Ernle Bradford’s Hannibal is a concise and accessible biography of one of history’s most legendary military commanders. The book follows Hannibal Barca from his early years in Carthage through his daring campaigns in the Second Punic War, culminating in his dramatic confrontation with Rome. Bradford’s storytelling is engaging, capturing both the strategic brilliance and the personal complexities of Hannibal as a leader, tactician, and man.

The book’s greatest strength is its clarity and pace. Bradford presents complex military maneuvers in a way that is understandable to readers without a deep background in ancient history, making Hannibal’s feats—from the crossing of the Alps to the battles of Cannae and Trebia—gripping and vivid. His depiction of Roman politics and Carthaginian society also provides useful context for Hannibal’s decisions and motivations.

However, the brevity of the work can be a limitation. Some aspects of Hannibal’s life, including his later years and personal relationships, are treated superficially, leaving the reader with a somewhat one-dimensional view of a fascinating historical figure. While the prose is lively, it occasionally leans on dramatization at the expense of deeper analysis.

Hannibal is an enjoyable and readable introduction to a legendary figure, though it lacks the depth and nuance that more comprehensive biographies provide.