Not only entertaining, but also educational in history, ...
934755
Not only entertaining, but also educational in history, language, and geography. I had trouble to put the book down.
2546064
This book is not only instructional, but inspiring and entertaining due to its many historical references, delightful stories and lovely photos.  After borrowing it from the library a couple times, I was eager to get my own copy so that I could read it more thoroughly.
204736
I read the book in Spanish so I could learn Roman history and Spanish at the same time. The Spanish was not too difficult (plus, on my Kindle, I could look up words easily), so I understood most of the book and improved my Spanish. The story was *never* boring and additionally gave me a glimpse into the most interesting part of Roman history (the downfall of the Republic) and some insight into the workings of politics in general. Author Robert Harris did not only bring the characters to life (of course, I cannot say that, e.g., Cicero and Cesar were *really* like this, but the characters seemed plausible), but was also able to give insight into the history and the political mechanisms that led to the end of the Roman republic. Robert Harris does not claim that everything he writes here is "true" (as in: can be historically proven), but says that he tried to write it in a way that everything claimed in the book does not contradict historically known facts. I think that's fair. So, it was entertaining reading *and* I believe I learned something. What more can anybody want?
(This is the same review I wrote for the second volume of the trilogiy, Conspirati&oacute;n. This is not a mistake, but intended, because the books are similar in scope and similarly interesting; I recommend them both - and also the thrid one, which has not decreased in quality at all.)
3529656
I had a great time reading this book and I couldn't put it down. I love the way the author wrote the book as if the narrator takes you back in time... Very well done. The author has clearly done a lot of research and sites all of her information. It was a very entertaining history lesson that doesn't take itself too seriously. I was reading it for fun, but I learned a quite a bit too! I only wish it was longer!
1877397
If school history books were written like this, kids would learn so much more.  It was educational but also entertaining and I learned more about this period in time than I had ever known.  Excellent book!
3309562
It's not always the case that a book both entertains and educates.  This one did.  I learned a lot about the prayer book that is central to this story.  I also enjoyed Brooks' ability to develop characters and take history and facts and weave them into a story I found difficult to put down.  Definitely worth reading.
3886255
So well done! Really enjoyed and learned some things too! Inspiring history.
1800803
A highly readable, entertaining and educational story.  Blanding does a nice job of intertwining a contemporary story of an interesting individual with the centuries-long history of mapmaking.  A great introduction to why maps matter to all of us, and how they began to matter to collectors as well.
705144
This book is both entertaining and highly informative. The writing feels conversational and at the same time, highly educational.
The author creates a very interesting 'dialogue' amongst profound thinkers and innovators from distinct eras in history. I found this book very enriching and thought provoking.
2975184
This book deals with history and miths in a serious and at the same time, entertaining way. I enjoyed it very much. It makes you want to know more about the theme, and thankfully it has a very ample further readings section.

I hope to read more books from this author.
1092458
Although I did not read the first two novels in the series, I was able to follow the action here without difficulty. In a way, it's just one long soap opera, but in another way, it is an educational look at our history that entertains. Because it entertains, it might well reach a larger audience than would a similar history book. That may be not be the prime way to educate, but if it gets the job done, well, then what's the problem? (Yes, I do see some!) Better to have educated some than none! For me, the book could have been shorter, and JFK could have stayed alive. Wouldn't that have been something if one would have accomplished the other? I think reading one in the series was enough for me, but I did like it.
2341631
The book was informative about the people and the everyday life of the people. It was accurate, but also fun to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to learn more about the period, but -- and I can't stress this enough -- most especially to history professors and serious students. This is history the way it should be taught.
1038832
A truly delightful way to learn history as well as at the same time being entertained by a captivating story of characters rich and colorful.
3388328
While this book was well written and entertaining, it also was extremely educational.  Although the book is fictional, a lot of the information in the book can be useful.  If you are someone who is reading the title, or the back of the book and thinking to yourself, "will this book help me train my man?" Yes it will!  Not only that, but it was definitely a fun read.  I read the whole book in one night!  Buy this book, it surely gets my highest recommendation!
3619505
This non-fiction book presents a thorough analysis of a specific era in New York City political history--the first two terms of a strong-willed mayor who has ruled the city like no other. It is immensely entertaining because it contains moments of unexpected wickedly funny lines and it vividly describes the human interest element of city living. In addition, "Education and Deconstruction" is extremely well-researched, as more than 1,200 documents were consulted in its production.  A must-read for everyone interested in education, urban studies, or social and political history.
2428980
THIS IS NOT AN ORDINARY HISTORY BOOK.  IT IS SO ENTERTAININGLY WRITTEN THAT ONE IS NOT AT ALL AWARE OF LEARNING THE HISTORY OF THE GUITAR, ITS EVOLUTION THROUGH THE VARIOUS HUMAN EPOCHS, ITS USES AND IMPORTANCE IN VARIOUS CULTURES THROUGH THE AGES.  ITS HISTORY IS TRACED FROM ITS EARLIEST PREHISTORIC INCEPTION (ILLUSTRATED WITH QUAINT GUITAR PREDECESSORS AND PROTOTYPES) AND CONTINUES UP TO AND INCLUDING THE GUITAR'S ROLE IN MODERN TIMES.

THE BOOK IS RICHLY ILLUSTRATED, WELL-WRITTEN AND SCHOLARLY BUT NEVER DRY OR STUFFY.  ON THE CONTRARY, IT IS FREQUENTLY PUNCTUATED WITH DROLLERY AND HIGH HUMOR.  THIS WRITING WILL STIMULATE, AMUSE, EDUCATE, AND ENLIGHTEN.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ALL WHO LOVE MUSIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE GUITAR.
  REGINA CLARK
2337955
My children (whom I homeschool) and we loved this book. It was entertaining, with some a frisson of mystery to it. We learned a great deal about the way people lived and made their way in the world in the medieval ages. Typical texts tell the stories of the wealthy and important, but this book shines a light on how the regular folk--people like you and me--lived within and outside of the system. My sons have recommended this title for next year's book club.