Are these books good?

[Conqueror]

I've been meaning to buy some history books, but it's difficult for me to judge whether something is worth the money or not. So I'm here asking for opinions on the following titles.

Barry Cunliffe: Iron Age Britain
Peter Harbison: Pre-Christian Ireland: From the First Settlers to the Early Celts
Hornblower & Spawforth: The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization
Rene Grousset: Empire of the Steppes
J.E. Curtis: Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia
George Rawlinson: Phoenicia: History of a Civilization
H. G. Rawlinson: Bactria, The History Of A Forgotten Empire
Romila Thapar: Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300

Are these good reads, on their respective subjects, for a layman with an interest? If not, can you recommend better books on these subjects (anything that isn't hideously expensive that is)? Thank you in advance for any replies.

[Conqueror]

No one here knows anything about any of these books?

[matteus the inbred]

No one here knows anything about any of these books?

Not heard of a one of 'em, sorry. Ignorance is a habit I'm constantly trying to get out of though.
Try searching Amazon.com, might be some reviews on there?

[Red Peasant]

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization is very good, a sort of condensed - and much cheaper! - version of the Oxford Classical Dictionary by the same editors. These are basic reference works for classical scholars. The 'Companion' takes a more thematic approach to Classical History than the OCD with essays on different aspects of Classical culture, society and history, although the latter is more thorough. You won't be disappointed. I have both and consider them an essential purchase.

[Big_John]

conqueror, you might want to ask that question in the EB forum, i'm sure there are historians there that would love to give you their opinions.

[Conqueror]

Red Peasant: Thanks for the advice.

Big_John: Perhaps I will...

[Reenk Roink]

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization is very good, a sort of condensed - and much cheaper! - version of the Oxford Classical Dictionary by the same editors. These are basic reference works for classical scholars. The 'Companion' takes a more thematic approach to Classical History than the OCD with essays on different aspects of Classical culture, society and history, although the latter is more thorough. You won't be disappointed. I have both and consider them an essential purchase.

Touche

Like Red Peasant said, The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization is probably perfect for the interested student. It is nicely condensed, yet still covers much. With its $35 price tag as compared to the $100 you would pay for the 1640 page Oxford Classical Dictionary.

The great thing about The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization is that it does not actually shorten or summarize the entries from The Oxford Classical Dictionary; rather, it simply takes away some entries considered too technical. Also, the The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization is more aesthetic, as color photos and maps are included.

Simply a great reference.