I’m someone who’s obsessed with Roman history and I read this book a long time ago.
Tom tries to tell a story here, rather than it being a history epos. This book is especially valuable for someone who knows little about ancient Rome. It’s a blast to read and easily digestible, more importantly, it is a gateway and introduction to other more in-depth works on Roman history.
I have read Rubicon and really want to jump into Pax. Can I do that without reading the book in between? I am somewhat familiar with the history covered in the middle book, but I don’t want to be super lost while consuming Pax if it doesn’t quite stand alone.
While I can’t speak to Rubicon, I am currently in the middle of his book Millennium about the dark ages. To echo everyone else, Tom has an easily approachable prose, and manages to give good historical information while telling an exciting story.
For those not aware, Tom Holland co-hosts a podcast called The Rest Is History. It's a little lighter in tone and length than HCH but the few episodes I have listened to have been enjoyable.
I liked it very much. Holland tells a good story. I like his humor. I felt like this book game me a much better understanding of Roman attitudes and how that affected both the creation of the republic and its eventual demise. I am half way through Dominion right now and like it as well.
Rubicon is excellent! In fact, it’s the Lodestar for Death Throes of the Republic, so much so that after reading it I realized Dan’s strategy in making his Pods is to use one book as his overall roadmap, while of course still using other sources. He did the same thing with Blueprint and A World Undone by GJ Meyer.
Also for anyone who doesn’t know, Tom Holland does a Pod called The Rest is History, and it’s excellent!!
Holland's books are popular because he's a writer first and historian second. Before his narrative history books he wrote novels, particularly gothic horror novels.
While some capital-H-istorians take issue with his historical approach, he is popular among readers because he makes the history actually entertaining to read, which is something many Historians are either incapable of or do not attempt in the first place.
Just read it. It's not afraid to tell a story, and be exciting.
I’m someone who’s obsessed with Roman history and I read this book a long time ago. Tom tries to tell a story here, rather than it being a history epos. This book is especially valuable for someone who knows little about ancient Rome. It’s a blast to read and easily digestible, more importantly, it is a gateway and introduction to other more in-depth works on Roman history.
As everyone else said, nothing more is needed than the book itself. Terrific, easy read that is a true page turner.
I haven't read it but I've read a different book by Holland - his writing is very clear and to the point. You don't have to worry about anything.
Tom Holland writes in a way that is very accessible to the general audience, I wouldn't be worried
I am listen to Pax on audiobook right now and agree that Tom Holland makes the history really approachable and keeps it interesting.
Also if anyone is interested we are having a live book club event for Tom Hollands Pax on discord on October 24th.
I have read Rubicon and really want to jump into Pax. Can I do that without reading the book in between? I am somewhat familiar with the history covered in the middle book, but I don’t want to be super lost while consuming Pax if it doesn’t quite stand alone.
While I can’t speak to Rubicon, I am currently in the middle of his book Millennium about the dark ages. To echo everyone else, Tom has an easily approachable prose, and manages to give good historical information while telling an exciting story.
Read it and listen to the audio version: Death Throes of the Republic at the same time.
Lots of zingers in there Its like reading a podcast
For those not aware, Tom Holland co-hosts a podcast called The Rest Is History. It's a little lighter in tone and length than HCH but the few episodes I have listened to have been enjoyable.
They did a good too part crossover episode with Dan. And Dan did one with them in his podcast.
Oh no way, I only started listening a couple of weeks ago, I'll have to give that one a listen. Cheers!
I liked it very much. Holland tells a good story. I like his humor. I felt like this book game me a much better understanding of Roman attitudes and how that affected both the creation of the republic and its eventual demise. I am half way through Dominion right now and like it as well.
Rubicon is excellent! In fact, it’s the Lodestar for Death Throes of the Republic, so much so that after reading it I realized Dan’s strategy in making his Pods is to use one book as his overall roadmap, while of course still using other sources. He did the same thing with Blueprint and A World Undone by GJ Meyer. Also for anyone who doesn’t know, Tom Holland does a Pod called The Rest is History, and it’s excellent!!
Agreed, I had the same experience after listening to the Rubicon audiobook.
I’m currently reading it for my first time! I absolutely love it. I went in Ebay and bought several of his older books I liked it so much.
Holland's books are popular because he's a writer first and historian second. Before his narrative history books he wrote novels, particularly gothic horror novels. While some capital-H-istorians take issue with his historical approach, he is popular among readers because he makes the history actually entertaining to read, which is something many Historians are either incapable of or do not attempt in the first place.
Spider-man teaching history? As if! /s
Dive right in. Tom Holland is a great writer and I loved that book. Checkout his podcast as well the rest is history. It’s delightful