The Modern Scholar: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

By: Professor Jennifer Tobin

Narrated by: Professor Jennifer Tobin

Esteemed professor Jennifer Tobin leads a compelling series of lectures on the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Examining the historical and social context of each wonder, Tobin answers such questions as "Why was it built?" and "What can it tell us about the people who built it?"

From the Great Pyramid at Giza to the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos of Alexandria, the course provides a 360-degree view of these enduring marvels of human achievement.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2011 Jennifer Tobin (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Enjoyable listen

Very enjoyable discussion of the "seven" wonders. Most interesting are the intersections between wonders and pieces of history around them. Academic discussions of each, the debates around them, and the current theories about them. Really loads of fun for history buffs and not-so-much history buffs who are interested in the topic.

Loved it!

The backgrounds and interpretation and fate of these monuments is really fascinating. For example what people thought the pyramids were for.

More than the monuments

Before listening to this seminar, I feared it might be rather superficial, just talking about the spectacular sites. But the lecturer put these monuments into their context, and I learned a lot about the ancient world. I was fascinated by the way future generations interpreted, or more often misinterpreted, the meaning behind these structures. I'm certainly going to listen to her 2 series on Greek and Roman archaeology.

Disappointing!

Any additional comments?

This work describes in some detail each of the seven canonical Wonders of the Ancient World and provides an overview of their specific histories. As these were only retained in the 16th century, the discussion also includes other constructions that were part of alternate lists at some point in time.

Sadly, although she speaks with no foreign accent, Ms. Tobin clearly does not master the English language. She is constantly hesitant and often has great difficulty formulating clear ideas. Thus, the work is plagued with dozens of expressions such as:
• “both of these two groups”;
• “the building does not survive”;
• “the several thousands of years between 2500 BC and 500 BC”;
• “horn does not survive well in archeological records”;
• “seeing the world through the lens of your own eyes”;
• “imaginative building”.

The result is often irritating and does not meet the standards of what would legitimately be expected for a university level presentation.

Accordingly, it is difficult to recommend this work to anyone. Even a beginner is entitled to clear, understandable information!