Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them...I find them hard to stop reading.

Richard Bernstein, The New York Times

Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise.

Jim Holt, The Wall Street Journal

Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character...I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.

Katherine A. Powers, The Boston Globe

A godsend in this era of the short attention span.

Daryl Royster Alexander, The New York Times

Strathern offers a concise, expert account.

Library Journal