The Ancient Near East: Ancient History Series, Volume I

Rating:
Summary: Great undergraduate book
Review: Dunstan's textbook works well as an undergraduate textbook, and, indeed, as an introduction for the layperson or non-specialist as well. His style is clear, his use of evidence appropriate, and his images improve the text without pulling the reader from the words. A little expensive for undergraduates but could easily be the only book in an introductory class on the entire Near East.

Rating:
Summary: Great undergraduate book
Review: Dunstan's textbook works well as an undergraduate textbook, and, indeed, as an introduction for the layperson or non-specialist as well. His style is clear, his use of evidence appropriate, and his images improve the text without pulling the reader from the words. A little expensive for undergraduates but could easily be the only book in an introductory class on the entire Near East.

Rating:
Summary: Easily the best book in the field.
Review: I found this book thoroughly delightful and informative. This superbly researched and written work focuses on the ancient cultural and social history of the vast sweep of territory from Egypt to Iraq. The author writes with soaring prose, covering complex material with absolute clarity. You won't be able to put this one down until you reach the final page.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended with Reservations
Review: This book is well-written, clear, and informative. It covers, naturally, the ancient near east, the Mesopotamians to the Persians inclusive. I do, however, have reservations about the book, namely because the author is quite antagonistic to religion. The text includes beautifully-phrased hostilities such as, "Atonism quickly took on the intolerance perculiar to religions focusing on one god" (143) and treats all religions as articifial, superfluous elements of human history.