“Artful and intelligent . . . . Kaplan's book has made its own mark. . . I am able to feel the sense of an exotic and timeless part of the world.” — Bob Hoover, <i>Pittsburg Post-Gazette</i> “[Kaplan] helps the distant past resonate today. . . . [He] teaches lessons that are informative and concise.” –<i>The Washington Post Book World</i> “A writer of extraordinary intellect and passion . . . with a wonderfully lucid way of relating history as a living thing.” –<i>San Francisco Chronicle</i> “Erudite and intrepid. . . . [Kaplan] is a deft guide to wherever he chooses to lead you.” –<i>The New York Times</i>