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Lest Darkness Fall

L. Sprague de Camp

Light-hearted, humorous time-traveling frolic through 6th Century Rome. Written in 1939 and complete with that particular era's hubris, prejudice, and sexism. Interesting examples of how that time almost deified alcohol and tobacco.

Entertaining and humorous to an extent but short on philosophy, insight, and challenging ideas. The playful perspective on history and juxtraposition with more modern science and knowledge give color and animation but the supercilious attitude of superiority prevents an openness to learning much for our time.

I would recommend this for junior high and high school students studying Europe of this era. And it does have some very funny dialog: "You devil!" spat the king venomously. "Why did I ever let you save my life?"

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