Empires of the Ancient Near East (published by The Folio Society) is a lavishly produced, four volumes set that brings to life the grandeur and complexity of Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, and other foundational civilizations through authoritative texts and striking visuals. Typically featuring contributions from leading historians (like Georges Roux or Amanda Podany), the collection spans from Sumer’s ziggurats to Cyrus the Great’s Persia, with meticulous attention to political, cultural, and technological achievements—cuneiform, Hammurabi’s Code, and monumental architecture.
The Folio edition elevates the subject with sumptuous production: full cloth bindings, gilt detailing, and high-quality reproductions of artifacts, maps, and reliefs. Some volumes include fold-out timelines or commissioned essays. A cornerstone for historians and collectors, this set merges scholarly rigor with the tactile pleasure of fine bookmaking.
