Packed with fascinating information about the transmission of classical literature over the centuries, this book is still eminently readable, albeit rather opinionated at times. Tabulation of some of the data, while stylistically unappealing, might make for easier reference, but the index is good.

A nice conversation of characters, but the force that binds them, like the strong nuclear force, diminishes extremely rapidly with distance. I had no difficulty leaving them behind. Possibly I should have read the novel in the eighties. I did appreciate the Proust-like glancing narration of tragedy—it is very effective.