This book investigates the historical development and conceptualization of racism within Western societies. Benjamin H. Isaac, a historian specializing in ancient and late antique history, examines the intellectual and social roots of racial thinking, tracing its evolution from antiquity through to the modern era. The work challenges conventional understandings by arguing that while prejudice existed, the specific framework of modern racism emerged through distinct historical processes.

Benjamin H. Isaac's work is recognized for its rigorous historical scholarship and its detailed examination of the intellectual underpinnings of racism. Scholars in history and sociology have noted its contribution to understanding the long-term development of racial thought, particularly its origins in Western intellectual traditions. The book is considered a significant academic resource for those seeking to grasp the historical construction of race.