Describes how a small and quarrelsome band of Greek city states united to repel the might of the Persian empire. Frequently giving rise to colorful digressions, this book blends fact and legend to offer a compelling Greek view of the world of the fifth century BC.

An epic tale of Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War forms one of the earliest and greatest works of Western literature. Confronted by natural and supernatural threats - shipwrecks, battles, monsters and the implacable enmity of the sea-god Poseidon - Odysseus must test his bravery and cunning to the full.

A brilliantly entertaining and innovative history of the ancient Athenians' consuming passions for food, wine and sex.

Tells the story of Achilles, the greatest warrior-champion of the Greeks, and his refusal to fight after being humiliated by his leader Agamemnon. But when the Trojan Hector kills Achilles' close friend Patroclus, he storms back into battle to take revenge - although knowing this will ensure his own early death.

Whether readers are tackling the Odyssey and the Iliad for the first time or are already well acquainted with the works of Homer, they will uncover the connections and layers of meaning that have made the epics 'the marvel of the ages' in this scholarly and encouraging resource. The inexhaustible pleasures of Homer are highlighted by focusing on a number of 'Homeric moments' -- crucial scenes ...