Wednesday 8 May 2013

On the Fourth Day of the Giveway, time for books

I've accustomed you to lots of shinyness ( does this word even exist?), and I've forgotten to apply my first principle as a teacher: it's now time to educate. Ok, lightly, but still...

He had to do it...


 Today's giveaway is about two books. The first one is a  great history book, written by Philip Matyszak, Mithridates the great, Rome's indomitable ennemy.

 Bon, apres tous ces jolis trucs bien appetissants, il etait necessaire de vous remettre sur le droit chemin. Aujourd'hui, culture, nom de diouss, avec d'abord ce super bouquin de Philip Matyszak. Alors oui, il est en Anglais, mais il est tres facile a suivre. Par comparaison, FOG a cote, c'est du Kant, c'est vous dire. Et en plus il est tres ympa et instructif, avec de bonnes idees de scenarios. Le second est de F.L. Taylor, à propos des guerres d'Italie. La encore, une lecture agréable et très instructive. Ils vous tentent? Vous savez ce que vous avez à faire.



First, here is the description:

"A military biography of Mithridates VI 'the Great' of Pontus, Rome's most persistent enemy. The Mithridiatic wars stretched over half a century and two continents, and have a fascinating cast of pirates, rebels, turncoats and poisoners (though an unfortunate lack of heroes with untarnished motives). There are pitched battles, epic sieges, double-crosses and world-class political conniving, assassinations and general treachery. Through it all, the story is built about the dominant character of Mithridates, connoisseur of poisons, arch-schemer and strategist; resilient in defeat, savage and vindictive in victory. Almost by definition, this book will break new ground, in that nothing has been written on Mithridates for the general public for almost half a century, though scholarly journals have been adding a steady trickle of new evidence, which is drawn upon here. Few enough leaders went to war with Rome and lived long to tell the tale, but in the first half of the first century BC, Mithridates did so three times. At the high point of his career his armies swept the Romans out of Asia Minor and Greece, reversing a century of Roman expansion in the region. Even once fortune had turned against him he would not submit. Upto the day he died, a fugitive drive to suicide by the treachery of his own son, he was still planning an overland invasion of Roman itself."

I really liked this book. It is well written, easy to follow, and full of adventure. Well at least for some parts, especially during Mithridates' youth and fall. It is also full of wargaming ideas, with good descriptions of the most important battles. So, to sum it up, it's really a good read.

Next book: the Art of war in Italy, by F.L. Taylor. It's a classic and a good reference book. I won't do a escription, I think it's pretty obvious. Once again, an easy read, with some good insights about tactics and logistics, and weapons too. Oh, and you have a good analysis of the battle of Ravenna. To sum it up, it's a very good intro to the period, but only on the warfare side.


 Just tell me the book (books) you want, and that's it. Cheers.

30 comments:

  1. Well, if it's not too cheeky. I'd very much like to enter for the Mithradates book.

    FMB

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  2. Hi Seb, I'll put my name in for both if it's not too greedy. I've also brought my pimpin of your blog up to date here.

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  3. Nice one Seb, I'll put my name down for the War in Italy book please!!!!

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  4. Always looking for a good history book, either takes my fancy here

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  5. Another great giveaway Seb, put me down for either book please!

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  6. More great stuff you're giving away! Put me down for either book please! Fingers crossed...

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  7. Another great giveaway, put me down for the War in Italy book

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  8. I had to use copy-paste to get his name right. That must mean I need the book about Mithridates, right?

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  9. I'm in for the Mithridates book (also copy pasted :))

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  10. Would love the Mithradates book (bringing back memories of Imperium Romanum). I have the War in Italy one already > someone's in for an old-school treat there!

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  11. Put me down for this one and if I win, give it to Francis. Please don't let Rousell win any of these. It would kill me if he did.

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  12. I would also like to be put in the draw for the Mithrades book please!

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  13. Deux thèmes très intéressant avec un préférence pour le second sur les guerres d'Italie (je ne sais pas si mon english sera suffisant...)

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  14. Hi, Seb. I'd be interested in the Mithridates book. It reminds me of my Latin lessons at school where we had to read Cicero's speech Pro Lege Manilia, a speech supporting a law proposed by Manilius to give Pompey a special authority to take command of the campaign against Mithridates for longer than the usual period permitted by Roman law.

    By giving the book to me, you would save on postage. Also, if you tell me what book topics interest you, I might have something suitable to trade with you.

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  15. Count me in for the 2nd book please.

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  16. i love books! i will try my luck. count me in please! please! please! :-)

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  17. C'est vrai que le deuxième est intéressant.

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  18. It's all Greek to me but I would like the Mithridates book please

    Ian

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