A pretext for war across the sea... threats to trade... mistreatment of prisoners... abuse of the dead... upheaval back at home... Familiar? This is not today. It's 3,200 years ago, and the 'threat' is Troy - muscling in on Greek shipping coming through the Dardanelles. For the Spartans, and other Greeks, it's enough to merit intervention; and a woman called Helen is the key. John H Pollard's brilliant take on the Helen of Troy saga (rightly called Helen of Sparta, for she was married to King Menelaus) transports us effortlessly through the Trojan War and its aftermath. Our guide is the...

One of the greatest figures of classical mythology, Hercules is at the centre of many legendary tales. But is it possible that he has been misunderstood and that the true purpose of his famous Labours has remained a secret, known only to Hercules himself, his most trusted friends and the gods? In this fascinating novel, Iolaus, Hercules' nephew and charioteer, reveals all that we didn't know about Hercules' life and work. He reveals the truth about Hercules' character, his childhood and his relationships with his friends, family and lovers. He recounts his many adventures and accomplishments,...