Book Review
The Greeks A Global History
by
Roderick Eaton
Basic Books. New York. 2021.
Roderick Eaton’s “The Greeks” is a recommended read. It is a book for Greeks and philhellenes as well as newcomers interested in Greek history and culture. Easton is a fine historian generally but struggles in some of his views of modern Greece.
The book traces Greek history from its origins in the classical period up to the present day. Eaton covers Homer, the wars between Athens and Sparta, Alexander, Christianity’s arrival, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, and modern Greece. It is a great survey of Greek history.
The best parts are those covering the classical and Byzantine eras. The rest is very good also but the modern Greek period is less detailed than the earlier periods of Greek history. Beaton is a fine writer who follows in the footsteps of Christopher Montgomery Woodhouse and Richard Clogg who wrote many books about Greece (mostly modern Greece).
There are two kinds of history books. One is the kind written by Beaton which is a general history in its entirety. The other kind is a book confined to a specific era of history which is more detailed and specific. For example, Mark Mazower’s, “The Greek War Of Independence” looks at the long and difficult struggle of the Greeks to achieve independence.
Both types of history are crucial. It is fortunate that Beaton’s book and Mazower’s were published during the same time. Both are excellent and are mandatory for public and private libraries regarding Greek history and civilization.
It is fortunate that Greece still attracts talented academics who write about Greek history. The book is very well written and is highly recommended.