This book contains fresh translations in contemporary language of forty-two entertaining selections from Greek or Latin. For each passage the author provides commentary that relates to many of today's issues and questions and that creates resonance and authenticity. He encourages readers to find their own answers to many questions such as: Is mythology true? What is a pseudo-hermaphrodite? Is letter writing a form of literature? How is the story of Oedipus universal? Can poetry about a bird teach us about human nature? Here is a chance to communicate in a personal and intimate way with our distant ancestors. Dr Goodman has included translations of widely varying subjects: medicine, mythology, toothpaste, dramatic events and personalities from history, friendship, old age, government, love, rural living, philosophy, psychiatry. All are vivid messages from ancient times but are designed to interest the casual reader. The author also introduces some stories and comparisons from his own medical experience to demonstrate the immediacy of the excerpts.