Chronicle of the Roman Emperors. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of the Imperial Rome. Chris Scarre. Thames and Hudson. Hardcover with dustjacket. 1995. 240 pages. 328 illustrations, 111 in color. Index. 191 x 253 x 25.4mm. weighs 1,040 grams.
€10.
I found this book so good, I bought the entire set!
Chronicle of the Roman Emperors is the first book to focus on the succession of rulers of imperial Rome, using timelines and other visual aids throughout, to help you remember what you have read. Now no one need be in any doubt as to who built the Colosseum or when Rome was sacked by the Goths: the
Chronicle provides the answers, quickly and authoritatively. This is only one aspect, however, of the book’s value. The biographical portraits of the 56 principal emperors from Augustus to Constantine, together with a concluding section on the later emperors, build into a highly readable single-volume history of imperial Rome. Colorful contemporary judgments by writers such as Suetonius and Tacitus are balanced by judicious character assessments made in the light of modern research. The famous and the infamous – Caligula and Claudius, Trajan and Caracalla – receive their due, while lesser names emerge clearly from the shadows for the first time. In addition to timelines detailing major events, each emperor is introduced by a coin portrait, a bust and a datafile listing key information, such as name at birth, full imperial titles, and place and manner of death. Numerous special features supplement the main narrative.
A book you will reference over and over again!
Chronicle of the Popes. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Papacy from St. Peter to John Paul II. P.G. Maxwell-Stuart. Thames and Hudson. Hardcover with dustjacket. 1997. 240 pages. 308 illustrations, 105 in color. Index. 191 x 253 x 25.4mm. weighs 1,040 grams.
€15.
“A handy reference work…stunningly illustrated.”–“National Catholic Reporter” For nearly two thousand years the popes have not only shaped the course of one of the world’s great religions but have also played a part–sometimes a dominant part–in the history of Europe. Martyrs, monks, noblemen, Franciscans, Dominicans, hermits, and even unordained laymen have occupied the throne of St. Peter.This book recounts the lives and deeds of all 266 popes, from Peter to Benedict XVI. With timelines, datafiles, quotations, and copious illustrations, “Chronicle of the Popes” is an essential reference book and a source of discovery and inspiration about one of the richest and most diverse institutions on earth.
Chronicle of the Pharoahs. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers and Dynasties of Ancient Egypt. Peter A. Clayton. Thames and Hudson. Hardcover with dustjacket. 224 pages. 350 illustrations, 130 in color. Index. 191 x 253 x 25.4mm. weighs 1,040 grams.
€5.
After reading Chronicle of the Roman Emperors, I wanted more information on the ancient world. This book completely works in accord with this present edition!
How does their timeline match up with Ancient Rome? Who was the first king on ancient Egypt and who was the last? Which Egyptian queens ruled in their own right? What do we really know about the 170 or more pharaohs whose names have come down to us? Chronicle of the Pharaohs is the first book to depict chronologically and in narrative form all the rulers and dynasties of Egypt. From Narmer, who first united lands along the Nile, to Cleopatra 3,000 years later, the history of ancient Egypt is brought vividly to life through the exploits and personalities of her rulers. Key features of the book include: biographical portraits of all the known pharaohs timelines throughout, with at-a-glance visual guides to the length of each reign and the overlapping of dynasties; datafiles for every pharaoh, listing key information such as royal titles and family relationships; cartouches (royal names in hieroglyphs) for each king and queen; genealogical tables, lists of main historical events, and special features of subjects that range from the six wives of Rameses the Great to the Exodus; Portraits of all the major rulers and specially commissioned cutaway diagrams of royal tombs and monuments. Here is an essential reference on ancient Egypt that provides an extraordinary visual introduction to the diversity and richness of this fascinating civilization. Museum goers, tourists, students, and everyone interested in the world on ancient Egypt will quickly make the Chronicle their inseparable companion.
Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial China. Ann Pludan. Thames and Hudson. Hardcover with dustjacket. 224 pages. 368 illustrations, 126 in color. Index. 191 x 253 x 25.4mm. weighs 1,040 grams.
€5.
Traces the history of China from 221 B.C. through 1911 A.D., describing the political and social challenges and contributions of each ruler. Includes the “Terracotta Army”!
I can’t even begin to count the ways I have found this book useful throughout the last decades or more–when I need general information about a specific emperor, when I am trying to put together a short synopsis of a particular dynasty, when I am looking for important events/discoveries associated with a dynasty or ruler, when I need to know a ruler’s dynastic name versus his personal name (or how many wives or children he had, or his chief consorts’ names, his parents)–in short, this is my “Go To” volume for a quick overview of the Chinese Dynasties and their emperors.
Everyone needs a book like this to keep us grounded in the right time period, with the right personalities, seeing the big picture. There are lots of ‘little picture’ books– volumes on individual emperors, art periods, movements–but this is one of those “must have” big picture volumes on China for anyone with more than a cursory curiosity.
Chronicle of the Old Testament Kings. The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Ancient Israel. John Rogerson. Thames and Hudson. Hardcover, NO dustjacket. 208 pages. 260 illustrations, 100 in color. 191 x 253 x 25.4mm. weighs 1,040 grams.
€10.
The story of ancient Israel’s rulers, from Abraham to Herod, encompasses some of the greatest events and most powerful personalities in history. Covering a span of 1,500 years, this book charts all the leaders of Israel from the Ancestors–the physical and spiritual founders of the nation–through the united monarchy under David and Solomon, to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, Persian and Greek rule and, finally, Roman domination. Chronicle of the Old Testament Kings searches through the mists of tradition to reveal the historical figures behind familiar names such as Moses, David, and Solomon.
Did they exist? What is known about them? The rulers are placed in the context of their own world and brought vividly to life, complete with their outstanding feats and their equally notable failings. We are also introduced to less-known but fascinating figures, such as Ahab and his Ivory House; Hezekiah, who withstood the might of the Assyrians; and Judas Maccabeus, their relations with the romans, and how they restored Jewish independence. Although leaders of a people dedicated to God, they frequently lapsed into morally questionable behavior, resulting in criticism and censure from Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Elijah.
Key features of the book include: * data files for every ruler, listing important information such as the meaning of their names, their lineage, wives, and children, and Bible references; * portraits of rulers, genealogical trees, full-color maps, and illustrations taken from a huge range of sources; * special features, including the Exodus, the Philistines, the Exile, Solomon’s Temple, and the Dead Sea Scrolls; * timelines providing at-a-glance visual guides to reigns and events.
