Mark Hamilton

How Could I Ever Finish It?

Revisado: 11-23-22

This book pithily captures the essence of the Western canon. Plus, it beats having to read the whole Western canon.

I was constantly going back to the beginning (of the book or a particular chapter) to catch again the subtle nuances and implications. Outside of the Bible and other select works, I rate this book among the greatest of all time with its combination of brilliant canon insights (dozens and dozens) and scintillating personal metaphors illuminating said canon. Unsurprisingly, the book has been published in about 30 countries. The editors know its brilliance even if the general reading public does yet not. If there's any justice in the world (and there's not much), this will be the book to teach the Western canon.

I finally finished it, but you've never finished this book. Here I go again.

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Alternately Opinionated and Informational

Revisado: 09-16-21

I didn’t always agree with Dr. Greenberg’s political opinions but well-presented opinions should make you think, and we need more like his. Brilliant.

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A Generally Very Good Work

Revisado: 04-25-13

Would you listen to Marathon again? Why?

I'm listening to it over and over again. Contrary to what the cover might seem to imply, it's not a *300* type book. Instead, it uses the battle as a lens to understand Athenian, Persian, and, to an extent, Greek culture--about all of which, it explodes misconceptions from hindsight bias. Indeed, to only focus on the battle, especially with as little as we know in detail about it, for the entire book, would make it that type of book that puts people in the hospital if they foolishly had decided to read the whole thing. This is an excellent, readable, insightful work that rewards even re-reading, and I say that as somebody fairly knowledgeable about the ancient world.

What about Jeremy Gage’s performance did you like?

Jeremy Gage is excellent, especially in his descriptions of the battle.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I wouldn't say that this is a moving book, although the descriptions of Athenians hurrying back to guard Athens after their victory at Marathon help you to realize Marathon was not a one-off, day thing as superficial history might have it. Indeed, these descriptions really help you to feel the dramatic tension of that day and night.

It is a book meant to challenge practical assumptions about Marathon, ancient Athens, and the Persians, and therein lies its fascination for me.

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Insightful Psychological Ideas, Historically Based

Revisado: 02-20-13

Would you listen to Hannibal and Me again? Why?

In fact, I am listening to it right now. The brilliance of the work remains psychological gems the author derives from speculating on history's grey spots--unclear moments and events which don't have a clear why or how. The author connects historical stories from many time periods, showing psychological commonalities. A spiritual work, really.

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