The ancient world of fifth century Greece, an astonishing period of cultural development that helps situate the originality of Socrates, and to the city-state of Athens in particular. The social, political and cultural currents flowing through Athens are inseparable from an understanding of the events and attitudes that Socrates examined and intellectually dissected.

Sean Sheehan has written a number of accessible introductions to philosophy, such as Wittgenstein: A Beginner's Guide, and on the classics, such as Ancient Greece –Cultural Atlas for Young People. He has also written many guidebooks, mainly on his native Ireland.