"In much writing of history, the erudition of the authors is evident: even the footnotes have footnotes. But now and then we get to read history that is, simply, interesting. Tom Cahill is the master in this genre. He knows what the specialists know, but his form of scholarly art lets readers be freshly lured into the plot. He is the virtuoso of genres and moves easily from one to another in such a way that we find ourselves informed and inspired.

Some years ago Rabbi Samuel Sandmel wrote a book on The Enjoyment of Scripture. What a shocking thought, that a noted scholar thought his writing could be enjoyed! In his series, The Hinges of History, and especially in his newest book, Heretics and Heroes, Cahill shocks by writing for reader-enjoyment--which is the best way to advance learning. I am glad to be in the company of enjoyers and learners."
--Martin E. Marty, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, The University of Chicago

"Remarkable. . . . An entertaining yet thought-provoking examination of Western civilization." --Publishers Weekly (starred)

"Wonderful. . . . Shows how events and a change in philosophical views can uproot and reconfigure entire civilizations." --Kirkus Reviews (starred)