Troy C. 1700-1250 BC (Fortress, 17)

Rating:
Summary: A window into the history behind a great legend
Review: As mentioned by another reviewer, Osprey Publishing is usually associated with military-oriented books, lavishly illustrated with maps, photographs, and precise drawings of uniforms and weapons. "Troy c. 1700-1250 BC" is a volume that should have a broader appeal than to military enthusiasts alone. Although certainly the fortification aspects of the Trojan story are given a certain focus in this publication, the full story of the historical Troy which lies behind the legends and Homeric poetry is also presented in Nic Fields' book. And that has been an evolving story. For most of a century we thought we knew the extent of Troy at the time of the famed Trojan Wars when, at least according to myth, a great army of Greeks besieged and sacked the city. We knew it as a tall-walled citadel atop a hill near the Hellespont. But in the last decade or so, a German archaeological team has uncovered a previously unknown "lower city" stretching out into the Trojan plain from this citadel, proving the ancient city to be far larger than understood before. And this new knowledge is excellently presented in a series of delicate but vibrant drawings in the volume by Donato and Sarah Sulemsohn Spedaliere. Nowhere else have I seen this expanded city of Troy so well visually presented. Students of ancient history and archaeology will be well pleased by this Osprey volume.

Rating:
Summary: Good brief intro, great illustrations
Review: Osprey has some great books that while aimed towards the more military minded, can really bring the past to life for general readers. This one, from the Fortress series, explores the greatest fortress-city of all. The info is all current, based on the most recent (and on-going) excavations at Troy. But what really makes this great is the set of glorious illustrations, showing cut-away sections of Troy as it would have appeared at its height. Maps, black and white photos, charts, and further reading lists all add to the impact. Its not the most comprehensive volume on Troy, but a great start that will really bring the Trojan War to life. People who are drawn more to the military aspects of this book should check out Osprey's titles on ancient Greek Warriors, Alexander's campaigns, or the Persian Wars. Also check out John Warry's "Warfare in the Classical World."

Rating:
Summary: Good brief intro, great illustrations
Review: Osprey has some great books that while aimed towards the more military minded, can really bring the past to life for general readers. This one, from the Fortress series, explores the greatest fortress-city of all. The info is all current, based on the most recent (and on-going) excavations at Troy. But what really makes this great is the set of glorious illustrations, showing cut-away sections of Troy as it would have appeared at its height. Maps, black and white photos, charts, and further reading lists all add to the impact. Its not the most comprehensive volume on Troy, but a great start that will really bring the Trojan War to life. People who are drawn more to the military aspects of this book should check out Osprey's titles on ancient Greek Warriors, Alexander's campaigns, or the Persian Wars. Also check out John Warry's "Warfare in the Classical World."

Rating:
Summary: superb starter
Review: This slender volume of just 64 pages packs considerable wallop. The text is simple and to the point, providing a nice intro or overview. The color illustrations are exacting and do a terrific job of conveying scope and relative setting. The black and white photos are on the mark, too. They illustrate key points/architectural elements and are placed just where you want them. This is the only book of the series I have seen, but it won't be the last.