This book investigates the complex and often contradictory ways in which the concept of 'antiquity' has been constructed and utilized throughout history, particularly from the Renaissance to the modern era. Philip Joshua Jacks, drawing on his expertise in classical studies and intellectual history, examines how ancient Greece and Rome have been reinterpreted and mythologized to serve various cultural, political, and philosophical agendas. The work analyzes the selective appropriation of classical forms, ideas, and figures, demonstrating how these 'myths' have shaped Western identity and thought.

This work is recognized as a scholarly examination of the historical construction of classical antiquity. It is noted for its detailed analysis of how the idea of the ancient world has been shaped by later periods to fulfill specific needs. The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding the intellectual and cultural history of Western civilization's engagement with its classical past.