I Read Books: Eureka
My knowledge of ancient Greece was (and still is) scattershot, deep into some myths and history, non-existent in others. This book is divided into chapters about different eras, then again into short pieces on individual topics. Sometimes these pieces thread together to make a point or follow a particular development, but others stand alone as a mini-historical fact or event. As such it is a better overview and starting point than a place to end one’s interest.
In general the book agrees with the areas in which I have knowledge, though often with a lack of nuance*. Major areas of disagreement and controversy in the literature are briefly outlined. Much detail is glossed over though there is a laudable attempt to look at archaeological evidence about common folk as well as those remembered by written history.
A final chapter talks about sources and evidence and their transmission to the present.
Read This: Because you don’t know about ancient Greece and want to know enough to be able to follow history
Don’t Read This: If you want in depth analysis or enormous amounts of first hand sources
* An example: the book notes correctly that in the Iliad Homer offers no particular evidence that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers. I think it worth noting that Greeks from 500 years after its composition did think that is what is implied. It is not quite as cut and dried as presented.
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