certainly that was to be found here in great, but never dull, detail. It's outstanding historiography. But there was more: it drew a line from then to now. This is more than history, but an example - and a warning. Rome was never more than a form of democracy, and never claimed to be. Still, the Republic had elected leaders with free elections. But lately (from around 70 BCE), there was a change: an undertaking of loyalty was demanded, not to the state but to individual persons (at first Pompey). The cult of personality had begun, and with it civil war and the end of republican government. If this personality cult sounds familiar, it has every reason to. It resonates today, more and more. We are approaching our own Rubicon. Perhaps it's significant that nobody knows where that little stream was. The impression gained daily is that we're standing unknowingly by the modern-day version - and we can never turn back once we cross.

Well Written and Highly Readable, 02 Sep 2008
I first read Rubicon at least a few years back, and some of its facts and anecdotes are still fresh and vivid in my mind today, which is what most history books attempt (and fail) to do. When I first brought it I was looking forward to getting into it, considering the high amounts of praise showered upon Holland's prose and my own love of Roman history.

At first I was slightly disappointed, as the book didn't live up to my expectations. I basically thought that the book was supposed to be a narrative history of Julius Caesar's age, and I was a bit put off with all the initial historical background to the Roman Republic.
But as I continued to read it, Holland's wonderful writing drew me in, and I realised I couldn't put it down.

Holland takes the reader on a journey through the history of the Republic, and does an excellent job of explaining the Republic's background in government and society.
With the Background set, Holland then takes us on a tour of the last few decades of the Republic, from the days of Marius and Sulla, to the age of Antony and Cleopatra.
Holland's great strength is his ability to makes these historical figures come to life. He describes their appearance and personality, and in so doing he creates a vivid portrait of the person. His description of Julius Caesar, grand military strategist and shrewd politician, as a bald-headed dandy, who loved to wear loose belts and was very self concscious about his appearance, will no doubt surprise those who have come to base their opinions of him from old films and television shows.
He's also very adept at describing the enviroment, and he can therefore explain the reasons for the Republic's fall, as well as narrating the events and characters of the age.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who's interested in Roman history. It might not be a great piece of historical scholarship, and it doesn't really present any groundbreaking new assessments of Roman History in the vein of Ronald Syme's 'The Roman Revolution'. That aside, what the book does do well is create a lively and fascinating trip through the last years of the Republic. Ancient History buffs will enjoy this, while newcomers and those who have no knowledge of the period will no doubt find it a good read. Highly Recommended!

Ancient Rome brought to life, 15 Aug 2008
I love reading non-fiction, particularly, history books. The only trouble with this is you start running out of areas of history to discover. Because of this I diligently avoided ancient history for a long time.

However when the time came to start exploring the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome I chose Tom Holland to be my guide and this turned out to be one of the best reading decisions I have ever made. Tom Holland is a master at bringing long dead worlds to life. He modernises and adds useful comparisons but never to the point of over simplification he also gleefully tells you the little details that make people more human.

The other inspiring point on Tom Holland's style is his ability to fast forward and pause the narrative seamlessly. This book covers hundreds of years of history so you get good background and a taste of what happened after. This sounds easy to do but I have read many books that miserably fail to do this. Ultimately it pauses on the period of Julius Caesar's life which shows you how the Republic got hijacked into an Empire.

An essential read for the casual historian and lovers of ancient history alike.


An outstanding Historical journey., 10 Jul 2008
Perhaps being slightly biased by an inherent love of History, and a fascination with The Romans, I must conclude that this is one of the finest accounts of the Roman Republic I have read. I would strongly recommend this book for lovers of History, and strangers to the subject alike. Superb.




The Schott's Almanac of Ancient Rome, 18 Sep 2008
Once you pick it up you wont be able to put it down again. Full of fascinating facts about Rome and a wonderful centre spread of how Rome would have looked. Great little book with good illustrations.

Brilliant!, 31 Jul 2008
This is a gem of a book! Witty, engrossing and erudite (It taught me more of the geography of ancient Rome than any other "general" overview I have read.
The author has managed to blend all the various changes from the early republic to late empire into one coherent overview of life in Rome. Simply a must buy book.

A Gem of a book!, 02 Mar 2008
What a quirky little book! I discovered it quite by accident but what a find. It basically tells you what to expect if you had the ability to travel back in time and found yourself a tourist in Ancient Rome. Based around AD200 but the author has borrowed from sources ranging over 300 years. It gives you an informative guide at every stage of your journey from getting there to eating out, where to stay, shopping and what sights every tourist ought to see and avoid! The book has lots of quotes from the likes of Cicero, Horace and Petronius but perhaps most amusing of all is the pages of useful phrases. The author has taken modern phrases and translated them into Latin - In hac tunica obesa videbor? This book should appeal to history buffs and travellers alike and anyone who has ever wished they could travel back in time to see what Ancient Rome was really like.

Carpe librum!, 10 Jun 2007
A librarian from Long Island sent this to me as a birthday present (thanks, Nephele) and I love it! With sections on Getting There, The Environs of Rome, Settling In, Out and About, Shopping, Law and Order, Entertainment, Religion, Must-See Sights and Roman Walks, it is accurate and fun. I especially like the quotes from Latin primary sources sprinkled here and there, and the sidebars with fun facts relating to each section. There are also some great full colour CGI illustrations of 2nd century Rome by my pals at Altair.

This book would make a great 'Vade Mecum' for anyone travelling to Rome and a great resource for any secondary-school classroom.

Carpe librum!

Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

highly informative and a super read., 03 Oct 2008
After reading Robert Harris's novel Pompeii I was keen on gaining more knowledge about both the people and the town that was overcome by the eruption of Vesuvius , so this books publication allowed me that opportunity.

The amount of information conveyed is awesome and the life of the various citizen's of Pompeii is truly bought to life , the book is written in a scholarly way as befits a Cambridge Don but in no way does this get in the way , she paint's a fantastic picture of the place and it's culture , organisation and politics as well as spicing thing's up by many reference's to the sexual liberation of the era.

A very well written book and did everything I asked of it.

Changing views of Pompeii, 22 Sep 2008
There has always been, since the first discovery, conflict over the meaning of the archeological findings. Some texts are more rigid than others, for example the splendidly illustrated 'Complete Pompeii' by Berry. This new volume has a more laid back approach and all, or at least most, of ones long set assumptions are questioned. So, this is not a guide to carry round the site but a superb contemplation of how life in the town might have been, Like the "Triumph', Prof. Beard shakes the established ideas and stimulates. I found it hard to put down.

Time Travel back to 79AD, 22 Sep 2008
Professor Beard tells the tale of ancient Pompeii in a highly readable and authoritative way. Drawing from the work of historians and archaeologists present and past she transports the reader back to Pompeii's last days. Along the way assumptions are challenged about the number of brothels, or the date of the volcanic explosion which condemned the town into a memory. Wheel ruts and the rules of the road come alive. I suspect that a visit to Pompeii will never be the same again.

Brilliant introduction to the ancient Greeks, 09 Nov 2008
The author's enthusiasm for her subject is extremely infectious. She brings the ancient Greeks wonderfully to life, covering an awful lot of territory in a very short space.Thoroughly recommended.

History Ancient and Modern, 02 Nov 2008
As someone whose knowledge of Roman History was limited to Julius Caesar, Hadrian's Wall and the mistaken belief that the "Lays of Ancient Rome" was a report on the early history of prostitution, I read this book having seen the odd episode of the series on TV. What a pleasure it was to learn just how much we owe to the Romans and how salutary to know how little has changed after 2000 years. Wealth remains the key to power, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. While humankind in pursuit of power invoke dieties they are but smokescreens to cover their own selfish ambition, greed and egotism. History is written by the victorious and what has been interpreted as history is constantly rewritten by new generations from a different perspective. The story of Christian persecution and later absorption into the Roman state - and the latter's perversion of the Christian message for the benefit of the state - provide uncomfortable reading for the atheistic messages of Hitchens et.al who blame religion rather than humans for the warring state of the world. The Romans not only killed their perceived enemies, they killed each other. In Nero's case his wife, her unborn child and his own mother were amongst the victims. The battles for power were hardly unique, simply a foretaste of power politics out of control and often in the name of liberty. This book is a superbly written piece of narrative history with very little interpretation which makes the reader want to seek out the ancient sources referred to in the many footnotes. This is a publication worthy of the BBC and far longer lasting than recent trash that has grabbed the headlines. An excellent read. An excellent buy.

a great read!, 08 Sep 2008
I have just returned from a week sitting on a sun lounger by the side of a pool.
I intended to part read the book on holiday and finish it upon my return.
once i started to read i could not stop & finished the book in 3 days.
The book is very informative but not too heavy going.
Lots of detail & well researched, i almost felt i was there watching the romans ultimatly self distruct!.
A superb read. a+


First class introducton, 19 Jul 2008
This must the best introduction to Roman history written so far, and one not likely to be superseded in a hurry. Not only that but it has features which can benefit anyone well read in the subject since it casts a new light on some of the most important events in that history.

Well Worth Reading, 06 May 2008

For anyone interested in the history and events that took place in the Roman Empire this book is like manna from heaven. The author relates Roman history in such a way that the book almost reads like a novel, being both exciting and educational. But if truth be told this is far more interesting than any novel.

Rome was after all one of the greatest, if not the greatest empire ever known. There are figures from its past that stick out like beacons. Probably the greatest of them all Julius Caesar and of course his main adversary Pompey. Others out of the many notables include Mark Antony, Nero, Claudius and many more.

There were also Rome's great buildings. The Forum, the circus maximus and the Flavian amphitheatre, now more commonly known as the Colosseum, all built to show potential enemies the might that was Rome. Then on to the true might of Rome, its Legions. An army that comprised the greatest fighting force the world had ever seen. Because of their discipline and rigid training they were at that period in history, virtually unbeatable.

The author pulls all these facts together beautifully to make a book that is not only informative and educational but also high readable as well.

A wonderful read, 12 Mar 2008
The true story of Rome is more fasinating, grand, treacherous, heroic, futile and inspiring than any film has yet portrayed. This is an astonishingly rivetting read with an equally impressive bibliography, that I couldn't put down from start to finish. An absolute must for anyone remotely interested or curious in ancient Roman times!



Great popular history, 02 Aug 2008
I greatly enjoyed Tom Holland's 'Rubicon', full of juicy gossip about those naughty Romans but also genuinely respectful of the little that was worthwile in their legacy. 'Persian Fire' is a bit different, being a retelling of a story in which the stakes were considerably higher. If the Persians had conquered Greece, there is no doubt that the history of Europe would have ended up being very different. Not necessarily very much worse, just not the same. The Greeks would not have been allowed to develop the way that they did; the histories of philosophy, literature, drama and political theory would undoubtedly have been seriously affected. Whatever we may feel about the Romans (and I personally am not a huge fan of the Roman Empire), the Greek defeat of the Persians is something that played a big part in making Europe and Asia the way they are today.

I was fairly new to this subject, although I've since read about it in more detail, and I can say that this is an excellent introduction for anyone who doesn't even know that once upon a time a massive Persian army attempted to conquer Europe via Greece. Holland does a fine job of establishing the earlier history of the Persians and how they came to be launching the ill-fated expedition in the first place. He is aware that good popular history needs to be fun, and so he isn't scared of reporting some of the more lurid rumours of the time, such as the one about the Spartans' supposed penchant for heterosexual sodomy - although he does mention in footnotes when any given story happens to be of dubious credibility. The descriptions of battles are admirably clear, except when - as in the battle of Salamis - it's not at all clear what actually happened, and in those cases Holland is frank about the difficulties. His enthusiasm is infectious, his style is clear and novelistic and his scholarship is sound. There are of course more detailed and in-depth histories than these, but they aren't always for the popular reader. This is the first popular retelling of the Greco-Persian wars for years, and it has deserved all its success.

Vivid account, 24 Jul 2008
This fine book tells the story of an earlier war between East and West. In the fifth century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring order to what it regarded as two terrorist states. The superpower was Persia, the terrorist states Athens and Sparta. As Holland points out, "even the mightiest empires can suffer from overstretch."

He mordantly notes, with a passing hit at the British state's `special relationship' with the declining USA, "There was no greater source of self-contentment for a subject-nation, after all, and no surer badge of its continued servitude, than to imagine that it might have been graced with a special relationship with the king."


Fantastic, 08 Jul 2008
A truly excellent book. Holland has a real talent for bringing the characters to life. He makes the events of two thousand years ago immediate and exiting by connecting them to the Western language, culture and politics of today. The book builds in impressiveness throughout the reading. The beginning chapters on the Persians are fascinating. The chapter on Sparta was amazing. The description of the characters and political intrigues of Athens was magnificent. Holland's portrayal of Thermopylae and Salamis however, were just perfect. I feel as if I were really there. This book has made me go back to read more about ancient Greek history. If you haven't already done so check out his other book Rubicon which is fantastic too. Well done Mr. Holland, I can't wait to read your next book.

Very good but..., 25 May 2008
If you enjoyed the style Rubicon was written in then you'll enjoy Persian Fire's style too: very readable, well researched popular narrative history. This book will certainly keep you entertained and I reckon it is very informative too. I don't share some of the other reviewers' comments about Holland writing with a bias.

The one thing that I would draw attention to is that if you read this book because you are curious about Persian history (like I did) then you might be a bit dissappointed. Whilst it will certainly give you much information about the Persian empire and will run through the time of Cyrus and Darius, the book is more about Greek history than Persian. Basically beware of the title; I was expecting this to be more about the Persian empire.

The book is about the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks but the author is obviously more comfortable with and more knowledgable about Greek history than Persian history. Nevertheless its still an excellent book -