John E. Stambaugh stated  "[t]he book is full of interesting digressions: travel reminiscences, a marvelously malicious account of Israelite history, a sketch history of archaeology in Iraq. Throughout, de Camp exhibits skepticism about the sincerity of much Judaeo-Christian morality, interest in the technological and linguistic aspects of the civilizations discussed, determination to combat the notion that 'during the golden age of Greece... the Greeks were the only people in the world who were really alive,' and eagerness to draw modern parallels."
John E. Stambaugh's assessment highlights de Camp's book as being rich with diverse elements: travel stories, a humorous take on Israelite history, a brief exploration of archaeology in Iraq.  De Camp's work also features skepticism towards Judeo-Christian morality, an interest in technological and linguistic aspects of the civilizations discussed, a challenge to the notion that "during the golden age of Greece... the Greeks were the only people in the world who were truly alive," and a desire to draw modern parallels.