Secondhand Ancient History & Classics Bargain Book Box SP2264

Secondhand Ancient History & Classics Bargain Book Box

This collection gathers twenty-one used books focusing on the history, mythology, and literature of the ancient world. The selection includes well-known Penguin Classics, historical accounts by Leonard Cottrell, and standard translations of Greek and Roman epics. It offers a broad overview of antiquity, ranging from the pyramids of Egypt to the philosophy of Athens, suitable for readers interested in building a foundational library of classical texts. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. Wonders of Antiquity by Leonard Cottrell Leonard Cottrell provides a travelogue through seven major sites of the ancient world, blending historical facts with his own observations. The text describes the condition and history of monuments like the Great Pyramid and the Parthenon. It serves as a practical guide to these locations, offering context for their original construction and their state in the mid-20th century.

2. The Last Days of Socrates by Plato This volume contains four dialogues recording the trial, imprisonment, and death of Socrates, as documented by his student Plato. The text presents Socrates' defense of his philosophical lifestyle and his arguments regarding justice and the soul. It remains a primary source for understanding the conflict between the philosopher and the Athenian state.

3. The Lost Pharaohs by Leonard Cottrell Cottrell outlines the development of Egyptology, detailing the major archaeological finds that defined our understanding of the region. The book focuses on the individuals who excavated the sites and the historical significance of their discoveries. It provides a straightforward narrative of how the dynasties of Egypt were revealed to the modern world.

4. Tutankhamun and the Valley of the Kings by Otto Neubert Written by an author present during the excavation, this account describes the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb and the items found within. Neubert offers a personal perspective on the events surrounding the discovery and the work of Howard Carter. The book also covers the history of the Valley of the Kings and the life of the Pharaoh.

5. The Odyssey of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore This translation presents Homer’s epic poem about Odysseus’s ten-year journey home following the Trojan War. The narrative follows his encounters with various mythical figures and the challenges faced by his family in Ithaca. Lattimore’s version is noted for adhering closely to the original Greek structure while remaining readable for a modern audience.

6. The Epic of Gilgamesh (Penguin Classics) As the oldest known piece of literature, this Mesopotamian poem tells the story of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, and his friend Enkidu. The narrative explores themes of friendship, the fear of mortality, and the search for eternal life. This edition translates the fragmented tablets into a coherent story, providing insight into early human civilization.

7. Secrets of the Pharaohs by Ian McMahan McMahan applies modern scientific methods to longstanding questions regarding ancient Egyptian history and culture. The book investigates topics such as pyramid construction techniques and the forensic evidence surrounding royal mummies. It offers a more technical perspective on the era, looking beyond the mythology to understand the practical realities of the time.

8. Lost Cities by Leonard Cottrell This book examines the archaeological rediscovery of ancient cities such as Babylon, Nineveh, and Ur. Cottrell describes the excavation processes that confirmed the existence of places previously known only through texts. It connects biblical and historical records with physical evidence found in the Near East, focusing on the work of early archaeologists.

9. Medea/Hecabe/Electra/Heracles by Euripides This Penguin Classics edition compiles four tragedies by the Greek playwright Euripides, focusing on themes of revenge and the aftermath of war. The plays are known for their psychological depth and their focus on female characters in extreme circumstances. It provides a representative sample of Greek drama and its approach to human suffering.

10. Metamorphoses by Ovid Ovid’s narrative poem weaves together hundreds of classical myths, united by the common theme of physical transformation. The stories range from the creation of the world to the deification of Julius Caesar, covering gods and mortals alike. This work serves as a key source for many of the mythological stories that influenced later Western literature and art.

11. The Bull of Minos by Leonard Cottrell Cottrell recounts the major archaeological discoveries on the island of Crete, specifically the work of Heinrich Schliemann and Arthur Evans. The book links the physical ruins of Knossos to the legends of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. It explains how these excavations revealed the Minoan civilization, distinguishing it from mainland Greek culture.

12. The Greek Myths: 1 by Robert Graves In this first volume, Robert Graves compiles and retells the early Greek myths, including creation stories and the birth of the Olympians. The book includes commentary on the origins and variations of each myth, drawing on anthropology and history. It functions as both a narrative collection and a reference work for understanding classical mythology.

13. Arrian's Life of Alexander the Great translated by de Sélincourt Arrian’s historical account is regarded as one of the most reliable sources on the campaigns of Alexander the Great. The text documents his military strategy and the conquest of the Persian Empire in detail. This translation makes the ancient military history accessible, focusing on the logistical and tactical aspects of Alexander’s rule.

14. The Eclogues, Georgics and Aeneid of Virgil translated by C. Day Lewis This volume brings together the three major works of the Roman poet Virgil, including the national epic, the Aeneid. The texts cover pastoral themes as well as the legendary founding of Rome by the Trojan hero Aeneas. C. Day Lewis provides a translation that aims to capture the poetic style and cultural significance of the original Latin verses.

15. Life Under the Pharaohs by Leonard Cottrell Rather than focusing on royalty, this book reconstructs the daily lives of ordinary citizens in ancient Egypt. Cottrell uses evidence from artifacts and texts to describe the routines of farmers, scribes, and craftsmen. It offers a social history perspective, detailing the domestic habits, housing, and family structures of the general population.

16. Enemy of Rome by Leonard Cottrell This historical narrative examines the life and military campaigns of Hannibal Barca during the Punic Wars. The book details his famous crossing of the Alps and his strategic battles against the Roman Republic. Cottrell analyzes the tactics used by the Carthaginian general and the impact his campaigns had on the development of Roman military power.

17. The Mountains of Pharaoh by Leonard Cottrell This text is dedicated to the history and exploration of the Egyptian pyramids, from ancient times to the modern era. Cottrell discusses the various theories regarding their construction and the different people who have explored them. The book provides a comprehensive look at the structural engineering and the historical fascination with these monuments.

18. The Republic by Plato Plato’s Socratic dialogue explores the definition of justice and the structure of an ideal society. The text covers the role of the philosopher-king, the theory of forms, and the allegory of the cave. It is a foundational text in political philosophy, presenting arguments about governance and education that have been debated for centuries.

19. The Greek Myths: 2 by Robert Graves The second volume of Graves’ work continues the retelling of Greek mythology, covering the Trojan War and the travels of Odysseus. Like the first volume, it includes detailed notes on the historical and ritual contexts of the stories. This book completes the set, offering a thorough guide to the heroic age of Greek legend and its interpretations.

20. The Iliad of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore Set during the Trojan War, this epic poem focuses on the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon. Lattimore’s translation seeks to replicate the meter and flow of the original Greek verse. The story deals with themes of honor, rage, and fate, providing a detailed account of the battles and the intervention of the Olympian gods.

21. Introduction to the Roman World by Peter Arnott Peter Arnott provides a general overview of Roman society, culture, and daily life during the height of the empire. The book covers topics such as religion, education, and public entertainment to provide context for Roman history. It serves as a background guide for readers looking to understand the social environment of the ancient Roman people.