A marvelous writer, Cahill sketches the civilization of ancient Greece through the lives and words of politicians, playwrights, a poet, philosopher and artist. He gives pride of place to Homer, Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, Aeschylus, Euripides and Sappho. A third book in Cahill's popular, eloquent Hinges of History series -- and a superb introduction to the Greeks.  (GRE182, $14.95)