Love, sex & tragedy - Simon Goldhill

We seem to be living through a Classical renaissance. Gladiator was a global phenomenon, and a clutch of classical films are now being made in Hollywood. Greek tragedies are staged the world over. Millions of primetime viewers watched Channel 4's 'The Spartans'. Valerio Massimo Manfredi's Alexander trilogy was a huge bestseller.

But the Greeks and Romans do not just offer great entertainment. LOVE, SEX AND TRAGEDY reveals how the influence of the ancient world can be seen throughout the modern world.

Democracy and spin, diets and the gym, marriage and sex all play their part. No other book brings together the ancient and modern so inspiringly and provocatively. Part Alain de Botton, part Will Hutton, LOVE, SEX AND TRAGEDY is an essential guide to our lives today.