Fred Poling
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PREMIUM
Early Christianity in Contexts: An Exploration Across Cultures and Continents
Despite its problems, this work provides historians of early Christianity with a framework of context for the various local churches and serves as a useful starting point for students of the early church.
PREMIUM
The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World
While this book will at times feel repetitive, its comprehensive treatment of so many different aspects of the Amazons makes it a must-read for anyone interested in either Amazonian myth or history. Extensive notes will please scholars, but the language is approachable and mostly nontechnical.
PREMIUM
The Ten Commandments: A Short History of an Ancient Text
Coogan's brief, superficial treatments of so many subjects results in abrupt conclusions that often feel unsupported. Each discussion leaves the reader wanting more and wishing that the author would share his expertise, rather than just hint at it. Those curious about the Decalogue may find this book useful as an introduction to these issues, but fans of Coogan's scholarly work may be disappointed.
PREMIUM
Byzantine Matters
This is a must-read for anyone studying Byzantium. Cameron neatly summarizes major topics in the field and points out flaws or limitations in many canonical viewpoints. Those unfamiliar with Byzantine history will have a difficult time with this title, but it will be very useful to students and enthusiasts of the empire, as well as medievalists and late antiquarians.
PREMIUM
The Knight Who Saved England: William Marshal and the French Invasion, 1217
Brooks paints a skillful portrait of a fascinating historical figure; although his emphasis is on his subject's military exploits, Marshal's personality and character still shine through. Enthusiasts of medieval and military history will enjoy this work, and lay undergraduates may find it useful as well, but its lack of specific source citations limits its value for more advanced scholars.
PREMIUM
The Siege of Shkodra: Albania's Courageous Stand Against Ottoman Conquest, 1478
Hosaflook's decision to translate from the Albanian translation rather than from the original Latin and Turkish texts weakens the book's value to scholars. The supporting material may confuse the nonspecialist reader. However, English-language readers interested in the Middle Ages will be intrigued by this newly available intimate and lively firsthand account.
PREMIUM
The Wife of Jesus: Ancient Texts and Modern Scandals
The sociocultural study of Jesus's world helps to contextualize the debate, but the treatment of this evidence is ultimately too superficial and uncritical. Those curious about the controversy and its relationship to modern sexual issues may find a valuable introduction (although few answers) in this book.
PREMIUM
Thomas Aquinas: A Portrait
Turner targets a nonspecialist audience; in this he is only partially successful. The complex theological arguments will be difficult to follow for those with no background in theology. Additionally, presenting those arguments necessarily requires digressions to explain opposing points, which tend to distract from the portrait of Saint Thomas. Finally, the lack of chronological framework makes the whole book less valuable for understanding Thomas's life. Ultimately, this work is best suited for those interested in medieval philosophy and thought or the history of philosophy.
PREMIUM
The Deadly Sisterhood: A Story of Women, Power, and Intrigue in the Italian Renaissance, 1427–1527
Although the book's multiple interwined threads and nonlinear chronology can occasionally lead to confusion, Frieda's lively, intimate descriptions are exciting and informative. Any reader interested in the Renaissance will find something to enjoy here, although the author's casual use of sources will limit the book's usefulness for scholars.
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