Art & Archaeology of the Greek World: A New History, c.2500-c.150 BCE Richard T. Neer (Thames & Hudson), 2012,

400pp., £35 hard, ISBN 978-0-500-05166-5

This richly illustrated, authoritative and accessible book presents a fresh way of looking at ancient Greek art and archaeology, combining a clear chronological narrative with a lively account of art and material culture and emphasizing the cosmopolitan character of the entire Greek world over two thousand years. Through up-to-date and balanced coverage that integrates the archaeological evidence into its broader historical, cultural and social context, Richard Neer suggests new ways of thinking about issues such as the relationship between art and politics and the evolution of style. Recent discoveries, such as an astonishing Minoan-style bull-leaping fresco from Egypt, a spectacular marble sarcophagus from northwest Anatolia, a bronze statue of an athlete found in the sea off Croatia and tomb paintings from ancient Macedonia, are examined and their significance explained. Quotations from ancient texts provide first-hand accounts of developments and numerous photographs, maps, plans and chronological charts invigorate and support the text. Boxes are used to address revealing topics and controversial issues, including looting, the connections between Homer's poems and the archaeological record, manufacturing techniques and new discoveries.  This is an excellent study and worth the cost simply because of the illustrations that are of the highest quality.