The Romans: An Introduction

Rating:
Summary: A comfortable read, admirably illustrated
Review: Kamm has written a compulsively readable and highly instructive volume on Ancient Rome. He is a talented writer and a great teacher.

Rating:
Summary: Problematic
Review: Kamm's book is an interesting introduction to Roman history, and his topical approach to the subject allows first-time readers to separate aspects of Rome that are often confusingly twisted together.

However, that being said, Kamm still has some problems. He is short on detail, which will leave those who already have some knowledge of the subject disappointed. Plus, he regularly passes judgement on the Ancient Romans based upon modern mores. For example, and this is just one of many, on page 126 he calls the slaughter of wild beasts in the Roman arena a "sickening morning's overture to the gladitorial contests in the afternoon." Well, while it is "sickening" to modern-day sensibilities, it certainly wasn't to the Roman mob, who constantly clamored for more blood. When Kamm passes judgement on the Romans based upon his own modern sensibilities he is committing a fallacy called "presentism." It is most unprofessional and detracts from his work.