The Histories of the Unexpected series not only presents a new way of
thinking about the past, but also reveals the world around us as never
before. Traditionally, the Romans have been understood in a
straightforward way but the period really comes alive if you take an
unexpected approach to its history. Yes, emperors, the development of
civilization and armies all have a fascinating history . . . but so too
do tattoos, collecting, fattening, recycling, walking, poison, fish,
inkwells and wicked stepmothers! Each of these subjects is equally
fascinating in its own right, and each sheds new light on the
traditional subjects and themes that we think we know so well.