The riveting, definitive account of the ancient Greek city of Thebes, by the acclaimed author of The Spartans—now in paperback Among the extensive writing available about the history of ancient Greece, there is precious little about the city-state of Thebes. At one point the most powerful city in ancient Greece, Thebes has been long overshadowed by its better-known rivals, Athens and Sparta. In Thebes: The Forgotten City of Ancient Greece, acclaimed classicist and historian Paul Cartledge brings the city vividly to life and argues that it is central to our understanding of the ancient Greeks’ achievements—whether politically or culturally—and thus to the wider politico-cultural traditions of western Europe, the Americas, and indeed the world. From its role as an ancient political power, to its destruction at the hands of Alexander the Great as punishment for a failed revolt, to its eventual restoration by Alexander’s successor, Cartledge deftly chronicles the rise and fall of the ancient city. He recounts the history with deep clarity and mastery for the subject and makes clear both the di?erences and the interconnections between the Thebes of myth and the Thebes of history. Written in clear prose and illustrated with images in two color inserts, Thebes is a gripping read for students of ancient history and those looking to experience the real city behind the myths of Cadmus, Hercules, and Oedipus.

A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE VITAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT STATESMEN DURING WORLD WAR TWO.‘However much they valued their special relationship, neither man allowed it to trump national goals. David Stafford's fascinating book is a useful reminder of how complicated the Grand Alliance actually was.’ New York Times‘An intriguing book which makes a very good read.’ Irish Independent‘A swift, well-documented assessment of the relationship’s “volatile mix of friendship, rivalry and resentment”.’ Kirkus Reviews‘Much of this book upsets accepted views . . . Stafford has the precious gift of making technical subjects easy to follow; he writes clearly, and maintains a strong narrative flow. This is most readable history.’ The Sunday TimesRoosevelt and Churchill were titans of the twentieth century with a unique relationship. It was based on interlinked national histories, partially shared nationality (Churchill was half-American), love for the navy and a common belief in the superiority of Anglo-Saxon institutions. Above all, it was cemented by shared enemies: Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.On these foundations, Churchill and Roosevelt constructed a fighting alliance unlike any other in history. A Combined Chiefs of Staff, Anglo-American war-making boards, and an atomic alliance helped to deliver victory in 1945. The two men also developed an extraordinary personal relationship, communicating almost daily. Their camaraderie ended abruptly with Roosevelt's death on 12 April 1945, just hours before American and British troops liberated Buchenwald and Belsen.At the heart of this special relationship, hidden by layers of secrecy, was a far-reaching sharing of intelligence which would endure well beyond their own premierships.In this fascinating account, David Stafford draws on declassified information and his own specialist understanding of intelligence to illuminate the relationship between two men who, as leaders and allies, were towering figures of twentieth-century history.READERS LOVE ROOSEVELT AND CHURCHILL:????? ‘Stafford peels back a slice of history not well understood . . . I learned a good deal about secret intelligence and the role it played in WWII.’ Eileen????? ‘A great book if you want to learn more about how the whole modern spy game got started.’ CK2935