The Greeks by Paul Cartledge (BBC Worldwide, £16.99)

GREECE is a land of sun, blue skies, seas of an even darker blue... and daydreams.

Truly a world of ancient rocks that hold the secrets of the ages, every mountain peak appears to be the lofty throne of some immortal, timeless god.

Cradle of civilisation and mother of democracy, it is impossible not to feel the vibrations of this motherlode of civilisation that divides the Mediterranean now, as it did nearly 3,000 years ago.

Paul Cartledge's scholarly and yet accessible work is a unique and compelling introduction to the lives and times of the ancient Greeks. For while the Greek empire laid the foundation for our modern views of science, politics, warfare, philosophy and art, there are many striking differences that separate their world view from that of modern Western man.

This is where the author comes into his own as explores this complex relationship by introducing 15 men and women of extraordinary accomplishment including Homer, Plato, Pericles and Socrates.

Yet, this is much more than a chronicle of those times, for Cartledge celebrates the true depth and diversity of the ancient Greek world. The story of Sappho opens a window not only on to Greek poetry, but also the role of sexuality in a society of great sophistication.

With more than 60 illustrations and comprehensive bibliography, The Greeks is a personal tour through the formative years of Western civilisation and a reminder of the poet Shelley's claim that "we are all Greeks".

This excellent book comes as a companion to the three-part series televised on BBC 2 during January.

John Phillpott