This is the extraordinary story of how we have understood and interpreted the past over the last 2,500 years. From the "father of history" Herodotus to medieval chroniclers, and from Gibbon's epic depiction of the Roman Empire to today's TV dons, this unique book explores the defining accounts of the great events in history, showing what they tell us about their times, and ours.

"Brilliant ... A masterly overview. His book abounds in character, context, sense and wit." --- Dominic Sandbrook, Evening Standard

"A Tour de Force of elegant, witty and readable exposition ... John Burrow more than stands comparison with any number of his subjects." --- Paul Carledge, Independent