The Greek Way Audiobook

" I finished it months ago, but skimming over it to write my research project. Hamilton is a classicist rather than a historian, although historians of Ancient Greece tend to be as familiar with Aeschylus as they are Thucydides. Hamilton does know her history, but is rather bold if not reckless in her ideas which would probably get a more circumspect response from a true historian. The Athenians were the only civilization up to that time who loved life, she says. All other civilizations, she says, created institutions around death and the afterlife. She ignores the importance of money that allowed Socrates and others freedom from work to persue art, how in a small town the ideas of intelkects will resonate in all quarters of the city, making intellectual pursuits the talk of all denizens, and how war and its atrocities gave drama art not to mention democracy turning into demogagery "

" Wonderfully accessible introduction to Greek history. She was made an honorary citizen of Athens and well deserved it. I love her. Her biography, by partner Reid, is worth reading to learn more about this remarkable mind. "

" Confront the sorrows of Electra, Oedipus, Clytemnestra and Antigone, woven threadbare at the seams in a chapter or two, and you're guaranteed to become an emotional wreck upon closing the book (yes, that's the part I liked best). Ah, Greek Tragedy and Edith Hamilton. "

" Excellent overview of classical Greek thought, culture and beliefs. I read it as a foundation before starting Homer, Thucydides, Herodotus, etc. The writing is excellent, but very dense and needs to be read carefully. It is not a fast or light read. "

" Good study of ancient Greece. "

" A classic brief history of Greek literature. Definitely worth reading. "

" Good reference for the Greek works I am studying, but it is painfully dry. "

" I find it sad that older history books like this can be inaccurate (the Greek Way was highly idealized) but very enjoyable to read, but modern history books can be a pain to swallow, but very accurate. "

" I would suggest Hamilton's books to anyone who wants a background in Greek culture & mythology. It really filled in the blanks for me that other writers/poets may have referenced (think the Romantics). Had I read Hamilton prior to English Lit classes, life would have been simpler. "

" The first few chapters were interesting but one she starts elaborating on the Greek Literature, it puts you to sleep...beginning in Chapter 5 it goes completely downhill. I had to read this for a Western Civ book review. My advice: "don't pick this book for any review or report" ! "

" Edith Hamilton changed my life in college.... "

" Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. This book should be read with The Spell of the Sensuous and Lin Yutang's The Importance of Living. My life is better having read them. "

" My current favorite book; brilliantly presented, truthful, braod, and just the right amount of justified snobbery on behalf of the Greeks. Changed my life and how i think about the world. "

" Not the edition I had way back in Prep School. Fun and interesting to read as I recall. Date read is a guess. "

" Another excellent book by Hamilton. I love her combination of scholarship and story-telling. Not easily done, and she's one of the best. "

" Sometimes difficult to get to grips with, Hamilton's book is nonetheless a wonderfully poetic look at Greek philosophy, history and culture. I loved it. "

" This was a nicely written description of the Greek psyche. The author obviously admires the Greeks immensely and you feel yourself getting swept up into it. She does note faults, though, so it's not a blind love. "

" After Robert Kennedy was kllled this book was open on his desk. "

" Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. This book should be read with The Spell of the Sensuous and Lin Yutang's The Importance of Living. My life is better having read them. "

" Edith Hamilton changed my life in college.... "

" Good study of ancient Greece. "

" After Robert Kennedy was kllled this book was open on his desk. "

" This is my favorite of Hamilton's three Greco-Roman culture books. Not a thorough overview of the entire culture, but provides a good understanding of the roots and worldview of the culture. Very good, understandable while not watered down. "

" The first few chapters were interesting but one she starts elaborating on the Greek Literature, it puts you to sleep...beginning in Chapter 5 it goes completely downhill. I had to read this for a Western Civ book review. My advice: "don't pick this book for any review or report" ! "