Dimitri's Reviews > Carthago

Goldsworthy wisely uses the Osprey technique of reviewing the opposing forces before he tackles the narrative of the Punic Wars. The First war and its unresolved consequences gets adequate coverage. The Second war inevitably forms the bulk, which is not a bad thing; the bibliography caters to the needs of every other focus of interest. Hannibal disappears into the background a year after Cannae, tough. The Third war comes off as a bit rushed.

Goldsworthy switches perspectives effortlessly. He can place you in the heat of battle one moment & show how the events in Sicily, Spain & Italy interact the next. He does a fine job of offering different plausible theses where the ancient sources stay silent. Unfortunately, sometimes our knowledge is simply too sketchy; he admits as much regarding the Carthaginian side of the story. The book could've used more maps ànd a synopsis of the discussion on Hannibal's route through the Alps. Too many authors skip it.