Each person in this biographical history serves as an actor on the world stage and an embodiment of a major theme in the development of the Greek world. As well, Cartledge's list of ancient Greece's men and women goes beyond the usual suspects and celebrates the true depth and diversity of the ancient Greek world. The story of the poet Sappho opens a window onto the role of homosexuality in ancient times; the story of Pasion's scandalous trial for illegal business practices offers a view of the role of slavery in ancient Athens. This exquisite history is a personal tour through the formative years of Western civilization that brings the ancient Greeks to life, and forces us to reevaluate our commonly held assumptions about them.