This book dissects the remarkable achievement of modern Greece: over the last three hundred years, a modern nation has been built, literally almost on the ruins of an extinct civilization.

Greece, Biography of a Modern Nation is the story of the Greek nation-state, but it is primarily, and more fundamentally, the story of the collective identity that accompanies the nation-state. It is the history of events and high politics, but also the history of culture and the arts, of people and ideas.

"Wonderfully written, I will return to it throughout my life." Victoria Hislop

"Beaton's book vividly shows us why the word 'Greece' carries such a strong emotional charge for all of us." Robert Holland

"An outstanding achievement, a wonderful narrative." Kevin Featherstone

"Book of the Year." Financial Times