R. Bosworth Smith (1839–1908)

I read Polybius’ history recently and was very annoyed to find it fragmented before the tale of the Punic wars was told. I came here looking for a complete and connected narrative and that’s what I got. In the main part of the book Bosworth Smith has studied what appears to be every available classical source and has interpreted them and hammered them into one. He comes across as an intelligent, thoughtful and humane man. Also a very good writer, given to great flights of rhetoric, most of which work. One hundred and forty years old this book is and the writing’s still as fresh as daisy.

The book is bracketed at the front with an account of everything of Phoenician history that was known in 1878. I should imagine that much of this is out of date but can’t say exactly what as the only other book on the Phoenicians that I’ve read is Polybius. Frankly, I don’t care. The book’s too good otherwise to complain.

At the end is an account of the archeological site of Carthage (also no doubt out of date) and an account of Smith’s visit in 1877. This is a nice little piece of travel writing. He was obviously in love with the romance of it all.

The first edition is a nicely made book. Bevelled boards, black and gilt tooled and a number of very useful battle-site plans and maps. There are a number of reprints on the market. I’ve not seen any of them. Should be alright as long as they have those plans and maps.… (mehr)