HANNIBAL

by Harold Lamb ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 20, 1958

Subtitled One Man Against Rome, this excellent book by an author known for his fine historical narratives (Charlemagne, Alexander of Macedon, Theodora, etc.) tells of the long struggle between Carthage and Rome for control of the Mediterranean, the Punic Wars of the second century before Christ, and the men who fought them, Hannibal the Carthaginian in particular. Carthage, the greatest city in Africa, was 500 years old when in 221 B.C. she extended her power to Spain, menacing Roman ambitions; in 219 Rome declared war. Hannibal, born in Sicily in 241 B.C., son of a famous general, Hamilcar, was made commander of the Carthaginian troops; carrying the war from Spain to Italy he crossed the Alps with his armies and 37 elephants, a feat that still rings through history. For years he threatened Rome, held back only by the delaying tactics of the elderly Fabius, whose name still clings to wars without battles. Not until Scipio learned to imitate him was Hannibal at last defeated and Carthage destroyed; in 183 B.C. Hannibal died, a suicide after capture. Of Hannibal himself little is known save from the records of his enemies; from these records the author creates not only the picture of a quiet man and military genius ut also of the wars in which he fought and the men who opposed him. Carefully documented and written by a master of English, this book should appeal to students of history, ancient and modern, and devotees of first-class biography; the name of the author should assure it a place in public and lending libraries.

Pub Date: Nov. 20, 1958

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1958

Categories: NONFICTION