This book is set in ancient Greece, and the events are recounted in the first person by Alkaeus, a youngster "on the threshold of manhood." He introduces himself, his environment, his period in history - and his story; and through him we enter the atmosphere of a different country and a different time. The book deals with the Twelve Labours of Hercules - or Herakles in Greek - and focuses on these tasks in the context of the friendship that develops between Alkaeus and a stranger, Rhekleas, who comes to the village to take up employment with Lydia, a wealthy landowner. Alkaeus is fascinated...