The classic, groundbreaking account of women’s lives in Greece and Rome… the first general treatment of women in the ancient world to reflect the critical insights of modern feminism

Deeply fascinating ... from Pandora to the Lemnian women who slaughtered their husbands for saying they stank, from Solon's state-controlled brothels to the scabrous writing of Juvenal and the transvestite peculariaties of Spartan marriages ... attitudes and anomalies are explored which remain valid paradigms to this day

From Pandora to the Lemnian women who slaughtered their husbands for saying they stank, from Solon's state-controlled brothels, the scabrous writing of Juvenal, the transvestite peculiarities of Spartan marriage...attitudes and anomalies are explored which remain valid paradigms to this day... A scholarly and deeply fascinating study

Professor Pomeroy's standpoint is clearly that of a reasoned and enlightened sympathy with women's aspirations. Scholars will find the book indispensable and readers will find it both instructive and enjoyable

Compelling and entertaining ... As the story romps onwards, the characters stay larger-than-life, on all sides

A colourful primer to events that preceded the current conflict in this turbulent place

I could not have enjoyed it more and think it quite excellent ... Should be read by young - and old - Army officers who go to Afghanistan. It is a great pity some of those who involved us in what is going on now did not understand what we would be up against

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a well-rounded, no-nonsense overview of Afghanistan. A brilliant read

David Loyn, a long-time BBC foreign affairs reporter, has written a brilliant history book of Afghanistan's wars of the past two centuries, but more importantly the evidence he amasses poses a primary question about the war being fought in Afghanistan: are we sure this is a good idea? The lesson from history suggests it might not be . . . it is a bleak conclusion to a book that should be a must-read for every politician who sends our squaddies into Afghanistan - but one based fairly and squarely on the weight of history

Excellent ... Should be slipped into President Obama's Christmas stocking

A seminal book that I know for a fact is sitting on a number of British military commander's desks well-thumbed, as they strive to get to know their enemy in Afghanistan

Some of our worst failures there might have been averted, if only we'd bothered to learn the lessons of the past. This book should become a core text

Impressive . . . Should be required reading for everyone in the Foreign Office

Timothy Snyder is not only one of the leading authorities on Central European history writing today, he is also an elegant stylist, with a talent for storytelling - a wonderful combination