Ancient World discussion

Opening this to see if anyone has any suggestions for a winter book for an ancient history group read.

I hope this isn't out of place. I'm an author with two novels set on paleolake Makgadikgadi, which once covered the Kalahari. The main character lives to the present, remaining young. The fantasy historical romance takes place in the past and the present. Three independent book bloggers rated Call Me Methuselah five stars. The sequel, His Boyfriend the Caveman, 55,000 words, two flames, will be released Jan 28, 2023.
https://www.jms-books.com/rg-hendrick...

LOL Yes, prehistoric fantasy romance novels are pretty out of place in a thread about reading history books.

I'd like to suggest Lost Realms by Thomas Williams covering post-Roman Britain.

That looks interesting, Nigel.

I think I saw it recommended in a archeology group.

Certainly a place and time that interests me :)

Although in principle I'm all in on Thomas Williams Lost Realms, it doesn't seem to be for sale in Canada, so I'm forced to pass on that one. At least for now.

Another option we might like is Albert Lord's The Singer of Tales, which studies the strengths and weaknesses of oral transmission of poetry, based on studies of 20th century Balkan epic singers, and with particular reference to Homer. But the principles apply (most likely) to any work which you think might have had a period of oral transmission prior to being committed to writing.

It seems to be available new in p/b in the UK, US and Canada, and also in the second-hand market. I read it over ten years ago and remember enjoying it at the time.

Yes, I think you’ve mentioned that one before. It sounds interesting and broadly applicable to diverse historical settings. Also I wonder if Daphne might find that it one interesting.

Hi, I am new to the group and completely new to ancient history, but I like the sound of the Lost Realms book. Am looking forward to joining in the next discussion, although a bit daunted by the subject in general.

Hi, Shell, and welcome to the group. Given your interest in this book, I think we should go for it. I’ve located a copy overseas and ordered it, so I should be ready to go in about 2 weeks. Richard and Nigel are in as well.

I suggest we start a new thread for discussion. We usually comment on these books chapter-by-chapter, allowing the slowest readers to keep up. If you haven’t seen them already, the threads on ‘1177’ and ‘The First Ghosts’ are good examples. If anyone would like a different discussion format, please feel free to suggest it.

About the subject matter, this is another ‘Dark Ages’ book, which means there aren’t a lot of historical resources and the author must rely on a lot of educated guesswork. In my experience, such books are more satisfying if you go into them looking for questions, rather than answers LOL.

Thank you Chris. I have bought the book and looked at the last discussion. Everyone is very knowledgeable and I will probably be full of questions rather than comments.

Kindle copy is available here in the UK, p/b is awaiting a new print run in May

Welcome to the group, Shell !

I'm going to pass on this one :-o

Maybe we'll catch you on the next one, Daphne?

I've received my copy of Lost Realms and will start a new discussion thread. Is everyone ready to start now, or shall we wait a bit?

Also, everyone OK with chapter-by-chapter discussion? I guess we can do the Prologue and Introduction together, then after that it's one chapter for each kingdom: Elmet, Hwicce, Lindsey, Dumnonia, Essex, Rheged, Powys, Sussex, and Fortriu.

I'm ready, haven't started reading yet as I'm still plodding through After the Ice.

I have my copy all ready here. Very happy with the format suggested for reading. Thanks.

I've read the Prologue but not yet the Intro :)