The History of Rome from Its Foundation, Books XXI-XXX: The War with Hannibal (Penguin Classics) (Bks. 21-30) by Titus Livius Livy Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The History of Rome from Its Foundation, Books XXI-XXX: The War with Hannibal (Penguin Classics) (Bks. 21-30)
Book Review: One of the greatest stories in world history
Summary: 4 Stars
The great Roman historian Livy tells a story as interesting as that of the American Civil War. The Second Punic War was a great crisis in Roman history. This book starts with the uneasy peace after the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage. Rome won that war. Carthage swore revenge, and Hannibal devoted his life to conquering his bitter enemy. He invaded Italy via Rome and the Alps with his elephants. No Roman army could stay in the field against his Carthaginians. A Roman consul named Fabius persuaded the Romans not to give battle, and for twenty years Hannibal roamed wherever he liked in Italy. But he wasn't strong enough to capture Rome, and there were Roman generals such as Marcellus who were able to defeat him partially. Meanwhile in Spain a young Roman general whose father and uncle had been killed by Hannibal devoted his life to defeating Hannibal. But not by fighting Hannibal in Italy. Rather, by first conquering Spain, then invading Africa, so Hannibal had to depart Italy, as it turned out forever, to defend his homeland. In Africa, at Zama, Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal. Scipio became the first of the great Romans who broke the mould of the Republican conventions. His family was instrumental in bringing Greek culture to Italy. Was this good for Rome? It was inevitable. The historian Livy wrote in the times of Augustus, about the time of Christ. Livy is not considered the best of historians, he's more interested in gripping narrative than in careful checking of sources. He writes in the annalistic format, that is, one year at a time. Livy wrote two hundred years after the events; it'd be like a modern historian describing the American Revolution. But he is Roman, and the flavor he imparts to events is very different from that of a modern day historian. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in thrilling history or in Rome.Book Review: a deed of dreadful note
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just finished reading The War With Hannibal, and I must say that not only is it a masterpiece, but it is one of the books I most enjoyed reading. I had never read Livy before and this was a great discovery for me. Although it was written about two thousand years ago, this book is as engaging and appealing as if it had been written today. It is important, however, to make some points clear if you are not acquainted with Livy or other similar classical writers. First, this extense history of the Second Punic War is not history in the modern, scientific sense of this word. It is not a methodic, systematic and objective approach what you will find here: some parts are conjectural, some are simply invented. Throughout his account Livy inserts his political opinions and he is, of course, partial to the Romans. These is not being critical, because we can't judge Livy by our own, contemporary, cultural standards, but just something you should know before reading the book. Second, this is not a social or an economic history but basically a military history of the war with Hannibal. Livy focuses on the description of battles and sieges, on logistics like the movement of armies or the getting of supplies and on the commanders and the tactics employed. If this interests you, you should not hestitate to read it. With the ability of the best novelists, Livy constructs a wonderful narration of events, which never slackens its pace and is always interesting and entertainig. His descriptions of battles is vivid and some passages are full of tension and suspense. As an analyst, Livy is weaker than in his descriptions. His opinions, however, are highly lucid and you can see the influence his thought had upon Machiavelli, for instance when he speaks of the dangers of using armies made up of mercenary soldiers. This Penguin Classics' edition is very good and De Selincourt's translation is superb. I give this book the highest possible rating.Book Review: Great History By A Great Historian
Summary: 5 Stars
By any measure, the Second Punic War is one of the most fascinating episodes in history. The audacious invasion of Italy through the Alps (imagine leading elephants through the Alps on foot trails), Rome's defeat at Cannae, The delaying strategy of Fabius Maximus that kept Rome alive while it rebuilt its strength, and Rome's ultimate victory are extraordinary.Livy gives a lively and detailed account. True, this isn't an eyewitness account. He borrowed liberally from Polybius. He also must have had other sources that are long since lost, however, so his telling is his own. He also is known for being pro-Roman. His respect for Hannibal's accomplishments comes through clearly in his narrative, though, and he has no reason to belittle Hannibal or what Hannibal did. It would only belittle the Roman accomplishment in ultimately defeating a formidable foe. Moreover, Livy wrote for a Roman audience familiar with the story, so he must make his work as dramatic as tha material permits.
All in all, this is a great story recorded by a consummate historian. It makes for a very interesting and informative read. I recommend it highly.
Book Review: Okay
Summary: 3 Stars
Read Polybius... Livy copied most of his books from himBook Review: One Of The Most Memorable Periods In History.
Summary: 3 Stars
This is a moving,& at times stimulating account of the war which introduced a great general to legendary status & the men & nation that strove & labored to stop him from attaining complete dominion which seemed just within his grasp at almost every moment.Livy writes in a clear & fluent manner,conveying the drama & terrible events which constituted one of the most trying moments of all time. Although one of the most eminent historians in history,it is true that Livy is indeed one of the most biased men of letters to come out from the latin dictum.Several situations are pointed out by the translator to indicate this,& the probable true knowledge of a lot of Carthaginian & Roman affairs may have been sadly omitted or exaggerated in the authors text.One could think that many feats by Hannibal & the Carthaginians may have been effaced to give the Romans a more rounded & consistent achievement;because it's quite hard to believe that the man responsible for such brilliant achievements as the Alps,Trasimene & Cannae would be left to the mere subjections & whims for the next 13 years under subordinate generals of his opposition,suffering one setback after the other.And with all the reverses Carthage seemed to be endlessly going through,it's amazing that the war lasted as long as it did.Nevertheless,despite these unfortunate blemishes,this is one of the most important documents ever created,one of the very few sources we have on Hannibal & the Carthaginians,invaluable in its chronicling of this important & decisive period in world history.MY RATING FOR THIS IS 3 & A HALF STARS.