CLASSICAL RELIGIONS AND MYTHS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN

Few may appreciate how the borrowings of successive civilizations combined to produce the body of secular and religious knowledge upon which Western culture is based. This illuminating survey charts and juxtaposes developments in human intellectual growth from shortly after the Ice Age up to 4 A.D. Ben Kingsley's narration of this potentially dry material is authoritative and enthusiastic. His clear enunciation, perfect pacing and appropriate modulation maintain the listener's attention. The use of secondary narrators for readings from original sources, together with musical reprises, adds helpful auditory variety. This erudite, yet accessible, presentation is sure to fascinate and educate its audience. B.M.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV 95]