The Fall Of The West by Adrian Goldsworthy

The Fall Of The West by Adrian Goldsworthy

The Fall of the Roman Empire has been a best-selling subject since the 18th century. Since then over 200 discrete reasons have been advanced for the collapse of the western half of the Roman empire. Until very recently, the academic view downplayed the death and destruction, to spin a positive story of the 'world of late antiquity'. Barbarian invasions are described in neutral language: the movement of peoples. It is all painfully 'politically correct'. Now Adrian Goldsworthy comes forward with his trademark combination of clear narrative, common sense, and a thorough mastery of the sources. In telling the story from beginning to end, he rescues the era from the mealy-mouthed and diffident: this is a red-blooded account of barbarian invasions, palace coups, scheming courtiers and corrupt emperors who set the gold standard for dissipation. It is 'old fashioned history' in the best sense: an accessible narrative with colourful characters whose story reveals the true reasons for the fall of Rome.

"the implication of of Goldworthy's book is that we are now living in a modern version of a late-Roman world - and one about to collapse" -- MARY BEARD, SUNDAY TIMES "Goldsworthy ponders why Rome eventually fell and points to the increasing and obsessive bureaucratisation of the government, the self-interest of political leaders and the target-oriented culture of the state." THES "Both as a narrative history of the western empire's last years and as an analysis of events this book is an invaluable read for anyone interested in later Roman History." -- Philip Matyszak www.unrv.com

Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, The Roman Army at War was recognised by John Keegan, the general Editor of The History of Warfare, as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. His other books include The Punic Wars, and the volume on Roman Warfare in John Keegan's Cassell History of Warfare series. He has lectured on Roman history in both the UK and USA.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780297845638
ISBN 10	0297845632
Title	The Fall Of The West
Author	Adrian Goldsworthy
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Orion Publishing Co
Year published	2009-02-26
Number of pages	544
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable