Richard Rutherford is Tutor in Greek and Latin Literature at Christ Church, Oxford, and a University Lecturer at Oxford. His previous publications include The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius: A Study (1989), The Art of Plato (1995) and Homer (1996).

"The book is a tour de force ... Rutherford speaks directly to his readers, telling them what they need to know to set a work into its historical and social context ... Even scholars who are completely familiar with all the texts Rutherford discusses will profit from consulting this book." Times Literary Supplement'Rutherford's book provides an accessible, affordable, and concise introduction to its topic.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review "As well as Rutherford's broader constituency, this book should make particularly invaluable reading for undergraduates, sixth-formers who are looking to pursue Classics at university (and it should be a must for school libraries)." Greece and Rome

• Preface. Acknowledgements.Abbreviations.Maps.Introduction.1. Epic.2. Drama.3. Rhetoric.4. History, Biography, Fiction.5. Erotic Literature.6. Literature and Power.7. Aspects of Wit.8. Thinkers.9. Believers.Appendix 1 Translations of Four Longer Passages.Appendix 2 Timeline.Appendix 3 List of Roman Emperors.Appendix 4 Major Greek and Roman Gods.Notes.Further Reading.Index