Instruct: Classify the given Amazon review as either positive or negative.
Query: Informative and Entertaining

Was a last-minute Christmas gift. This is a really fascinating book, well-written and easy to read and follow. The author (a Brit) employs a little dry humor and uses explanations that make sense to the 21st century reader. Really does a great job bringing the major personalities and events to life. Also makes it clear where the historical records are a bit thin and applies suitable analysis of similar events to draw logical conclusions. Also provides some interesting food for thought (to this reader at least) about the direction and possible destination of our own modern 'empire.'