"This is the story of big ideas--Monotheism, Democracy, and Citizenship culminating with Rome the universal state--told with extraordinary clarity. Drake's lively style brings the creative imagination of past thinkers vividly alive for the present." --David Potter, Francis W. Kelsey Collegiate Professor of Greek and Roman History and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Classical Studies, The University of Michigan"Drake's The Wisdom of the Ancients offers a delightful, humorous, and fast-moving discussion of monotheism, individualism, universal citizenship, and the idea of Rome, four key contributions that the ancient Mediterranean made to the conceptions of the modern world. The book is a joy to read and helps us understand both why our world now works as it does and what intellectual debts we owe to antiquity." --Edward Watts, Alkiviadis Vassiliadis EndowedChair, UC San Diego"The Wisdom of the Ancients is an entertaining and deeply researched read that offers readers a fascinating insight into our own modern world through the context of ancient world that shaped it." -- All about History"This a charming book-ideal bedside fare for the general reader.

It is full of information and challenging ideas, moves briskly and logically without any jargon in sight. Perhaps the author has four additional potent ideas in his sights." -- Roger Barnes, CFA"The Wisdom of the Ancients occupies a unique niche in recent publications. Suggested readings include links to freely available online texts and translations, a help to libraries whose collections do not include these works." -- R. Withers, Choice"Many readers are bound to appreciate Drake's wide lens and commitment to synthesis, along with his bright and inviting style. That style, and the ambition of this short book, leave the impression that H. A.

Drake must be an engaging and enthusiastic teacher." -- Times Literary Supplement.