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 described de Camp's book as containing numerous diversions: travel narratives, a satirical account of Israelite history, a brief overview of archaeology in Iraq. Throughout, de Camp expresses skepticism about the authenticity of much Judeo-Christian morality, demonstrates interest in the technological and linguistic aspects of the civilizations discussed, aims to refute the notion that "during the golden age of Greece... the Greeks were the only people in the world who were truly alive," and is eager to draw modern parallels.