Grade 9 Up–This invaluable guide is an expert abridgment of the acclaimed Oxford Classical Dictionary (3rd ed., 2003). This version, more readable in style and font, retains the core information and fascination of the parent volume at half its bulk. Entries center on the period 776 B.C.-A.D. 180. Alterations are judicious: all two paragraphs of the original entry on the Vindolanda tablets survive intact, for example, while the earlier editions lengthy piece on Roman history is cut to under half its original length. Although the bibliographies are gone, for nonspecialist users, abridgment is largely a blessing, eliminating distracting (and discouraging) byways and pointing readers to the essentials. Greek is transliterated but British usage remains. An appended article on the value of money in the classical world will help answer students perennial questions on that topic. A chronology, gazetteer, classical-author list, and six black-and-white maps add to the books scope. Teachers and students of history, literature, and classics will find this an outstanding reference volume.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. Georges School, Newport, RI

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Review

"This perfect gem of a book...provides a fascinating glimpse into the Greek and Roman classical world."--Choice

"This invaluable guide is an expert abridgment of the acclaimed Oxford Classical Dictionary. This version, more readable in style and font, retains the core information and fascination of the parent volume at half its bulk.... An outstanding reference volume."--School Library Journal

"A handy volume for users and libraries who feel intimidated by The Oxford Classical Dictionary....No other general "classics" dictionaries in English can compete with the Oxford line."--American Reference Books Annual