I've finally reached the end of the book. I found it interesting and found its arguments pursuasive. Roud's main purpose is to explore the evidence and show that, while there are many gaps, there is more than perhaps had been realised.

I have found this discussion, for all its bad temper at times, very useful in helping to shape my thoughts and questions while reading the book.

Rather than kick any more hornets' nests I'll say no more than that.