An historical novel about the early year’s of Cicero’s career.  Sounds dull, but it’s well written, and a good rollicking story.   It gives a fascinating insight into how Roman politics really worked.   A follow-on volume is due out next year.

Mary Beard (2002)  The Parthenon, Profile Books, London

The paperback came out in 2004.  Easy to read and full of information.

P Matyszak (2008)  Ancient Athens on Five Drachmas a Day,  Thames and Hudson

P Matyszak (2007)  Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day,  Thames and Hudson

A fun way into some of the institutions and sights of Athens and Rome.

M Finley  (1954) The World of Odysseus,  Viking Press

Also published in 1956 by Chatto & Windlass, and in 2002 by the Folio Society

This book changed the way we think about Homer.  It’s 50 years old, but it still gives a superb insight into the sort of world in which Homer’s epics are set.  Easy to read, and full of good information for essays and exams.

Tom Holland (2003). Rubicon  Little, Brown.  Also published 2004 by Abacus

A history of the late Republic that sets out simply to tell the story as a narrative.  This means there are no alternative interpretations.  So on the one hand, it’s a good romp through that period, helping us get the story in order.  On the other hand, some of its decisions might be disputed.

Simon Goldhill (2004)  Love, Sex and Tragedy – why classics matters,  Murray

Ostensibly exploring today’s world in the light of Classical writers, but in the process offering good insights into the minds of Romans and Greeks.