"A sweeping saga of human turmoil . . . engagingly written on a grand scale by a master craftsman. . . . His witty asides are a constant delight." —Los Angeles Times“Norwich’s history of the Mediterranean is a cause for celebration. . . . A demonstration of his unrivaled narrative skills. . . . No one planning a simple vacation by the wine-dark sea can afford to leave this book at home." —The Washington Post Book World"A sweeping history. . . . Highly readable. . . . Norwich’s focus plays to his strengths." —The New Yorker"As colorful as history can get. . . . [Norwich] spices his narrative liberally with entertaining anecdotes, deft portraits, and brisk judgments.” —The Economist
