So I have a 5-6 books on ancients, most beginner books, but with the internet at my disposal I never really felt the need to get more. However, no that I've been focusing more on Fel Temps I decided to get RIC vol VIII and finally found one I could afford so I bought it (still waiting for it to get delivered as is slowly moves from the postal system). The local shop had a set for a while, but were lacking VIII and X. I have mentioned that I found a copy of VIII to them and they said I could buy their set for $300. I could not pass that deal up so today I came home with a mostly complete set. I just have nowhere to put it.........
RIC is great, you did really well! What reprint edition are these from? They look like 1968 or 1972? Your vol. 1 and 2 are the early (pre-revised) editions, the numbering systems were changed in the revised editions. The scope of vol. 1 remains the same, but vol. 2 is being split into two sections, the first covering Vespasian to Domitian was released in 2007. We are still waiting on the second part which will cover Nerve to Hadrian, but it may be years away so the old edition of vol. 2 which you have is still used for that perion.
Worth it. I've picked up mine here and there over the years. Still missing V and VII but somehow ended up with an extra IX. Best deal was back in the early 2000's when someone on a yahoo group said that Amazon UK was selling VIII for $10. Immediately ordered it for $10 plus approx. $15 shipping to the states.
@randygeki I look at the RIC as sort of a medieval cathedral in that they started building it long before anyone alive today can remember (1923). It was sort of finished in 1994 when the 10th and final volume was published, but the work of revision is still going on and they will probably still be working on these books long after we are all dead. Certain volumes go in and out of print, you cannot just go buy a new set, you have to put in some work to build one. If i am not mistaken volume 2.1 is the only one you can currently buy from the publisher. Once you have your set you have to put in some time learning how to use it, and each volume uses a different system. Volume 5 (published in two parts) is one of the most sought after, most complained about, most in need of a revision and most expensive in the set. To underscore how well you did on this purchase, I think it would be difficult to buy the two books of volume 5 for what you paid for this entire set.
Indeed a great find and excellent value. The full 10 volume set is normally priced in excess of $1500 and that's with the modern version of RIC V.
