"[Kaplan] helps the distant past resonate today. . . . [He] teaches lessons that are informative and concise." -The Washington Post Book World
"A writer of extraordinary intellect and passion . . . with a wonderfully lucid way of relating history as a living thing." -San Francisco Chronicle
"Erudite and intrepid. . . . [Kaplan] is a deft guide to wherever he chooses to lead you." -The New York Times