Review : Ancient feats

Still fascinating after all these years is the reissue of J. G. Landels’s
Engineering in the Ancient World. This authoritative look at the Roman and Greek
world covers all sorts of engineering feats from water conduits and aqueducts to
estimating mule loads. It’s an engrossing read. Landels ends by directing
interested readers to contemporary writers. A pity nobody updated it to include
modern experiments with ballistas hurling pianos around, and the building and
sailing of a trireme. Published by Constable, £15.95, ISBN 0094772800.