The art and history of Carthage isn’t as well known as we would like, because an ancient mob boss put the hit on them. Ed Voves reviews Richard Miles’ book Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization, which “has uncovered the story of ancient Carthage, the Semitic civilization which flourished in its North African home city and in colonies all over the western Mediterranean until it was conquered by the Romans in 146 B.C.” Voves writes:

“Carthage, however, was not merely conquered by Rome. As the title of Miles’ book asserts, Carthage was destroyed. In three brutal wars, Carthage’s military power was annihilated by the legions of the Roman Republic. The city was ransacked and burned, down to its foundations. The people of Carthage were massacred or enslaved. The literature of the city was put to the torch. Not a stone was left upon a stone.”

Looks like a great book for ancient history readers.

Joel Pollak points out the differences between Random House’s initial press release for The Rogue and the one this week. Back then, the author “will be highly respectful of his subject’s privacy as he investigates her public activities,” like years-old family affairs. This week, “The Rogue delves deeply into Alaska’s political and business affairs and Palin’s political, personal, and family life..” I’m glad Random House isn’t publishing exposés about people who are actually in or running for office, because that would be so dull. As for McGuinniss, he should probably get a real job and read Telling True Stories: A Nonfiction Writers’ Guide from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University in his off time.