Philip Matyszak's Classical Compendium - Tapa dura

Many ancient writers – from Pliny and Plutarch to Xenophon were incorrigible collectors of miscellany, lively anecdotes and after-dinner jokes. Here, writer and historian Philip Matyszak brings together his favourite incidents, wisecracks and curious facts from ancient Greece and Rome. The compendium includes humorous quips by the emperor Augustus and wry observations by the philosopher Socrates. There are dozens of lists, including Romans who lived to be 100 and odd deities like Sterculinius, the god of manure spreading. All of the incidents and anecdotes are described in brief, memorable passages, making this book an ideal companion either to dip into or to read from beginning to end.

Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. He is the author of numerous books on the ancient world, including the highly successful Legionary: The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual, The Greek and Roman Myths, and Ancient Magic.