Title of the work
Country of the First Edition
Country/countries of popularity
Original Language
First Edition Date
First Edition Details
Alison Hawes, A Roman Soldier Handbook. A &C Black (Bloomsbury), London, 2009, 24 pp.
ISBN
Genre
Handbooks and manuals
Target Audience
Young adults (Juvenile readers)
Cover
We are still trying to obtain permission for posting the original cover.
Author of the Entry:
Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Peer-reviewer of the Entry:
Lisa Maurice, Bar-Ilan University, lisa.maurice@biu.ac.il
Susan Deacy, University of Roehampton, s.deacy@roehampton.ac.uk
Alison Hawes (Author)
Alison Hawes has been a freelance children’s writer since 1998. She writes fiction and non-fiction for children aged 4–14 years. She previously worked in education, including as an infant teacher, and a literacy tutor for teenagers.
Source:
Official website (accessed: February 3, 2020)
Bio prepared by Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Summary
This handbook contains information and facts about Roman legionary life, from food to paychecks and to their everyday life in the Roman army. The text is accompanied by photos and illustrations.
The book also offers a short glossary and further reading, listing websites, books and places you can visit and learn about the Roman army in the UK, such as Vindolanda.
Analysis
The aim of this handbook is to provide young readers with relevant information about the life of a Roman legionary in a fun and lighthearted way. Together with the facts about the Roman army life are tips, such as how to ask for a letter of recommendation from someone important, and advice to wear a scar; there is even a garum recipe. Overall, this handbook gives the readers a glimpse to what it was like to serve in one of the strongest armies ever created. This guidebook makes the Roman army come to life. It is not just a collection of dry facts, but rather they are presented in an enticing and entertaining way, using anecdotes, tips and even a few Latin words and phrases. Things are presented in a way that can attract the curiosity and engagement of young readers, who should find much of interest in the information about the basic clothing for soldiers or their nourishment, facts which are not common knowledge.
In the end, while the guide offers fun and interesting facts, it mainly emphasizes that Roman soldiers had to work very hard under rough conditions in order to stay alive and earn their keep. This makes the readers value their sacrifices and toils.
