In light of the going price of this book, I wanted to share this article that points out that we need not settle for one particular book at a high cost. The article is lengthy, but a worthy read.
A site for used books that I only just found this summer is alibris.com. That’s where I found my OFAH which came to a total of just under $25.00. I had to wait a bit… the seller was in London, they ship to alibris.com who then ships it to me, but I am very satisfied with the book condition and price. I just checked the site today (9/3) and found that there are only two of this particular book listed at the moment. One for a totally unreasonable price, and the other for around $35.00. I can’t guarantee it’s even still there right now, though I was just on the site, but I thought I’d at least throw another search option out there for any resource you’re trying to find. I have been very satisfied with their service.
I’d been looking for the oxford first ancient history for months and finding prices of $58+ Just wanted to let you know that I just found it used at amazon for $15 plus postage. There were at least three others at that price and a couple more for twenty something.
“Are you familiar with E.H. Gombrich’s A Little History of The World? Not sure if this could be a good replacement for the Oxford book.”
Someone posted this question a few months back, and I just looked at the preview of it on Amazon. It looks really good. Does anyone have any reviews of how this would work with Gen – Deut as a replacement for Oxford First Ancient History? It looks like it covers quite a few topics that would be covered.
I took a look at the chapter on Egypt in the copy on Google Books, Laura. At first glance it looks somewhat similar to Hillyer’s A Child’s History of the World, in that it gives a brief history of the kings and beliefs of that region and time period. The thing that sets the Oxford book apart is the wonderful illustrations and living details of everyday life that it presents.
The reviews certainly look favorable, and you’re welcome to use it, of course. Just keep in mind that it’s a little different style than the original title listed.
(I’m still conversing with Oxford Press, by the way, trying to get First Ancient History back into print.)
Sonya, just curious if you knew a ballpark figure to buy the book if it was reprinted? I’m just trying to compare it to buying ones on amazon or other merchants that might be available in the future. I also was just looking at getting The Greeks and The Romans and then just getting the book from the library for the first part.
It’s a great question, Adrienne, but I have no idea. We haven’t gotten to that point yet. We’re still trying to see if we will be allowed to reprint it. Of course, we would do everything we can to keep the price reasonable.
Thanks Gaeleen and Sonya! My library has Gombrich’s, so until I can get my hands on an inexpensive copy of Oxford – which my library does not have 🙁 – I thought this might make a good substitute, but I haven’t ever seen the Oxford book, so I wasn’t sure.
Gaeleen – thanks in advance for giving me the low down on both books, and pass along birthday blessings from our family to yours!
I like both books, but as Sonya said, they are different in style. Gombrich’s is exactly as the title suggests – a brief history of the world. The Oxford book takes 315 pages from the beginning of history to the end of the Roman times – Gombrich’s book devotes a little over 100 pages to the same time period.
There are few illustrations in Gombrich’s book, and the Oxford book is richly illustrated.
Gombrich’s is well written, easy to understand, and a fun read – it would probably work well if you used it along with a couple of other books to get a feel for the time periods – maybe one with pictures to show what daily life was probably like, and one as a living narrative. How old are your children?
Thank you so much Gaeleen! That was very helpful! The kids who will be doing history are 8 and 5 with the possibilty of the 3yo joining in. He loves the lap cuddle time.