Cultural Reading List
There are many books and publications devoted to the study of classical civilization. This short list is intended to provide a basic introduction to the subject. We suggest acquiring The Oxford Classical Dictionary and some of the illustrated books listed here. In addition to the books listed here, some of the articles on this site also have relevant books listed as sources.
The Oxford Classical Dictionary, edited by Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press 1996, 1640 pages An invaluable reference, an essential volume, we consider this to be the best one volume resource on Greece and Rome.
The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization, edited by Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press 1998, 794 pages, illustrated
The Oxford History of the Classical World, by John Boardman, Jasper Griffin, and Oswyn Murray. Oxford University Press 1986, 882 pages, illustrated
The Cambridge Illustrated History of Ancient Greece, edited by Paul Cartledge. University of Cambridge 1998, 380 pages, illustrated
The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Roman World, edited by Greg Woolf. Cambridge University Press 2003, 384 pages, illustrated
Chronicle of the Roman Republic, by Philip Matyszak. Thames & Hudson 2003, 240 pages, illustrated
Chronicle of the Roman Emperors, by Chris Scarre. Thames & Hudson 1995, 240 pages, illustrated
The Oxford History of Classical Art, edited by John Boardman. Oxford University Press 1993, 406 pages, illustrated
Roman Life, by Mary Johnston. Scott, Foreman and Company 1957, 478 pages, illustrated. Good introductory text, many photos, highly recommended. This is an old book, but still available from used bookstores on the web.
The Ancient City, by Peter Connolly and Hazel Dodge. Oxford University Press 1998, 256 pages, illustrated. A good introduction to Athens and Rome, with Connolly's fine reconstruction paintings. Note: Connolly has written and illustrated a number of elementary introductory books on Greece and Rome, all of these are worth acquiring. The texts are short and simple, sometimes intended for children, but the books are worth acquiring because of the illustrations.
Art of Ancient Greece, by Claude Laisne. Terrail 1995, 208 pages, illustrated. A pictorial survey, excellent photography.
Greece, A Guide to the Archaeological Sites, by Furio Durando. Barnes and Noble 2000, 216 pages, illustrated. A pictorial survey, excellent photography.
Ancient Italy, edited by Furio Durando. Barnes and Noble 2001, 320 pages, illustrated. "Splendors of the Archaeological Sites and the Art Masterpieces of the Past". A pictorial survey of Etruscan, Roman, and Greek culture in Italy and Sicily, highly recommended.
Rome, A Guide to the Eternal City, by Sofia Pescarin. Barnes and Noble 2000, 168 pages, illustrated. A pictorial survey of the ancient city, excellent photography.
Rome, An Oxford Archaeological Guide, by Amanda Claridge. Oxford University Press 1998, 455 pages, with plans, maps, and drawings. A detailed guide to the visible remains of the ancient city.
Pompeii, by Erich Lessing and Antonio Varone. Terrail 1996, 207 pages, illustrated. A pictorial survey, excellent photography.
Pompeii, A Guide to the Ancient City, by Salvatore Nappo. Barnes and Noble 1998, 168 pages, illustrated. Photos and reconstructions of the houses, shops, and temples of Pompeii.