Caesar and Christ (The Story of Civilization III) (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 1944; vuoden 1980 painos)

A major milestone...finally finished "Caesar and Christ", book three of Will Durant's "The Story of Western Civilization" series. Although there have been significant advances in knowledge of the Roman Empire since this book was written, this is still the work of a master historian. His clear-eyed analysis, subtle humor, biting wit and clever turn-of-phrase make it a worthwhile read even today. ( )

Early Steps of European Civilization
The formation of Roman Empire and it's evolution are exposed in a clear and fluent narrative by Will Durant. His easy prose and irony provides the reader/listener a well informed testimony about ancient time. The book examines a pivotal moment of European and west civilization: the formation and early development of Roman Empire (II century BC to III century AD) and the advent and beginnings of Christianity (till it's adoption by Constantine).
The ideas and the main events of the period, besides some gossips and debates, are examined in a way that enables the reader to grasp the historical background of the period. The part of the book reserved to Christianity, though, could be more complete. This is a book worth reading (or listening). It enhances our knowing of European history. ( )

A classic. A bit outdated, but can't blame him for that. ( )

Evenals in de twee voorafgaande delen van "The story of Civilization" doet Durant in "Caesar and Christ" niet aan specialisatie. Hij wil geschiedenis in al zijn aspecten behandelen: naast politieke geschiedenis, economische geschiedenis, wetenschap, religie, filosofie, kunst, literatuur. Dit lijkt een onmogelijke opgave, maar Durant slaagt erin.
Hoewel zijn Engels veel moeilijke woorden bevat is zijn stijl prachtig en is het lezen van zijn boek een aangename bezigheid. Warm aanbevolen voor iedereen die geïnteresseerd is in het Romeinse Rijk en de beginjaren van het Christendom. ( )