Product Description

This is an historical biography of Hannibal, the military leader of Carthage responsible for waging a dramatic onslaught on Rome during the Punic Wars. One of the few generals of history to be famous for the war he lost, Hannibal′s attack in 218BC – which included his renowned march of elephants across the Alps – ranks amongst the most courageous and ill–fated enterprises in the history of the ancient world. This definitive biography of one of the most fascinating figures of ancient history offers a fresh perspective on the demise of the Hellenistic world and the rise of Rome.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #796000 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-06
• Released on: 1999-09-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
"Lancel′s new study should remain for some time to come the best treatment in English focusing on Hannibal specifically. Eminently readable and with a chronological chart and maps, Hannibal will appeal to readers at all levels." Choice

"Hannibal combines readability with solid scholarship. Lancel′s particular strength is his close acquaintance with things Carthaginian. He has excavated there and is the author of a history of the city which is also available in English. This competence means that, in so far as the source material will allow it, he is able to write from a sympathetic Punic perspective." Greece and Rome

Choice
"Lancel's new study should remain for some time to come the best treatment in English focusing on Hannibal specifically. Eminently readable and with a chronological chart and maps, Hannibal will appeal to readers at all levels."

Greece and Rome
"Hannibal combines readability with solid scholarship. Lancel's particular strength is his close acquaintance with things Carthaginian. He has excavated there and is the author of a history of the city which is also available in English. This competence means that, in so far as the source material will allow it, he is able to write from a sympathetic Punic perspective."

Customer Reviews

A Decent Biography of a Great Military Commander
This was an interesting account of Hannibal provided by this French author, who is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Grenoble. He utilises most contempary and some modern accounts of Hannibal and his campaigns and also offers his views on those accounts to assist the reader in judging the accuracy of the text.

At times I found the narrative to become a bit muddled and somewhat dry but overall he offers a decent biography of this Great Commander. I would have appreciated a more in-depth account of his battles but the author does provide details of every facet of Hannibals campaigns including the political background at the time.

For those looking for a more detailed military history of Hannibal and his role in the Punic Wars I would recommend Nigel Bagnall's 'The Punic Wars'. For a view from "the other side" I would recommend 'Scipio Africanus, Greater than Napoleon' by Liddell Hart.

However if you just want a decent account of Hannibal and an over-view of his role in the second Punic War than this book should fit the bill.