The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization

Book Description

CIVILIZATION IN ALL ITS ASPECTS For more than 2000 years the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome have captivated our collective imagination and provided fresh inspiration for every age. Now, for the first time, The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization distils the fruits of recent scholarship to provide the most up-to-date and authoritative survey of the Greek and Roman worlds in all their aspects. Drawing on the latest edition of the highly praised Oxford Classical Dictionary, this new illustrated Oxford Companion offers unrivalled access to the latest knowledge of classical civilization, making it the perfect guide for general readers interested in learning more about the very bedrock of Western culture. HISTORY AND POLITICS the events, achievements, and personalities of 2500 years of history of Greece and Rome and their immediate neighbours, as well as the underlying issues from democracy to propaganda, famine and finance, Hellenization and mercenaries, population, and slavery ETHICS AND MORALS, LAW AND PUNISHMENT individual philosophers and their schools, and ethical issues, such as corruption; prison; torture; abortion; attitudes to animals, to wealth, or to warfare; suicide; freedom; and intellectual or religious intolerance SOCIAL AND FAMILY LIFE food and drink, cookery, houses, and dress; childbirth; sexual behaviour, including rape and incest; and broader social topics such as status, kinship and the family, ritualized friendship, tourism, and urbanization LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, ART AND SCHOLARSHIP writers and poets, orators and playwrights, literacy and books, archives and education, literary genres, painting and sculpture, and the writing of history RELIGION AND MYTHOLOGY Greek, Roman, and Egyptian beliefs, cults, and rituals, from oracles and curses, to sacred prostitution, together with their attendant deities and mythological creatures, mingle with Judaism and early Christianity TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, AND MEDICINE the birth of the scientific method in experiment, and all manner of discovery , exploration, treatment, and theorizing on disease, geography, climate, astronomy, mineralogy, navigation, sanitation, vivisection MAJOR ESSAYS and BRILLIANT ILLUSTRATION Specially designed articles on the individuals and themes of central importance provide a useful overview for the modern reader from Alexander to Xenophon, Cicero and Hannibal; and from the histories of Greece and Rome, to Christianity, and architecture. Imaginatvely chosen and striking illustrations underline further the sophistication and complextity of classical civilization, making the ancient world dramatically present.

Customer Reviews:

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization.......2003-06-19

A stunning revelation to the classical world . this book is more of a classical hero than herakles was

A necessary resource for the student of early christianity.......2001-04-09

This book is indispendable for a person like myself who got a degree in world religions in general, and early christianity in particular, and who, therefore, lacks an in-depth background in the secular history of Greece and Rome. I hesitated a while before writing a review because I had not read a sufficient number of articles. However, the time has come for comment. I find the shorter articles informative, but at times leaving me waanting more. The longer ones are more satisfying. I was tempted to buy the longer version of The Companion (The Oxford Classical Dictionary), but decided against it after reading the reviews. I am happy with my decision. If I want more information on a topic, I can find it elsewhere. I find that The Companion covers more topics than I need, but I enjoy randomingly paging through the book, selecting what strikes my fancy before going to sleep at night. This is a treasured resource that enhances my understanding of the milieu of early christianity.

"Condensed" version still weighy volume.......2000-09-01

The publication of The Oxford Classical Dictionary, weighing in at 1,640 pages and $99.95 price tag may have told many people more about the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds more than they wanted to know. To them, this companion will be of prime interest.

To pare down the selections, the same editors who updated the dictionary relied on an all or nothing rule: either an entry would be reproduced in its entirety, or it would be dropped. Of the 40 Claudius in the original dictionary, only the Roman emperor popularized in "I, Claudius" made the cut. In addition, the editors kicked the type size up a point or two and recast the longer essays into a one-column layout with the background lightly shaded. Even at half the price, it still offers nearly 800 pages and contains a selection of maps and color photographs not found in its larger brethern. For those who were reluctant to shell out a C-note, this is an appealing alternative.

A good starting place.......2000-02-27

As a standard introductory reference text, I found the Oxford Companion invaluable as a good beginning point to pursue any line of inquiry regarding the classical age. Weighing in at nearly 800 pages, this book is a weighty tome, not something to carry around lightly. Navigation within the book is easy with appropriate cross referencing, such as pointing you at GAIUS when you look up Caligula and warning you of other articles relating to the same subject. Also classical sources are clearly cited and I have followed a number of these up in standard translations to check their opinion. Spread throughout the book are numerous colour and black & white photographs of archaeological evidence and other artefacts. Also throughout the volume and are a number of special reference entries of extended length discussing in more detail important people, places or themes. Such as sections on: Homer, painting and slavery. As in any extended encyclopaedia project, the number of contributors is huge. Inevitably, given the small amount of space available for each section, each item is unlikely to offer a full range of scholarly thought, opinion and research. As with any reference text, it should be used as a starting point for research, not as a substitute.

You cannot please everybody all the time. On balance I think you have to accept that a work of this nature is going to throw up anomalies or controversial entries which not all readers will agree with. It is the nature of academic pursuit of knowledge to encounter disagreements or views which do not match your own. I very much doubt if hardly any of the contributors listed, would completely agree with each other on the articles which they have written. This is the nature of encyclopedias.

Particularly the arena of classical history, is prone to heated debate over the most simplest of issues, due to the lack of evidence or the interpretation of what exists, such as it is. In short there are no `facts' only interpretation.

Quite helpful----with at least one serious exception........1999-07-13

With one serious exception (see below) I have thus far found The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization to be quite helpful.

Having purchased this book as a supplemental reference for my study of biblical literature, I was shocked, angered and disappointmented upon coming across the article on "Christianity," by Philip Rousseau.

The fact that Rousseau describes Christianity in unflattering terms is not nearly so significant as the fact that his "facts" appear poorly researched and loosely strung together in an obvious attempt to vilify Christianity. Summarizing the life and ministry of Jesus in terms of "the wonder-working holy man," for example, does gross injustice to both Jesus' teachings and miracle claims.

Rousseau presents Christianity as little more than an arrogant thief and counterfeiter, stealing ideas and images first from the Jews and then from secular philosophers. In so doing, Rousseau completely disregards the concept of God's progressive revelation and the fact that no one has a patent on the truth. The New Testament books, the last of which was written prior to the close of the first century A.D., are unanimous in their presentation of the gospel as God's secret plan now unveiled for all peoples in all places. Whether for good or ill, Christian apologists later sought to convey infinite Christian truths using common finite imagery. Indeed, some did try to "blend" Christian thought and secular philosophy, although even in such cases enlightenment and not deceit was their primary motivation.

Book Description

With over 2,000 entries from an international team of scholars, this new Oxford Companion provides a wealth of clear, up-to-date assessments on all aspects of Chaucer. Entries, both short and long, from 'Aaron' to 'Zodiac', provide information on Chaucer's life and times, his works and the characteristics in them, his language and metre, his reading and the creative uses he made of it, and on his major moral and literary themes. Extensive reference is also made to the development of critical opinion about his works over the centuries. Complete with a chronology, a note to readers, illustrations, and extensive cross-referencing, this is a fascinating, practical guide to readers of Chaucer at every level.

THE OXFORD COMPANION TO CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION.

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THE OXFORD COMPANION TO CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION.
Simon & Antony Spawforth (editors). Hornblower
Manufacturer: Oxford Univ. Press,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UZ8RMI

Book Description

Intriguing look into the architecture and construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza. Full of details, dimensions, and amazing insights into its occult meanings and mysteries. Facsimile of a beautiful, rare 1880 volume. Over 40 black and white illustrations. 702 pages.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, thorough, inspiring!.......2005-07-09

Having seen many hypothesis put forth about the greatest pyramid, popularly known as Khufu's or Cheops' pyramid, I can only say that this book does the best job by far. Smyth's researches are exacting, practical, logical, and he clearly goes as far as he possibly can in each examination to ask the question of what may have been missed.

What several other researchers had done sloppily, out of lack of funds or lack of drive or simple lack of perfectionism, he explores. His resultant calculations, postulations and compilations result in what I firmly believe is the most definitive work in the scientific world of a building which, to me, is very clearly God-planned.

A fascinating work!

INTERESTING.......2004-01-17

VERY INTERESTING BUT VERY DIFFICULT TO READ. THE BOOK WAS WRITTEN IN THE LATE 1800'S. THE MATERIAL IS VERY GOOD AND INTERESTING BUT THE GRAMMATICAL STYLE, I FIND AGONIZING. I REALLY HAVE TO READ SLOWLY AND REREAD SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE POINT OF A PARAGRAPH. THE GRAMMAR IS SO BAD IT READS LIKE SOMEONE WHO IS UNEDUCATED TRIES TO SOUND ALOOF AND SCHOLARLY. IF THE GRAMMAR WAS IMPROVED THE BOOK WOULD BE A SUBSTANTIALLY SHORTER AND MUCH MORE UNDERSTANDABLE. THE MATERIAL IS 5 STAR, THE GRAMMATICAL STYLE IS BELOW 1 STAR.

HENCE THE SCORE OF 3 IS BUT THE BEST, BUT NOTWITHSTANDING THE POORNESS OF THE GRAMMAR, IS THAT IS OVERCOME BY THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MATERIAL, THAT I FEEL I CAN MAXIMALLY POSSIBLY ASSIGN TO THIS MATERIALLY INTERESTING WORK. - AS PIAZZI SMYTH MAY HAVE STATED!!!

Worth Reading.......2002-03-14

The book is an excellent work of a man dedicated to His science and religion. Even if you don't agree with Smyths summation, he still evokes one to question......What do we really know??, What if all we've been told about this one pyramid is wrong?? And What can the measurements of the great Pyramid tell us about the original builders knowledge of the world around him. His arguements are strong and yet unheard of by many.

Astronomer and publisher attempt to fool the world.......2000-11-13

I could write a review longer than this book discrediting most of the information in it. If you ignore the fact that they created a system of measuring to substantiate all of their work that is based on nothing but overactive imaginations and the instructions of God to Moses that no chisel can touch stone used for God's altar then you may be able to buy into this. Otherwise, you, like I will be wishing the authors were still alive so we could pull their brains out through their noses since they seem to have no use for them.

A "must read" for any serious student of the Great Pyramid.......1999-12-14

This book is well worth a read. It is somewhat difficult to read, being written in Victorian English, but that adds to its appeal, since its literary complexity gives the reader an idea of how great minds helped science progress to what it is now. This book was long considered the authoritative text on the Great Pyramid, and it is not hard to see why. Its content is exhaustive, and a good example of "a job well done." I was pleasantly surprised to see how much mathematics, metrology, science, and Judeo-Christian (!) spiritual content exists within the Great Pyramid. Smyth, the then former Royal Astronomer of Scotland, also approaches the various points of view regarding its origin and construction very thoroughly. All in all, this book is worth the effort to read it and I would advise the reader to take his/her time (I spent 10 months on it) with it so that it can be fully enjoyed. What a challenging and neat book!

The Great Pyramid : Its Secrets and Mysteries Revealed

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The Great Pyramid : Its Secrets and Mysteries Revealed
Piazzi Smyth
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J3XLAY

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The Great Pyramid : Its secrets and mysteries Revealed

Manufacturer: Bell Publishing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GQQHQO

Customer Reviews:

A much needed reference book for special response teams.......2007-02-16

Although in its third edition, it only gets better and becomes a more valuable reference book for first responders involved in all levels of Hazmat preparedness, response, mitigation and/or recovery. A big thank you to the authors!!!

book rating.......2005-09-26

Did not ever receive book due to none available so you refunded my money which I appreciate however I would think that you would persue the issue further and try to find another book available.

Hazardous Materials Managing the Incident/Student Workbook

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Hazardous Materials Managing the Incident/Student Workbook
Gregory Noll
Manufacturer: I F S T A
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0879391146

Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident

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Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident
Joanne F. Hidlebrand
Manufacturer: Intl Fire Service Training Assn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0879390794

Improving the Scientific Basis for Managing Doe's Excess Nuclear Materials and Spent Nuclear Fuel

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Improving the Scientific Basis for Managing Doe's Excess Nuclear Materials and Spent Nuclear Fuel

Manufacturer: National Academy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Nuclear | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0309087228

Instructor's Guide to Hazardous Materials/Instructors Guide: Managing the Incident

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Instructor's Guide to Hazardous Materials/Instructors Guide: Managing the Incident
Joanne Fish Hildebrand
Manufacturer: I F S T A
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0879391154

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A Good Start
Managing Hazardous Matrerials
Managing Hazardous Materials

Managing Hazardous Materials

Manufacturer: Inst of Hazardous Materials
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0971922527

Book Description

Hazardous materials management is a complex discipline which requires not only familiarity with chemical, physical and biological hazards, but also careful consideration of the legal, financial, organizational and moral implications.

This unique work reflects both the breadth and the unity of the discipline. It is written by experienced hazardous materials managers who make the field accessible to persons with basic training in college chemistry and mathematics.

This is a text that will help shape the discipline for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Start.......2004-03-11

I read this book and closely reviewed it several times in preparation for the CHMM exam, so I think I developed a good feel for information in it. This is a good introduction to the field of hazardous materials management, and could function as useful summary guidance for practicing professionals. However, it is not without faults. It's breadth of coverage is incomplete, and the level of detail may offer a false-sense of security to the inexperienced. I found some questionable and unnecessarily incomplete information in the chapters on the subjects that I am most familiar with.

Since this book is offered at a discount to people registering for the CHMM exam, I expect that most people will buy it as an exam study aid. It is a very good study aid for the exam. In answer to a question I had: no this does not cover everything you will need to know for the exam - either in breadth or depth. Fortunately, my personal experience and some of the other study aids I used were sufficient to fill in most of the gaps.

Overall this would be a good text for a class on hazardous materials management, for someone involved with people performing this type of work (such as a manager), or for a professional that would like something that summarizes information by general process (manufacturing, storage, shipping, etc.) rather than by act or regulation. However, it should not relied on for determing how to perform the specific tasks of hazardous materials management.

Managing Hazardous Matrerials.......2004-02-16

Managing Hazardous Materials is a fine guidebook coving many topics related to industrial hygiene and Hazmat. There are chapters on the environmental impact of chemicals, the economics of materials management, regulatory basics, etc. Each is well written by an authority in the specific field.

While regulations are prone to legislative changes and presidential whims, there are certain guidelines that all types of industry and government must abide by and this book is an excellent starting point for those with questions. This is a constatly changing field, so this book is doomed to be outdated, but the basic work is in place and future revisions should be able to withstand shifting patterns.

If your business has a reference library, this book will make a fine addition. It provides the information facilty managers, environmental professionals, corporate auditors, industrial hygienists, Hazmat managers, and many others need to perform their jobs successfully.

Managing Hazardous Materials.......2004-02-11

Managing Hazardous Materials is a valuable tool for the CHMM. I wish I had obtained a copy a few weeks prior to my CHMM test, feeling it would have been a great help. I use it almost weekly in my work at the university and highly recommend it to those who are studying for the test and those who do a variety of tasks as a part of their regular duties.

Thanks to Drs. Leonard and Robinson and all those who contributed.

Average customer rating:
Managing hazardous materials incidents (SuDoc HE 20.7908:M 31/V.1-3)
U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services
Manufacturer: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00010CHU0

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Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents Volume II: Hospital Emergency Departments: A Planning Guide for the Management of Contaminated Patients
Scott V. Wright
Manufacturer: DIANE Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Materials | Chemical | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 078813714X

Product Description

Designed to familiarize readers with the concepts, terminology, & key considerations that affect the management of incidents of chemical contamination. Provides uniform guidance for emergency care of chemically contaminated patients & basic information critical to the planning & implementation of emergency medical services' strategies. Contents include: hazard recognition, principles of toxicology, personnel protection & safety principles, respiratory protection, decontamination of patient, the spectrum of hazardous materials incidents. Illustrated

Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. Vol. I: Emergency Medical Services: A Planning Guide for the Management of Contaminated Patients

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Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. Vol. I: Emergency Medical Services: A Planning Guide for the Management of Contaminated Patients

Manufacturer: Diane Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

Assists the first responders to incidents involving hazardous materials. Provides uniform guidance for emergency care of chemically contaminated patients & basic information critical to the planning & implementation of emergency medical services' strategies. Topics covered include: hazard recognition, principles of toxicology, personnel protection & safety principles, respiratory protection, site control, decontamination of EMS personnel, assessment of patients, communications, patient treatment & transport, & much more. Illustrated.

Student Workbook to Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, Third Edition

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Student Workbook to Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident, Third Edition
Joanne Hildebrand
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1932235078

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