This book is written in an engaging style and covers the key aspects of these great civilisations in a single volume, bravo! The author focuses his analysis on the historical developments with 3 themes: freedom, luxury & justice. Very insightful on how approaches and attitudes to these cultural aspects change over time especially in Greek democracy, Roman Republic and then Empire. Anyone looking to see the forest rather than the tress this is a worthwhile resource to enjoy. ( )

History books are not my usual reading material, but I managed to stay awake through this one and found it enjoyable and informative. ( )

The first book I read before I delved into Graeco-Roman history and serves as an excellent introduction to the latter, as well as being good for reference. ( )

I bought this because I wanted to get a basic understanding of classical history, and it did the job extremely well. Organised in chronological order, it begins with life in the 8th century BC, seen through the themes of Homer's epic poetry, and charges confidently through the great age of Athens, the Roman republic, Julius Caesar and up to the first century AD (finishing round about the time of the eruption at Pompeii in 79 AD). Lane Fox is one of the most popular classical scholars around, and he writes clearly and simply. I suppose you might say that it's an example of traditional 'great men' history, but it also deals with economic and social trends. Besides, as a newcomer to the subject it makes sense to learn about the most famous figures and their contexts first. I'm sure there are many books to help you pick up the detail and the academic debate at a later point. This is a brilliant way in. ( )

In my mind, there is no book that covers the period of Homer to Hadrian as well as this classic work. It is engaging; it is witty; it is erudite. It covers all the main subjects in just enough detail to ensure readers an overall introduction to the subject without bogging them down in too much detail. On the other hand, it includes the most fascinating 'trivia' that makes such histories page turners. This book is a 'page-turner'. I've just finished re-reading it on a trip around Greece and Italy; it's one of the two books I brought with me (the other is David Abulafia's history of the Mediterranean Sea) and I couldn't have chosen better. Neither can you. (Also available on Kindle if you're backpacking and short of space.) ( )