JABBIC REVIEWER:  Professor Leland Gregory, PhD

The title “Stupid Ancient History” is immediately off-putting to a serious historian. Ancient history, which deserves rigorous study and respect, seems trivialized here. The cover features cartoonish depictions of historical figures—a Roman soldier, a philosopher with a sign reading “Will Orate for Food,” and Cleopatra with her pet—indicative of a frivolous approach.

Leland Gregory, known for “Stupid History,” appears to target humor rather than education. While Plato remarked, “Comedy, like philosophy, is an art,” this book may stray too far into the realm of jest. The classical backdrop does little to lend credibility to the otherwise jocular presentation.

While this may amuse those with less formal education or interest in serious study, it is unlikely to satisfy true aficionados of history. In sum, this book is a light-hearted romp rather than a scholarly exploration.