This was an excellent book. The author is obviously knowledgeable about his topic and it shows. The book is setup as a narrative and it really works well. The auther when applicable gives info on wether modern archaeologists have found evidence of the legends which have been passed down from ancient Greece. And in a way this makes the narrative more real. This book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it to any history buffs out there. In fact I think everyone should read this!

An engaging account of the city-state that has so greatly influenced the Western World for the last two thousand years. The author's obvious love for, and knowledge of, Athens makes this book essential for anyone who wants to know more about this fascinating aspect of our history. The reader will encounter all the great men from Greece: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander (the Great), Xenophon (and the March of the 10,000), and many more. The book is well-written and flows smoothly - it is no dry history text but an enthralling narrative as lively as any action thriller. I highly recommend it - you won't be disappointed!

An easy to read account of the rise of Athens. For those who enjoy this part in history, this book will be a refreshing look. If you're looking to add an updated title on the subject, this would be idea, especially for public or technical college libraries.

This is a highly readable account of ancient Athens that is very accessible for the general reader. Evritt focuses to a large extent on personalities, making the book very engaging. The book covers far more than the rise of Athens--it is more accurately the rise and fall of Athens. I would have appreciated a little more economic analysis and coverage of everyday life, but overall this was a very enjoyable addition to the history of Athens.