Both
humorous and shocking, Miracula is filled with astonishing
facts and stories drawn from ancient Greece and Rome that have rarely been
retold in English. It explores 'the incredible' as presented by little-known
classical writers like Callimachus and Phlegon of Tralles. However, it offers
much more: familiar authors such as Herodotus and Cicero often couldn't
resist relating sensational, tabloid-worthy tales. The book also tackles
ancient examples of topics still relevant today, such as racism, slavery and
misogyny. The pieces are by turns absorbing, enchanting, curious,
unbelievable, comical, astonishing, disturbing, and occasionally just plain
daft.
An entertaining and sometimes lurid collection, this book is perfect for
all those fascinated by the stranger aspects of the classical world, history
enthusiasts, and anyone interested in classical history, society and culture.