What the Romans Did For Us by Adam Hart-Davis (Foreword), Philip Wilkinson (6-Oct-2000) Hardcover

What the ...s Did For Us

by Philip Wilkinson

Based on the television series of the same name, this richly illustrated and fascinating book introduces the reader to the many innovations that the Romans brought to Britain, which have since had a huge impact on our lives. The invasion itself and everyday life in Roman Britain are recreated through a discussion of roads, weapons, concrete, carriages, heating, clothing, luxuries, writing and many other objects, while numerous devices, such as the inflatable bridge, a reaping machine and an odometer, are reconstructed and tested. With a foreword by presenter Adam Hart-Davis.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Hardcover

About the author

Philip Wilkinson (born 1955) is the author of non-fiction books for children and adults. He was educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He worked as an editor prior to becoming an author.

He specializes in works on history, the arts, religion, and architecture and has written over forty titles.

Reviews

[Declan Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book produced to accompany the series from the BBC, first published in 2000. The Romans first settled in Britain in the 1st Century AD, but when they did they brought their military might, trading, culture and technology to island. This book examines their influences, whilst also acknowledging the levels already achieved by the native Britons, and the things they have left behind.

It could have done with a map of Britain to show where the places they refer to are to make it mroe accessible, but it is a reasonable whistle-stop tour of some of the buildings, and technology the Romans built and used, and the structures and ideas they left behind at the beginning of the 5th Century.

[Tiffany Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelf for about twenty years or so. My parents bought it for me when I was nine and very passionate about the Romans, though I think it went over my head a little. I still very much enjoy reading about the Romans and this was a very readable overview of the changes that they brought to Britain. It's very focused on material things like housing, roads and military equipment, and so if you are looking for cultural and social history this may not be the book for you.

[Syed Muhammad Hamza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a long time to finish this book but in doing so I have really read the book. Somethings that Popped up in my mind after reading, I'd like to share.
First of all, I'm a resident of sub-continent where European people have influenced the native people for almost 4 centuries. In short I have Keen interest in Colonialism and Post-Colonialism studies. British people still think that Roman Invaders were supreme being and thank them for ruling them for nearly 400 years. It's the same in sub-continent Indo-Pak people also thank the British Rulers.
About the book
The book is filled with a lot of information which helps to understand the psyche of every invader especially British Invaders.
P.S I don't hate British people but also we cannot forget the oppression and brutality that the native people have faced and in some aspect are still facing but they have no idea about that.

[Jeff Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books like this, which I believe accompanied a TV series 20 plus years ago, are a fabulous source of facts and information for people like me with an insatiable thirst for everything Roman. Pitched at a nice level and covering everything from Roman weaponry to sewers and buildings, this was a fascinating read. Not something you'd sit and read in one go but great if you just want to dive in and out every now and again.

[Scifimoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion to a great British archaeology documentary, bringing to life our cultural debt to the Romans and their technology. A great answer too on the question raised in the Monty Python sketch.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic information book with pictures!

[Stephen Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book