The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World

He really brings to life the experiences of the everyday person in history, not just the rich or famous or influential.

I haven't read or listened to anything that compares to this.

He is entertaining, not dull or monotone.

Average Joe Throughout History

Yes, It's a great chronological history and would be great to reference again and again.

I loved that it gives the human aspect of history. It puts a face to history that is not usually done and enable's you to swim through it. You can imagine what it must have really been like to be a housewife in ancient Egypt or a soldier in the roman army.

He didn't do any character voices. He's definitely a professor. His tone is quite matter of fact but not boring. He does interject some humor and make it relatable. I felt like I was in a very relaxed lecture hall.

It's too lengthy and you wouldn't be able to absorb it all in one sitting.

I love that audible is offering these courses. I can't wait to try another one when I am finished with this one.

I found World History 101 to be as boring a subject as every I took. Kings and princes, the power elite of Western nations. I kept wondering what life was like for the "common man or women." When I saw the description of this book, I jumped on it. Jumped too soon, as it turned out. I felt like I was back in World History 101, but with a professor with an English accent who was even more pedantic than good old Sister What's-Her-Name. I'll think long and hard before I try anything else from The Great Courses series.

I am about 2/3 of the way through this audiobook and have found it to be extremely interesting throughout. I look forward to listening every day.

I am not familiar with any similar books. Perhaps some of the Feynman lectures could be a rough comparison. Think back to a professor whose class was enjoyable to attend, with lectures that were fluid, who could effortlessly recall interesting facts. From my perspective, this is a more reasonable analogy than any other books with which I am familiar.

The overall experience is much more interesting, and the words are pronounced much more precisely by Professor Garland than my "inner voice" if I had read the book myself. Also, I can safely drive while listening. I cannot say the same for reading a book. :)

My extreme reaction is two-fold: 1) Wow, it is good to live in the present! 2) The ancients were really not that much different than us. Obviously general cultural and societal expectations were a bit different, but not as much as I had expected.

The professor really knew his stuff, and related the information in a humorous, relaxed tone.

This is my first Great Course, so can't compare.

I really enjoyed hearing about women in the various societies.

The professor had a great sense of humor that made me smile quite a few times.

This is my first Great Course but won't be my last. I'm hooked!

Really enjoyed hearing the history of civilization as witnessed by the ordinary person of each period. The subject matter is fascinating, the lectures are well-written and impeccably researched and the delivery is fine - if not perfect. I would have listened around the clock if I hadn't had the inconvenient interruptions of life and work.

This is recommended reading/listening for any dedicated history buff! I've already suggested 'The Other Side' to many friends...

The idea is solid: look not at the great and famous people who made history, but rather at the anonymous John and Jane Doe of various cultures throughout the ages. I'm disappointed. It should have been a lot better. He should, for example, have gone deeper into the clashes between Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens, between the Egyptians and the Hebrews, and the Greeks and the Hebrews. Still, I'm not returning it and I plan to slog through it, because there is what to learn.