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Let's face it, this book is on the OU reading list, so you gotta have it, but lively reading it ain't. It's certainly packed with facts, but in making this history 'brief' the writers seem to have dispensed with any effort use a lively or accessible style. For the average reader who comes new to study of the ancient Greece, this book will be a struggle.

Although this is a academic book for students and academic staff, the book is written to be accessible to amateur enthusiasts and members of the public with no prior knowledge to the subject matter aswell. The chapters are well defined, with good illustrations and easily readable facts and theories about Ancient Greece and the Aegean. A good way to learn the history and society of Ancient Greece, which is sometimes more complex in other text books. This can also sit on your shelf and you can pick it up and just flick to a specific or random chapter to read or research. A pleasure to read!

I wonder if this and Pliny's letters are best sellers merely because they are both set books for the Open University's newly presented course A219 Exploring the Classical World?
No this is unworthy, as both are in their own way readable & interesting.
Perhaps more insights as the couse progresses?
JH.