Ancient Greek religion and mythology Books

Book SynopsisFinally sort out who’s who in Greek mythology—from gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everyone in between!Greek mythology continues to appear in popular movies and books today but have you ever wondered about where these characters started out? Discover the origins of your favorite characters from Greek mythology with this collection of profiles to tell you who’s who in classical lore! In Greek Mythology, you will discover the backstories of the heroes, villains, gods, and goddesses that enjoy popularity in today’s shows and films. With comprehensive entries that outline each character’s name, roles, related symbols, and foundational myths, you can get to know the roots of these personas and better understand the stories they inspire today. With this character-focused, handy reference, you will never be confused about Ancient Greece!Trade Review“Albert gives a witty and unapologetic perspective on famous classical stories through a modern, feminist lens.” —Rachel Smythe, creator of the Lore Olympus Webtoon“This is not your grandma’s mythology primer. Liv Albert continues her work to bring Greek mythology into modern times with this refreshing, forward-thinking, and best of all, hilarious almanac. Paired with the stunning artwork by Sara Richard, the book feels like an heirloom created for our generation to pass down.” —Emily Edwards, author and host of the Fuckbois of Literature podcast“Beautifully illustrated and instantly absorbing, Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook tells the familiar stories in a fresh, entertaining way and also delves into more obscure myths, origin stories, and characters—leaving no corner of Greek mythology unexplored.” —Jenny Williamson, cohost of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast“Gripping, deftly executed, and beautifully told, Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook is at once a primer for those new to mythology and a compass for those looking to further explore the stories that still shape our world. Feminist and wise, this is a must-read for fans of Lore Olympus or Percy Jackson.” —Genn McMenemy, cohost of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast“I highly recommend reading this book if you want to know all the gossip straight from Mount Olympus. This will be a treasured book for any new or longtime Greek mythology obsessives.” —Mari Phillips, owner of MYTHSNTiTS, illustrator“Liv brings her trademark panache to this collection! This handbook is packed with connections between ancient myth and popular culture. It’s a wild ride accompanied by Sara Richard’s gorgeous illustrations, suitable for those who adore mythology and enthusiastic beginners. This book is a treat for anyone who likes their ancient past with a dose of humor. We know that we do!” —Dr. Rad and Dr. G, cohosts of The Partial Historians podcast“Brilliant, funny, and exciting….Greek mythology can be complex, and Liv has explained it in a way that is easy to digest, with some beautiful imagery alongside the stories.” —Jeff Murray, artist“A stylish new guide book for modern audiences.” —Mental Floss“A delightfully updated version of many of the most famous Greek myths.” —Memphis Flyer“There’s a lot of information packed in this impressive book.” —SciFiChick.com“A must-have guide to who’s who in Greek myth … the stunning illustrations are exquisite and breathtaking, making this book a beautiful piece of art as well as an excellent source of knowledge and entertainment.” —Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne“A beautifully illustrated and well-written introduction to the wide world of Greek mythology.” —A Universe in Words“Smart and witty.” —Hazlitt"A fun, engaging handbook with beautiful illustrations." —Rhea Classica Review

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Book SynopsisGorgeous Collector's Edition. From the birth of Zeus, to Prometheus, Pandora and Helen of Troy, Odysseus and Jason and the Argonauts, the myths of the Greeks and, later, the Romans, are passionate and powerfully told. The Gods are jealous of each other's powers, subject to mighty outbursts of love and always seeking vengeance. The dark forces of the ancient world were held at bay by the resourceful and emerging civilization that formed the basis of Western culture, providing a tradition of fabulous tales that are retold here. Flame Tree Collector's Editions present the foundations of speculative fiction, authors, myths and tales without which the imaginative literature of the twentieth century would not exist, bringing the best, most influential and most fascinating works into a striking and collectable library. Each book features a new introduction and a Glossary of Terms.

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Book SynopsisThis extensive volume of Greek Myths is perfect for a family bookshelf, containing all of the best-known myths, told in a detailed and fresh way to alight the interest of any child or adult with an interest in the gods and heroes of Ancient Greece. Beautifully illustrated plates introduce all the characters, story by story, from the most famous to the more obscure. The stories are richly and evocatively told, and the book includes maps and a detailed glossary as well as a section on Ancient Greek culture and the origin of the stories. A QR code links to a pronunciation guide for names, as well as recommended websites to tell you even more.

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Book SynopsisWinner of The PEN Hessell-Tiltman PrizeShortlisted for The Wolfson History PrizeA The Times Books of the YearA fascinating, surprising and often controversial examination of the real God of the Bible, in all his bodily, uncensored, scandalous forms.'One of the most remarkable historians and communicators working today' – Dan SnowThree thousand years ago, in the lands we now call Israel and Palestine, a group of people worshipped a complex pantheon of deities, led by a father god called El. El had seventy children, who were gods in their own right. One of them was a minor storm deity, known as Yahweh. Yahweh had a body, a wife, offspring and colleagues. He fought monsters and mortals. He gorged on food and wine, wrote books, and took walks and naps. But he would become something far larger and far more abstract: the God of the great monotheistic religions.But as Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou reveals, God’s cultural DNA stretches back centuries before the Bible was written, and persists in the tics and twitches of our own society, whether we are believers or not. The Bible has shaped ideas about God and religion, but also cultural preferences about human existence and experience; our concept of life and death; attitude to sex and gender; habits of eating and drinking; the understanding of history.Examining God’s body, from his head to his hands, feet and genitals, she shows how the Western idea of God developed. She explores the places and artefacts that shaped our view of this singular God and the ancient religions and societies of the biblical world. And in doing so she analyses not only the origins of our oldest monotheistic religions, but also the origins of Western culture.Beautifully written, passionately argued and frequently controversial, God: An Anatomy is cultural history on a grand scale.'Rivetingly fresh and stunning' – Sunday TimesTrade ReviewA learned but rollicking journey through every aspect of Yahweh's body. A book that will offend some but delight more. * Economist Best Books of the Year *Rivetingly fresh and stunning . . . I rather like this inexhaustibly powerful, shouting, bearded giant of a God, a fiery, fierce and startlingly “pagan” God, alive to his very fingertips, laughing at human hubris and singing with unbridled joy. -- Christopher Hart * Sunday Times *Lively . . . [with] a wealth of scholarly detail and much gusto -- Rowan Williams * New Statesman *Professors of Theology are imagined to be dull, gentle souls. This book, however, is a great rebel shout . . . A book that aims to upend the notion of a cloudy, spiritualised creator . . . instructive, vivid and frequently hilarious. * Economist *A marvelous conspectus of references to the divine body in ancient southwest Asian texts. But more than this, it is about recalibrating our understanding of these difficult texts to better understand ourselves. -- Simon Yarrow * Literary Review *God: An Anatomy is a tour de force. Stavrakopoulou has created not just an extraordinarily rich and nuanced portrait of Yahweh himself, but an intricate and detailed account of the cultural values and practices he embodied, and the wider world of myth and history out of which he emerged . . . Stavrakopoulou has taken to heart the biblical injunction to seek the face of God, and what emerges is a deity more terrifyingly alive, more damaged, more compelling, more complex than we have encountered before. More human, you might say. -- Mathew Lyons * New Humanist *Stavrakopoulou is no literalist — indeed, she’s an atheist — but she maintains that her reading makes far more sense than the traditional ones, and her confident tone never falters. -- Dan Hitchens * The Times *A detailed and scrupulously researched book . . . packed with knowledge and insight -- Karen Armstrong * The New York Times *Boldly simple in concept, God: An Anatomy is stunning in its execution. It is a tour de force, a triumph, and I write this as one who disagrees with Stavrakopoulou both on broad theoretical grounds and one who finds himself engaged with her in one narrow textual spat after another . . . A stunning book. -- Jack Miles * Catholic Herald *The sheer amount of primary evidence examined is staggering . . . Stavrakopoulou’s argumentation is intellectually penetrating, analytically robust, and sophisticated . . . Stavrakopoulou’s book, and her public-facing scholarship, demonstrate what makes an outstanding biblical scholar. * Church Times *Good Lord, Stavrakopoulou touches that sweet spot that is scholarly, funny, visceral and heavenly. A revelation. -- Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived and How to Argue with a RacistOne of the most remarkable historians and communicators working today. -- Dan SnowIn both Judaism and Christianity God is conceived as non-physical. In God: An Anatomy Francesca Stavrakopoulou shows that this was not yet so in the Bible, where God appears in a much more corporeal form. This provocative work will surprise and may shock, but it brings to light aspects of the biblical account of God that modern readers seldom appreciate. -- John Barton, Emeritus Professor at Oriel College, Oxford and author of A History of the BibleIn Stavrakopoulou's stunning dissection of historical religious texts, the real back-story and context of the God of Judaism and Christianity is revealed . . . Where pious theologians have abstracted him into emptiness, Stavrakopolou gives him back his substance, and he’s so much more interesting in this bodily form! Both scholarly and accessible, and full of fascinating stories - I guarantee you’ll never think of this God the same way again. -- Professor Alice RobertsMarvelous and stimulating . . . scholarly and beautifully illustrated . . . an exciting read! * Methodist Recorder *This is an extraordinary book. It’ll rewire your thinking, and it’s so readable you won’t notice till it’s too late. -- Tim Whitmarsh, author of Battling the GodsWell-researched . . . A refreshing look at ancient Scripture and the people behind it, reminding readers that the concept of ‘God’ in the 21st century is a world away from that of the earliest people of Israel. A challenging, engaging work of scholarship that sheds new light on ancient Hebrew conceptions of the divine. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisThe only work of its kind to survive from classical antiquity, the Library of Apollodorus is a unique guide to Greek mythology, from the origins of the universe to the Trojan War. Apollodorus'' Library has been used as a source book by classicists from the time of its compilation in the 1st-2nd century BC to the present, influencing writers from antiquity to Robert Graves. It provides a complete history of Greek myth, telling the story of each of the great families of heroic mythology, and the various adventures associated with the main heroes and heroines, from Jason and Perseus to Heracles and Helen of Troy. As a primary source for Greek myth, as a reference work, and as an indication of how the Greeks themselves viewed their mythical traditions, the Library is indispensable to anyone who has an interest in classical mythology. Robin Hard''s accessible and fluent translation is supplemented by comprehensive notes, a map and full genealogical tables. The introduction gives a detailed account of the Library''s sources and situates it within the fascinating narrative traditions of Greek mythology. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade Reviewthe primary source book for all collections of Hellenic myths * Oxford Times *it is an accessible and enjoyable trip through Greek mythology. * Herts Advertiser (St Albans edition), 10 July 1997 *

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Book SynopsisExploring Greek Myth offers an extensive discussion of variant forms of myths and lesser-known stories, including important local myths and local versions of PanHellenic myths. Clark also discusses approaches to understanding myths, allowing students to gain an appreciation of the variety in one volume.Trade Review“This volume admirably achieves Clark’s goal of bridging “the gap between the introductory books and the scholarly studies. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers.” (Choice, 1 October 2012)Table of ContentsList of Illustrations vii Preface ix Acknowledgments xiii Chapter One: The Knife Did It 1Definitions and Characteristics for the Study of Myth Chapter Two: Six Hundred Gods 15Greek Myth and Greek Religion Chapter Three: Homer’s Beauty Pageant 30The Traditions of Myth Chapter Four: Pelops’ Shoulder 43Sources for the Study of Myth Chapter Five: Ikaros’ Wings, Aktaion’s Dogs 54Myth and Meaning Chapter Six: The Bones of Orestes 68Heroes in Myth and Society Chapter Seven: Born from the Earth 80Founders of Cities and Families Chapter Eight: The Judgment of Paris 97Comparative Myth Chapter Nine: Boys in Dresses, Brides with Beards 111Myth and Gender Chapter Ten: Agamemnon’s Mask? 126Myth and History Chapter Eleven: Orestes on Trial 140Myth and Thought Chapter Twelve: Plato and the Poets 154Philosophy and Myth Chapter Thirteen: Conclusion 168 Notes 171 References 179 Index 187

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Book SynopsisConsult the wisdom of the ancient Classical world in this beautiful new oracle, complete with 50 oracle cards and a full-colour guidebook, enclosed in a sleek lidded box.Ancient Greek and Roman gods and goddesses guide the reader in this beautiful new oracle. Discover the mythology behind these figures and how they are relevant to answering modern questions about life. Enjoy the extraordinary beauty and grace of deities such as Aphrodite, Hermes and Zeus. Discover how the morality of these ancient gods continue to hold meaning for us today. Experienced tarot and oracle author, Marie Bruce, reveals how this new 50-card oracle can help you find the answers you seek to any problem you may have.ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Oracle Kits contain everything you need to get started in a spiritual practice. Each kit includes practical guidebook alongside the equipment you need, from tarot cards to pendulums and I Ching coins, presented in a

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Book SynopsisSchool Library Journal Best Books of 2011Eureka! Silver Honor Books—California Reading AssociationCapitol Choices 2012 list of Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens2012 Notable Children''s Books—ALSCThe new National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology offers timeless stories of Greek myths in a beautiful new volume. Brought to life with lyrical text by award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli and stunning artwork by award-winning illustrator Christina Balit, the tales of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Athena and heroes and monsters such as Helen of Troy, Perseus, and Medusa will fascinate and engage children’s imaginations.   National Geographic completes the book with embellishments of each story: sidebars for each god, goddess, hero, and monster link the myths to constellations, geography, history, and culture to help young readers connect the stories to real life events, people, and

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Book Synopsis'Funny, sharp explications of what these sometimes not-very-nice women were up to!' – Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's TaleThe Greek myths are among the world's most important cultural building blocks and they have been retold many times, but rarely do they focus on the remarkable women at the heart of these ancient stories.Now, in Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths, Natalie Haynes – broadcaster, writer and passionate classicist – redresses this imbalance. Taking Pandora and her jar (the box came later) as the starting point, she puts the women of the Greek myths on equal footing with the menfolk.Stories of gods and monsters are the mainstay of epic poetry and Greek tragedy, from Homer to Aeschylus. But modern tellers of Greek myth have usually been men, and have routinely shown little interest in telling women’s stories. And when they do, those women are often painted as monstrous, vengeful or just plain evil. But Pandora – the first woman, who according to legend unloosed chaos upon the world – was not a villain, and even Medea and Phaedra have more nuanced stories than generations of retellings might indicate.After millennia of stories telling of gods and men, be they Zeus or Odysseus, the voices that sing from these pages are those of Hera, Athena and Artemis, and of Clytemnestra, Jocasta, Eurydice and Penelope.'A treasure box of classical delights. Never has ancient misogyny been presented with so much wit and style' - historian Amanda ForemanTrade ReviewReading Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths by Natalie Haynes: Funny, sharp explications of what these sometimes not-very-nice women were up to, and how they sometimes made idiots of . . . but read on! -- Margaret AtwoodIf I'm ever prosecuted, I'd like Natalie Haynes to defend me. She argues persuasively, carving out space for women denied a voice (Medusa), overshadowed (Jocasta) and unjustly condemned (Helen of Troy) . . . Agile, rich, subversive, Pandora's Jar proves that the classics are far from dead, and keep evolving with us. -- Madeleine Feeny * Mail on Sunday *Haynes is a brilliant classicist as well as a stand-up comedian and with her latest offering, Pandora's Jar, she has effectively written the first textbook codifying this new feminist take on the Greek myths. -- Neil Mackay * Herald *Hugely enjoyable and witty * Guardian *Impassioned and informed . . . When Haynes gets down to retelling the stories . . . and teasing out their distortions and elisions, the book flies. * Sunday Times *An erudite, funny and sometimes angry attempt to fill in the blank spaces. -- Stephanie Merritt * Observer *The best kind of academic writing; engaged, engaging and fun (Beyoncé, Ray Harryhausen and Buffy the Vampire Slayer all turn up within). * Herald, Christmas Books 2020 *Witty and frequently surprising -- Farah Abdessamad * TLS *Beyoncé, Star Trek, Ray Harryhausen . . . the most enjoyable book about Greek myths you will ever read, absolutely brimming with subversive enthusiasm. -- Mark HaddonWitty, erudite and subversive, this takes the women of Greek myth—the women who are sidelined, vilified, misunderstood or ignored—and puts them centre stage. -- Samantha Ellis, author of How to Be a Heroine and Take CourageNatalie Haynes is beyond brilliant. Pandora’s Jar is a treasure box of classical delights. Never has ancient misogyny been presented with so much wit and style. -- Amanda ForemanNatalie Haynes is the nation's muse -- Adam RutherfordNatalie Haynes is both a witty and an erudite guide. She wears her extensive learning lightly and deftly drags the Classics into the modern world. I loved it. -- Kate Atkinson, author of Life After Life

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Book SynopsisThe sparse prose in this unconventional, must-read of a trauma-infused borderline thriller is packed with emotional breadth. ?Kirkus Reviews (starred review)In this intimate poetic reimagining of the Icarus myth, Ancrum crafts a subversive triumph that is a love letter both to healing from trauma and to the importance of connection and empathy. ?Publishers Weekly (starred review)Beautifully written...Psychologically acute, subtle, and sophisticated. ?ALA Booklist (starred review)In her extraordinary fifth novel, Icarus, K. Ancrum performs a confident high-wire act, balancing the weighty manifestations of connection, desire, and contradiction. ?BookPage (starred review) ?Gradually, many secrets are revealed, suspense builds, and the romantic tension between the characters ratchets up?all of it enhanced by the vivid prose in this refreshingly succinct novel.? ?The Horn Book Both romance and thriller fans will likely be gripped by this memorable love story, tinged with mythology, built around a mystery made up of bitter secrets between the two families. ?The Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books (starred review)Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, this suspenseful queer YA romance from critically acclaimed author K. Ancrum reimagines the tale of Icarus as a star-crossed love story between a young art thief and the son of the man he?s been stealing from?think Portrait of a Thief for YA readers.Icarus Gallagher is a thief. He steals priceless art and replaces it with his father?s impeccable forgeries. For years, one man?the wealthy Mr. Black?has been their target in revenge for his role in the death of Icarus?s mother. To keep their secret, Icarus adheres to his own strict rules to keep people, and feelings, at bay: Don?t let anyone close. Don?t let anyone touch you. And, above all, don?t get caught.Until one night, he does. Not by Mr. Black but by his mysterious son, Helios, now living under house arrest in the Black mansion. Instead of turning Icarus in, Helios bargains for something even more dangerous?a friendship that breaks every single one of Icarus?s rules.As reluctance and distrust become closeness and something more, they uncover the gilded cage that has trapped both their families for years. One Icarus is determined to escape. But his father?s thirst for revenge shows no sign of fading, and soon it may force Icarus to choose: the escape he?s dreamed of, or the boy he?s come to love. Reaching for both could be his greatest triumph?or it could be his downfall.?It''s a myth that inspires even today. K. Ancrum remodels it entirely in a young adult fantasy that''s easily one of the most acclaimed titles of the year (and it''s only March).? ?ParadeIn Ancrum''s character-driven Icarus, flying too close to the warmth of the sun, to the unique light offered by each person, is not a matter of gross overreach but is, in fact, a necessity, a basic condition of humanity and interconnectedness, even at the risk of violent crash and burn. ?BookBrowseAncrum weaves themes of socioconomic class, love, gender, and revenge, making this a compelling read. A poignant exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery. ?School Library Journal

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Book Synopsis''Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking'' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne***A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year***This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca''s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women - and their goddesses - that will change the course of the world.''The greatest power we women can own is that which we take in secret.''Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door. No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus''s empty throne - not yet. But as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war . . .From the multi award-winning Claire North comes a daring, exquisite and moving tale that breathes life into ancient myth, and tells of the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It''s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . . ''Everything I''ve wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece'' Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin''Told in the arresting voice of the goddess Hera . . . Ithaca conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies'' The Times''Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history'' Booklist''Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime'' Hannah Lynn, author of Athena''s ChildThe Songs of Penelope series:IthacaHouse of OdysseusThe Last Song of PenelopeTrade ReviewClaire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' -- Jennifer Saint, author of SUNDAY TIMES bestseller ARIADNEEverything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece * Sarah Bonner, author of HER PERFECT TWIN *Told in the arresting voice of the goddess Hera . . . Ithaca conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies * THE TIMES *Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime * Hannah Lynn, author of ATHENA'S CHILD *Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history * BOOKLIST *Full of cunning and intrigue * WOMAN & HOME *A gorgeous, emotive feminist retelling of the classic Greek myth of Penelope * BELFAST TELEGRAPH *Like Penelope at her loom North both weaves and unweaves, teasing out the threads of Homeric myth to recombine them into something unique, wonderful and urgently contemporary -- M. R. Carey, author of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTSThere is something fateful about The Songs of Penelope trilogy: that this voice would come to this story, a pairing so perfect it was worth waiting a few thousand years for. North's writing is evocative, vibrant and delightfully witty - capable of rending your heart in two or clutching at your sides with only a few words from a scathing and surprisingly ardent godly-narrator. * Bea Fitzgerald, author of GIRL, GODDESS, QUEEN *The queen of the gods narrates a crackling tale of secrets and intrigue... this is a ground-up view of Greek myth populated by spying maids, crafty merchants, and conniving queens. It's taut, suspenseful, and full of Hera's delightfully dyspeptic attitude. A thoroughly enjoyable exploration of Penelope's side of the ancient story * KIRKUS *This is a story as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, as witty as it is intelligent. If you're going to delve into Greek retellings, let it absolutely be this one * THE FANTASY HIVE *North's novels are always complex and intricately weaved, and Ithaca is no exception. Narrated by Hera, it immerses you in Penelope's story and the wider tales of other women, both goddesses and slaves, as well as Penelope's son and her suitors . . . This fascinating and multi-layered novel won't disappoint. * CULTUREFLY *The book shines and is clearly written for the women, telling the stories the poets won't. These characters are given depth; they are entertainingly and deeply flawed, ultimately grappling with their own place in a patriarchal society . . . North has penned a beautiful character study, offering a nuanced take on feminism, power dynamics and the identity of mothers. The groundwork laid for the sequels leaves relationships to be repaired and characters to face further growth. We are given a closing montage in Ithaca for the future to come in what is sure to be an insightful, original and assumption-cutting series * BOOKREPORTER *I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. As an added bonus, I've also just discovered some wondrous news; a sequel called House of Odysseus is set to follow. This won't be the last we see of Penelope. How very splendid. I cannot wait for more * THE ELOQUENT PAGE *Ithaca introduces the many, many characters beautifully and really lays the groundwork for an enjoyable and poignant series * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY *North's talent shines out -- SUNDAY TIMESNorth goes from strength to strength -- GUARDIANAn original and even dazzling writer -- KIRKUS

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Book SynopsisTake a tour of ancient Greece in this vibrant sticker activity book from the British Museum! Add some statues to the Acropolis, fill the busy marketplace with people and pots and use stickers to fill the ancient Olympic games with athletes. Then visit an archaeological dig to uncover amazing artefacts, before curating your very own museum exhibit with real-life photographic object stickers from the British Museum collection. Includes four pages of colourful stickers to add to 11 scenes and energetic artwork from Sophie Beer. Other titles in the series include: Ancient Egypt

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Book SynopsisIn Hellenismos, Tony Mierzwicki shows how to bring back ancient Greek religion in all of its primal glory. Recreate the practices of the Greeks and enjoy the richness of their spiritual rites. Includes history, heroes, festival observances, and ways to integrate reconstruction into your practice.

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Book SynopsisAphrodite is an often misunderstood goddess, one who is easy to relegate to the love goddess role, but she is a goddess who also shows up as an initiator and, some might say, troublemaker. In this book, we seek to explore the complexity of a goddess who was born on sea foam and who inspires beauty and love, all the while offering a hand toward each one of us to celebrate our full hearts.

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Book SynopsisRoused by a single drop of blood, Rosie Daniels wakes up to the chilling realisation that her husband is going to kill her. And she takes flight - with his credit card. Alone in a strange city, Rosie begins to build a new life: she meets Bill and she finds an odd junk shop painting, ''Rose Madder'', which strangely seems to want her as much as she wants it. But it''s hard for Rosie not to keep looking over her shoulder. Norman is a corrupt cop with the instincts of a predator. A man almost mythic in his monstrosity. For Rosie to survive, she must enter the myth and become a person she never knew she could be - Rose Madder.Because Norman is getting close. Rosie can feel how close he is getting . . .Trade ReviewRelentlessly paced and brilliantly orchestrated . . . one of King's most engrossing and topical * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *A superb suspense novel * THE SUNDAY TIMES *Rousing . . . vivid and sensitive * THE NEW YORK TIMES *

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Book SynopsisThis unique and entertaining travel guide to Greek waters recreates parts of voyages undertaken in myth, anchoring off landmarks or ports associated with ancient legends. It follows the trails of Odysseus, Hercules, and Jason and the Argonauts, as well as visiting the sites where Poseidon lost his trident (off Paxos) and built his temple (on the Saronic Gulf), the cliff where Theseus's father threw himself to his death after fearing his son had been killed by the minotaur, and Troy, the remains of which survive as a reminder of the city that withstood a 10-year siege.With almost 6,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece is a maritime nation like no other and according to its mythology this has been the case since the days when seafarers believed their fortunes, good or ill, lay in the hands of Poseidon. Sailing through these crystal clear waters today is a voyage into history, whether true or legendary.Retelling all the myths, from the very well-known to the less familiar, <Trade ReviewA highly entertaining book… the legends are vividly and hilariously retold and lead so appealingly from one destination to another that one wants to begin plotting the co-ordinates immediately. * Yachting Monthly *Story driven as well as informative…wonderfully readable even if one isn’t heading to the Med any time soon. * Yachting Monthly *Entertaining cruising companion to Greek waters…including stunning colour photography…and packed with useful and practical pointers for pilotage and passage planning. * Powerboat & RIB Magazine *Mythical tales and beautiful pictures of romantic ruins are complemented by practical advice on matters such as navigation and mooring. This beautifully presented book provides some much-needed escapism and a reminder of how important seafaring has been through the ages. * Nautilus Telegraph *The book is filled with photography and useful and practical pointers for pilotage and passage-planning, including prevailing winds and anchorages, so you too can voyage through the world of monsters and hereos. * Classic Boat magazine *Beautifully and profusely illustrated... Impressively informative and exceptional in both organization and presentation * Midwest Book Review *

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Book SynopsisNatalie Haynes is a writer and broadcaster. She is the author of The Amber Fury, The Children of Jocasta, A Thousand Ships, which was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2020, and Stone Blind. Her non-fiction book about women in Greek Myth, Pandora's Jar, was a bestseller in both the UK and the US. She has written and performed eight series of her BBC Radio 4 show, Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics. In 2015 she was awarded the Classical Association Prize for her work in bringing Classics to a wider audience.

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Book SynopsisHaving secured a First Class Honours degree in Classical Literature and Civilisation at the University of Birmingham, Rosie Hewlett has studied Greek mythology in depth and is passionate about unearthing strong female voices within the classical world. Her self-published debut novel, Medusa, won the Rubery Book of the Year award in 2021.

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Book SynopsisIn Divine Might Natalie Haynes, author of the bestselling Pandora’s Jar, returns to the world of Greek myth and this time she examines the role of the goddesses.We meet Athene, who sprang fully formed from her father’s head: goddess of war and wisdom, guardian of Athens. We run with Artemis, goddess of hunting and protector of young girls (apart from those she decides she wants as a sacrifice). Here is Aphrodite, goddess of sex and desire – there is no deity more determined and able to make you miserable if you annoy her. And then there’s the queen of all the Olympian gods: Hera, Zeus’s long-suffering wife, whose jealousy of his dalliances with mortals, nymphs and goddesses lead her to wreak elaborate, vicious revenge on those who have wronged her.We also meet Demeter, goddess of agriculture and mother of the kidnapped Persephone, we sing the immortal song of the Muses and we warm ourselves with Hestia, goddess of the hearth and sacrificial fire. The Furies carry flames of another kind – black fires of vengeance for those who incur their wrath.These goddesses are as mighty, revered and destructive as their male counterparts. Isn’t it time we looked beyond the columns of a ruined temple to the awesome power within?

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Book SynopsisWhat is the difference between a ghost and a ghoul? How do you tell a good Jinn from a bad one? Where would you find a chimera or a manticore? What did Herodotus have to say about werewolves? In this enchanting little book, television producer and mythozoologist Tam OMalley explores the rich world of mythological animals, from banshees to harpies, griffins to vampires. These ancient beasties still intrigue us today, filling popular novels, screens and imaginations. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 The Banshee 2 Basilisk and Cockatrice 4 Blemmyae and Sciapods 6 Centaurs and Satyrs 8 Chimera 10 Cyclopes 12 Dragons and Wormes 14 Fairies, Elves, Goblins, Pixies and Gnomes 16 Ghouls 18 The Gorgons 20 The Griffin 22 Harpies and Sirens 24 Hydra and Cerberus 26 Jinn 28 Lamassu and Manticore 30 Leviathan, and Kraken 32 Mandrakes and Dryads 34 Mermaids and Fishmen 36 The Minotaur 38 Nagas and Naiads 40 The Phoenix 42 The Sphinx 44 Trolls 46 Typhon 48 Unicorns 50 Vampires 52 Werewolves and Anubis 54 Living Myths 56 Modern Myths 58

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Book SynopsisWinner of The PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize 2022Shortlisted for The Wolfson History Prize 2022A The Times Books of the Year 2022Three thousand years ago, in the Southwest Asian lands we now call Israel and Palestine, a group of people worshipped a complex pantheon of deities, led by a father god called El. El had seventy children, who were gods in their own right. One of them was a minor storm deity, known as Yahweh. Yahweh had a body, a wife, offspring and colleagues. He fought monsters and mortals. He gorged on food and wine, wrote books, and took walks and naps. But he would become something far larger and far more abstract: the God of the great monotheistic religions.But as Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou reveals, God’s cultural DNA stretches back centuries before the Bible was written, and persists in the tics and twitches of our own society, whether we are believers or not. The Bible has shaped our ideas about God and religion, but also our cultural preferences about human existence and experience; our concept of life and death; our attitude to sex and gender; our habits of eating and drinking; our understanding of history. Examining God’s body, from his head to his hands, feet and genitals, she shows how the Western idea of God developed. She explores the places and artefacts that shaped our view of this singular God and the ancient religions and societies of the biblical world. And in doing so she analyses not only the origins of our oldest monotheistic religions, but also the origins of Western culture.Beautifully written, passionately argued and frequently controversial, God: An Anatomy is cultural history on a grand scale.'Rivetingly fresh and stunning' – Sunday Times'One of the most remarkable historians and communicators working today' – Dan SnowTrade ReviewA learned but rollicking journey through every aspect of Yahweh's body. A book that will offend some but delight more. * Economist Best Books of the Year *Lively . . . [with] a wealth of scholarly detail and much gusto -- Rowan Williams * New Statesman *Rivetingly fresh and stunning . . . I rather like this inexhaustibly powerful, shouting, bearded giant of a God, a fiery, fierce and startlingly “pagan” God, alive to his very fingertips, laughing at human hubris and singing with unbridled joy. -- Christopher Hart * Sunday Times *A marvelous conspectus of references to the divine body in ancient southwest Asian texts. But more than this, it is about recalibrating our understanding of these difficult texts to better understand ourselves. -- Simon Yarrow * Literary Review *Professors of Theology are imagined to be dull, gentle souls. This book, however, is a great rebel shout . . . A book that aims to upend the notion of a cloudy, spiritualised creator . . . instructive, vivid and frequently hilarious. * Economist *Stavrakopoulou is no literalist — indeed, she’s an atheist — but she maintains that her reading makes far more sense than the traditional ones, and her confident tone never falters. -- Dan Hitchens * The Times *God: An Anatomy is a tour de force. Stavrakopoulou has created not just an extraordinarily rich and nuanced portrait of Yahweh himself, but an intricate and detailed account of the cultural values and practices he embodied, and the wider world of myth and history out of which he emerged . . . Stavrakopoulou has taken to heart the biblical injunction to seek the face of God, and what emerges is a deity more terrifyingly alive, more damaged, more compelling, more complex than we have encountered before. More human, you might say. -- Mathew Lyons * New Humanist *A detailed and scrupulously researched book . . . packed with knowledge and insight -- Karen Armstrong * The New York Times *Boldly simple in concept, God: An Anatomy is stunning in its execution. It is a tour de force, a triumph, and I write this as one who disagrees with Stavrakopoulou both on broad theoretical grounds and one who finds himself engaged with her in one narrow textual spat after another . . . A stunning book. -- Jack Miles * Catholic Herald *The sheer amount of primary evidence examined is staggering . . . Stavrakopoulou’s argumentation is intellectually penetrating, analytically robust, and sophisticated . . . Stavrakopoulou’s book, and her public-facing scholarship, demonstrate what makes an outstanding biblical scholar. * Church Times *Good Lord, Stavrakopoulou touches that sweet spot that is scholarly, funny, visceral and heavenly. A revelation. -- Adam Rutherford, author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived and How to Argue with a RacistOne of the most remarkable historians and communicators working today. -- Dan SnowIn both Judaism and Christianity God is conceived as non-physical. In God: An Anatomy Francesca Stavrakopoulou shows that this was not yet so in the Bible, where God appears in a much more corporeal form. This provocative work will surprise and may shock, but it brings to light aspects of the biblical account of God that modern readers seldom appreciate. -- John Barton, Emeritus Professor at Oriel College, Oxford and author of A History of the BibleIn Stavrakopoulou's stunning dissection of historical religious texts, the real back-story and context of the God of Judaism and Christianity is revealed . . . Where pious theologians have abstracted him into emptiness, Stavrakopolou gives him back his substance, and he’s so much more interesting in this bodily form! Both scholarly and accessible, and full of fascinating stories - I guarantee you’ll never think of this God the same way again. -- Professor Alice RobertsMarvelous and stimulating . . . scholarly and beautifully illustrated . . . an exciting read! * Methodist Recorder *This is an extraordinary book. It’ll rewire your thinking, and it’s so readable you won’t notice till it’s too late. -- Tim Whitmarsh, author of Battling the GodsWell-researched . . . A refreshing look at ancient Scripture and the people behind it, reminding readers that the concept of ‘God’ in the 21st century is a world away from that of the earliest people of Israel. A challenging, engaging work of scholarship that sheds new light on ancient Hebrew conceptions of the divine. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisFor a period in time that gave us Sappho and the love affair of Achilles and Patroclus, the Ancient Greek relationship with queer folk is more complicated that at first glance. Tales as old as antiquity persevere, whether the goddess of love Aphrodite, Tiresias, the prophet who spent time as both man and woman, or the infamous Heracles. But, what can these ancient stories offer our contemporary world? Historian Jean Menzies dives into the world of queer retellings and the Greek myths being told anew by LGBTQ+ writers. From explorations of gender and identity across millennia, to celebrating queer love in its many forms, All the Violet Tiaras invites readers to discover the power to be found in remaking these myths, time and again, carving a space for queer stories to be told with all the complexity and tenderness they deserve, with a goddess or two for good measure.

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Book Synopsis- THE RECORD-BREAKING, MULTIMILLION COPY GLOBAL BESTSELLER AND TIKTOK SENSATION -Discover the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling thriller with a jaw-dropping twist that everyone is talking about - as seen on TikTok. Soon to be a major film. Alicia Berenson lived a seemingly perfect life until one day six years ago.When she shot her husband in the head five times.Since then she hasn''t spoken a single word. It''s time to find out why.READERS LOVE THE SILENT PATIENT⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ''Everything you need from a psychological thriller with a killer twist that is impossible to see coming!''⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ''Fiendishly clever ... believe the hype.''⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ''Grabs your afternoon from the start and never lets go<Trade ReviewAbsolutely brilliant . . . I read it in a state of intense, breathless excitement * STEPHEN FRY *Masterly plotting, Hitchcockian suspense and an absolute jaw-dropper of an ending. Read this book! * LUCY FOLEY, bestselling author of THE HUNTING PARTY *Intelligent, imaginative and a terrific read * THE TIMES - Crime Book of the Month *I read it in two nights and savoured every luscious word, every grim encounter, every startling twist * DAVID BALDACCI *Smart, sophisticated suspense - a very fine novel by any standard * LEE CHILD *The perfect thriller. I quite literally couldn't put it down * A. J. Finn, bestselling author of THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW *A taut, meticulously plotted and compelling novel * THE OBSERVER *The Silent Patient may be a first novel, but it has the pace and finesse of a master * BBC CULTURE *One of the best thrillers I've read this year. Masterfully plotted and brilliantly paced by a writer at the top of his game * CARA HUNTER, Sunday Times bestselling author of CLOSE TO HOME *A superior psycho-thriller * THE TIMES *I was kicking myself black and blue that I did not see *that* moment coming. I have never been so happily wrong-footed. A very clever book - highly recommended. * C. J. TUDOR, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE CHALK MAN *A neatly woven, intelligently written story that lifts the curtain on the complexities of trauma and the human psyche * ALI LAND, Sunday Times bestselling author of GOOD ME, BAD ME *The definition of a page turner. The twist comes as hard and fast as a slap across the face. * JOHN MARRS, bestselling author of THE GOOD SAMARITAN *Genuinely chilling and with a real sucker punch of a twist * SHARON BOLTON, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE CRAFTSMAN *A hugely impressive debut * STEVE CAVANAGH, bestselling author of THIRTEEN *Comes with a killer twist * SUNDAY TIMES Crime Club *An unforgettable - and Hollywood-bound - new thriller * ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY *An excellent, slow-burning psychological thriller; sharp, clever and with a whammy that genuinely took me by surprise * JOANNE HARRIS *Impossible to put down, with a twist that will blow your mind * MARK EDWARDS, bestselling author of THE MAGPIES *One of the most hotly anticipated novels of this year * DAILY EXPRESS *One of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read . . . with an ending that is destined to go down as one of the most shocking, mind-blowing twists in recent memory * BLAKE CROUCH, author of DARK MATTER *

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Book SynopsisEmilie K. Baker (1873-1951) was the author and curator of a number of collections of classical myths and legends including Tales from Ancient Greece and Rome and Tales from the Northland.

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Book SynopsisAn outstanding distillation of Grimal's classic reference, this extensively cross-referenced work offers clear and concise entries that capture the essence of Greek and Roman mythology.

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Book SynopsisThe Derveni Papyrus, discovered accidentally in 1962, is the oldest known European book. Papers in Poetry as Initiation address many open questions about the papyrus, including its authorship, the context of the peculiar chthonic ritual described in the text, and the relationship of the author and the ritual to the so-called Orphic texts.

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Book SynopsisThe Greek myths have a universal appeal, reaching far beyond the time and physical place in which they were created. In this book, the reader is taken on a tour of 22 destinations in Greece and Turkey, from Mount Olympus to Homer's Hades, recounting the tales from Greek mythology and the history associated with each.Trade Review'An innovative approach to Greek mythology … original and entertaining' - British Museum Magazine'A friendly and intelligent guide, which serves well as a general introduction to Greek mythology. It would also make for a gratifying travel companion, offering easy on-site access to beautiful and relevant quotations from ancient literature' - MinervaTable of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Mount Olympus • 2. Sunium • 3. Eleusis and the Mysteries of Demeter and Persephone • 4. Delos • 5. Delphi • 6. Ephesus • 7. Paphos • 8. Pylos • 9. Olympia, Pelops and the Games • 10. Thebes • 11. Tiryns and the Labours of Heracles • 12. Iolcus and Mount Pelion • 13. Corinth and False Promises of Love • 14. Argos, Land of Hera, Home of Heroes • 15. Athens • 16. Knossos • 17. Calydon • 18. Sparta • 19. Mycenae and the Curse on Agamemnon’s Family • 20. Troy • 21. Ithaca and the Wanderings of Odysseus • 22. Hades

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Book SynopsisArtemis is a literary, iconographic, and archaeological study of the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, who presided over the transitions and mediations between the wild and the civilized, youth and maturity, life and death. Beginning with a study of the early origins of Artemis and her cult in the Bronze and Archaic Ages, Budin explores the goddess'' persona and her role in the lives of her worshippers.This volume examines her birth and childhood, her place in the divine family, her virginity, and her associations with those places where the wilds become the cities of just men. The focus then turns to Artemis' role in the lives of children and women, particularly how she helps them navigate the transition to adulthood and, perhaps too often, death. Budin goes on to reconsider some of the more harrowing aspects of Artemis' mythology, such as plague and bloodshed, while also examining some of her kinder, oft overlooked associations. Finally, the role of Artemis in theTrade Review"Stephanie Budin’s Artemis is a richly detailed and engaging study that offers a welcome contribution to the fields of Greek religion and mythology. Expertly weaving together evidence from literary texts and inscriptions, archaeology and the visual arts, Budin uncovers the many meanings and layers of Artemis through her origin stories, her iconic roles as virgin and huntress, and her mediating function as a goddess of critical female transitions. With the passion and wit of a great teacher, Budin convincingly demonstrates that the worship of Artemis was truly a life-or-death matter for the ancient Greeks." - Monica S. Cyrino, University of New Mexico"Although principally writing for undergraduates, historian Budin not only surveys the current scholarship but also argues for revisions; most compellingly, that Artemis was not associated with warfare, and that the evidence claimed for that view is from the Roman period, or is methodologically flawed. While rigorous, the volume remains clear and approachable: all Greek is translated; arguments based on Greek language are judiciously chosen and lucid. An important book for collections supporting study of mythology, religion, and literature, and likely to appeal to a broader audience...Summing Up: Highly recommended." - P. E. Ojennus, Whitworth University, CHOICETable of ContentsIntroduction: Why Artemis?1 An Early History of Artemis2 The Childhood and Perpetual Virginity of Artemis3 Artemis of the Wilds4 Artemis and Children5 Artemis and Women6 Artemis as Goddess of Plague and Cruelty7 Some Underappreciated Aspects of Artemis8 Artemis Afterwards

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Book SynopsisThe mythologies of the world are collective cultural dreams, and as such should be analyzed first from cultural perspectives. How do myths of the ancient Egyptians or Greeks, for instance, reflect the realities of the Egyptian and Greek cultures? When compared, however, mythologies reveal certain universal themes or motifs that point to larger trans-cultural issues such as the place of the human species in creation or the nature of deity as a concept. World Mythology: A Very Short Introduction is organized around the universal motifs. Creation, the Flood, the Hero Quest, the Trickster/Culture Hero, the Pantheons, the High God, the Great Goddess. Veteran mythology scholar David Leeming examines examples of each motif from a variety of cultures--Greek, Egyptian, Norse, American Indian, African, Polynesian, Jewish, Christian, Hindu--treating them as reflections of the cultures that dreamed them. He compares and analyzes them, exposing their universal significance and creating a world mythology.Trade ReviewDavid Leeming distils world mythology into some of its most essential forms — deity, creation, flood, trickster, and hero — and he offers illuminating examples of each one. His clear, concise summaries and interpretations will surely serve as springboards for further research. This volume makes an inspiring introduction for newcomers to the field, and a handy reference guide for anyone already working with myth. * Joanna Gardner, Co-founder, Fates and Graces Mythologium *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Definitions 1 Deity 2 Creation 3 The flood 4 The trickster 5 The hero Conclusion References Further Reading Index

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Book Synopsis''Claire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking'' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne***A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year***This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca''s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women - and their goddesses - that will change the course of the world.''The greatest power we women can own is that which we take in secret.''Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the isle of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom. Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her posiTrade ReviewClaire North brings a powerful, fresh and unflinching voice to ancient myth - darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' -- Jennifer Saint, author of SUNDAY TIMES bestseller ARIADNEEverything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece * Sarah Bonner, author of HER PERFECT TWIN *Told in the arresting voice of the goddess Hera . . . Ithaca conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies * THE TIMES *Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime * Hannah Lynn, author of ATHENA'S CHILD *Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history * BOOKLIST *Full of cunning and intrigue * WOMAN & HOME *A gorgeous, emotive feminist retelling of the classic Greek myth of Penelope * BELFAST TELEGRAPH *Like Penelope at her loom North both weaves and unweaves, teasing out the threads of Homeric myth to recombine them into something unique, wonderful and urgently contemporary -- M. R. Carey, author of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTSThere is something fateful about The Songs of Penelope trilogy: that this voice would come to this story, a pairing so perfect it was worth waiting a few thousand years for. North's writing is evocative, vibrant and delightfully witty - capable of rending your heart in two or clutching at your sides with only a few words from a scathing and surprisingly ardent godly-narrator. * Bea Fitzgerald, author of GIRL, GODDESS, QUEEN *The queen of the gods narrates a crackling tale of secrets and intrigue... this is a ground-up view of Greek myth populated by spying maids, crafty merchants, and conniving queens. It's taut, suspenseful, and full of Hera's delightfully dyspeptic attitude. A thoroughly enjoyable exploration of Penelope's side of the ancient story * KIRKUS *This is a story as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, as witty as it is intelligent. If you're going to delve into Greek retellings, let it absolutely be this one * THE FANTASY HIVE *North's novels are always complex and intricately weaved, and Ithaca is no exception. Narrated by Hera, it immerses you in Penelope's story and the wider tales of other women, both goddesses and slaves, as well as Penelope's son and her suitors . . . This fascinating and multi-layered novel won't disappoint. * CULTUREFLY *The book shines and is clearly written for the women, telling the stories the poets won't. These characters are given depth; they are entertainingly and deeply flawed, ultimately grappling with their own place in a patriarchal society . . . North has penned a beautiful character study, offering a nuanced take on feminism, power dynamics and the identity of mothers. The groundwork laid for the sequels leaves relationships to be repaired and characters to face further growth. We are given a closing montage in Ithaca for the future to come in what is sure to be an insightful, original and assumption-cutting series * BOOKREPORTER *I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. As an added bonus, I've also just discovered some wondrous news; a sequel called House of Odysseus is set to follow. This won't be the last we see of Penelope. How very splendid. I cannot wait for more * THE ELOQUENT PAGE *Ithaca introduces the many, many characters beautifully and really lays the groundwork for an enjoyable and poignant series * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY *North's talent shines out -- SUNDAY TIMESNorth goes from strength to strength -- GUARDIANAn original and even dazzling writer -- KIRKUS

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Book SynopsisPenguin presents the unabridged audio CD edition of Mythos written and read by Stephen Fry.THE TIMES AUDIOBOOK OF THE WEEK''Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance'' The Times''A cracking good story'' The Times Literary Supplement ''A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought we knew. Page to page, Mythos is brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling'' Richard North Patterson''Fry''s lively writing certainly conveys his lifelong passion for Greek myths . . . It''s a rollicking good read'' The Independent_________No one loves and quarrels, desires and deceives as boldly and brilliantly as Greek gods and goddesses. They are like us, only more so - their actions and adventures scrawled across the heavens above. From the birth of the univTrade ReviewThe Greek myths are told to you here by the ever-soothing voice of Stephen Fry, who takes you from Zeus to Athena with his typical humour. The Greek gods of the past become relatable as pop culture, modern literature and music are woven throughout. It is joyfully informal yet full of the literary legacy threaded through so much of the tapestry of contemporary Greece * The Guardian *Wit and erudition are impressively evident . . . Read by Fry with his accustomed ebullient showmanship [he] gives the legends modern resonance by telling them with a contemporary colloquial twist' -- AUDIOBOOK of the WEEK * The Times *Mythos is the best thing he's written since his superb first novel . . . it is entertaining and edifying - one cannot really ask for more than that * The Telegraph *Fry's lively writing certainly conveys his lifelong passion for Greek myths . . . It's a rollicking good read * The Independent *Fry reimagines the Greek myths with wit, warmth and humanity, bringing them into the modern age. A welcome addition to any bookshelf * Book Bag *Mythos is Stephen's vivid retelling of the Greek myths. Bringing to life the Gods, monsters and mortals of Ancient Greece, he reimagines their astonishing stories for the modern world. * Express and Star *Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance * The Times *A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought weknew. Page to page, Mythos is brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling -- Richard North Patterson * - *[Fry] exhibits prodigious learning, a great facility with words, and enormous erudition and enthusiasm * Mail on Sunday *Lively, humorous and intimate, this retelling has real charm * The Guardian *Fry takes us from Zeus to Athena with humour. The Greek gods of the past become relatable as pop culture, modern literature and music are woven throughout. Joyfully informal yet full of the literary legacy * Guardian *Fresh revivals of the myths of ancient Greece. In his own imitable style, Fry takes an erudite look at the doings of gods, goddesses, kings, queens and ordinary mortals * The Bay *I quite like Mythos, Stephen Fry's book on the Greek myths - he makes them amusing. I like people that illuminate the past with humour -- Jools HollandMythos has the gripping nature that one would hope for from a modern blockbuster. Filled with a sharp and delightful sense of humour, Stephen Fry's many witticisms making it an even more enjoyable read. I would recommend it for so many reasons * The National *Brilliant . . . Stephen Fry's writing style makes it appealing to all. There's something for everyone * The Herald *Reimagines the lives of ancient Greek gods and goddesses through a humorous lens, using casual language and making valuable comparisons to modern characters or events. It's also just really, really funny * American Express Essentials *Arguably the greatest living Englishman * Indendent on Sunday *The patron saint of British intelligence * Daily Telegraph *National Treasure: noun - someone or something regarded as emblematic of a nation's cultural heritage, such as Stephen Fry * Oxford English Dictionary *

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Book SynopsisDaily religious devotion in the Greek and Roman worlds centered on the family and the home. Besides official worship in rural sacred areas and at temples in towns, the ancients kept household shrines with statuettes of different deities that could have a deep personal and spiritual meaning. Roman houses were often filled with images of gods. Gods and goddesses were represented in mythological paintings on walls and in decorative mosaics on floors, in bronze and marble sculptures, on ornate silver dining vessels, and on lowly clay oil lamps that lit dark rooms. Even many modest homes had one or more religious objects that were privately venerated. Ranging from the humble to the magnificent, these small objects could be fashioned in any medium from terracotta to precious metal or stone. Showcasing the collections in the Getty Villa, this book's emphasis on the spiritual beliefs and practices of individuals promises to make the works of Greek and Roman art more accessible to readers. Compelling representations of private religious devotion, these small objects express personal ways of worshiping that are still familiar to us today. A chapter on contemporary domestic worship further enhances the relevance of these miniature sculptures for modern viewers.Trade Review"Household Gods is a splendid publication on several counts. It is elegantly presented and the illustrations (of objects for the most part in the J. Paul Getty Museum) have been chosen with wit and sensitivity. The real strengths, however, lie in the sparkling text, which reflects the latest research in Greek and Roman religion."-Art Newspaper Household Gods is a splendid publication on several counts. It is elegantly presented and the illustrations (of objects for the most part in the J. Paul Getty Museum) have been chosen with witand sensitivity. The real strengths, however, lie in the sparkling text, which reflects the latest research in Greek and Roman religion. Art Newspaper "

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis is a spirited retelling of stories that Fry clearly knows and loves * The Times *Assured and engaging. The pace is lively, the jokes are genuinely funny, and Fry once again proves himself a master of great learning worn lightly * Guardian *Here, indeed, be monsters, myriad adventures and machinating gods. Fry is a personable and passionate narrator * Mail on Sunday *Just as delightful and difficult to put down as the first. Heroes makes the stories relatable without skimping on the gory details, or sacrificing the truths of the myth. It's rich, it's funny and you'll feel like you've learned a lot * Herald *Fry brilliantly retells the dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales of these heroic men and women in all their grit and glory. Filled with white-knuckle chases and twisted labyrinths, impossible puzzles and blood-curdling monsters * Northern Ireland Homes & Lifestyle *Just as delightful and difficult to put down as the first. It makes stories relatable without skimping on the gory details * Sunday Life *Rich, funny and you'll feel like you've learned a lot along the way * Eastern Daily Press *Tales of fatal flaws, perilous journeys and shining acts of heroism are told with gusto and young and old will be engrossed. The audiobook is an absolute gem too, read by the author who has a winning way of bringing these epic tales to life * Western Morning News *Joyfully informal yet full of the literary legacy. The Greek gods of the past become relatable * Guardian (on 'Mythos') *The best thing he's written since his superb first novel . . . entertaining and edifying * Telegraph (on 'Mythos') *A rollicking good read * Independent (on 'Mythos') *Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance * The Times (on 'Mythos') *A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought we knew. Brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling -- Richard North Patterson (on 'Mythos')Fry makes the stories relatable without skimping on the wonderful gory details, or sacrificing the traditional truths of the myth * i (The paper for today) *Stephen Fry has created a magnificent book. Humorous, but with serious stories told with wit and erudition. This is a book that will delight readers of all ages. Fry's writing is never less than delightful * Moorlander *Fry is a natural storyteller and his lively retellings make for an entertaining read * Hannah Beckerman, Observer *The comedian and polymath retells age-old Greek myths in dramatic, modernised style * i *One of the nation's favourite intellectuals retells the epic myths of the Greek heroes in his own unique and very enjoyable way * Cambridge Independent *Ebullient and funny * The Times *Entertaining and edifying * Daily Telegraph *A rollicking good read * Independent *Fry exhibits enormous erudition and enthusiasm * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning poet and playwright behind Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half-God of Rainfall is an epic story and a lyrical exploration of pride, power and female revenge.There is something about Demi. When this boy is angry, rain clouds gather. When he cries, rivers burst their banks and the first time he takes a shot on a basketball court, the deities of the land take note.His mother, Modupe, looks on with a mixture of pride and worry. From close encounters, she knows Gods often act like men: the same fragile egos, the same unpredictable fury and the same sense of entitlement to the bodies of mortals.She will sacrifice everything to protect her son, but she knows the Gods will one day tire of sports fans, their fickle allegiances and misdirected prayers. When that moment comes, it won't matter how special he is. Only the women in Demi's life, the mothers, daughters and Goddesses, will stand between him and a lightning bolt.Trade Review Praise for The Half-God of Rainfall: ‘I loved it … When I was making Good Omens and getting no time to read, I still found time to read it.’ Neil Gaiman on Twitter 'A world-beating exploration of mythology, power and sport, all stitched together by the unique and wonderful pen of Inua Ellams, a master craftsman in storytelling' Nikesh Shukla ‘If you love the swish of draining rain, you’ll love The Half God of Rainfall. Ellams creates a fresh flood of three-pointers and a Herculean dunk. The gravity of his message is as deep as a sunk shot from half-court’ Peter Khan ‘For 21st century readers who have fallen into the rhythm of the courts, this is mythopoetics at its best. By the strength of its careful braiding of song and swift slashes through a cross-pantheon of Yoruba and Greek deities, The Half-God of Rainfall stitches us into a single breath of wonder and shared delight at the journey of OluDemi Modupe. Inua Ellams possesses an intuitive and fluid grasp of the eternal virtues and heroic narratives that constitute our transglobal imaginations’ Major Jackson ‘Part Homeric-style epic, part female-focused revenge tragedy. Each line feels as though it’s carved into stone—solid, striking, glinting with beauty, but steeped in hard-edged truth. A true story for the ages, as well as for the politics of the present day’ Bridget Minamore ‘Ellams’ deeply moving epic transcends the printed word into dance and song. In reading, I became witness, worshipper and player’ C. S. Lozie ‘Inua writes in brimstone and beautiful’ William Augustus Chase Praise for Inua Ellams: ‘Ellams’ poetry gleams with a dusty, worn, deeply original beauty and he remains such wonderfully generous company’ Metro ‘There’s something uniquely 21st Century about Ellams’ voice which somehow absorbs the whole experience of colonialism without being totally defined by it’ Scotsman

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Book SynopsisExplores forty-six religious, mythical, and imaginary creatures that are integral to the aboriginal worldview of Aymara, Aztecs, Incas, Maya, Nahua, Tabascos, and other cultures of Latin America. Trade Review“The imaginary and real beings described by Ilan Stavans with whimsy, wit, irony, and, most of all, wonder, emerge from the pre-Columbian and colonial Americas to remind us that even in our own decolonial times, the imaginary and the nonimaginary, the fantastic and the historical, the speculative and the real continue to coincide in the Americas on the elusive line between fact and fiction, where ‘what is known and what is hoped for intermingle.’”—Ramón Saldívar,author of The Borderlands of Culture: Américo Paredes and the Transnational Imaginary“This is a delightful book. It is a parade, in the arbitrary order of importance that the alphabet allows, of creatures throughout indigenous America, from Aztlan southward, and that show up in the range of books that Stavans references. Challenged to pronounce their names and to imagine their shapes and attributes, the reader will recognize how uncanny the continent is, both strange and familiar.”—Doris Sommer,author of Foundational Fictions: The National Romances of Latin America“This alphabetic delight offers not only a brief anthology of pre-Hispanic imaginary beings but also a door to the secret links between collective imageries that appear to be distant in space and time—although they all live in people’s dreams, just like those Freudian insects called Colotls. Bestiaries have their own literary tradition in the Latin American lands (both before and after colonization), ranging from the Mayas, Incas, or Aztecs to contemporary masters such as Borges, Arreola, or Wilcock, which is one of the multiple reasons why the volume is so arresting. Ilan Stavans manages to turn deeply erudite research into personal introspection (including his own father under the form of a Nahuatl grasshopper), and vice versa, making it ‘a double bird,’ just like the Aztec flying Zulin ‘that exists by looking at the mirror.’ Only one fantastic creature seems to be omitted here: this very exquisite book.”—Andrés Neuman,author of Traveler of the Century“An inspiring record of memory from a civilisation whose pantheon of myths is captivating, A Pre-Columbian Bestiary will delight anyone interested in the history and culture of South America.”—B. C. Kennedy GramaryeTable of ContentsPrefaceAcuecuéyotlAmaruAzcatlCamazot TzootzChaacChachalacaChapulínChicchánChuenColotlCoyametlCuetzpalinDzabyEhecatlHixxHuexólotlHuitzinIguanaImix CipactliItzpapalotlKayKunturLama GlamaLama GuanacoeMayahuelMichinMictlantecuhtliMontizon PuskatMoyotlNahualOcOcelotlOmecihuatlPauahtunTepeyólotlThiuimeTlalcíhuatl ToadTochtliTociTonatiuhUturunkuUtzimengariXiuhtilánXólotlXtabayZulinFurther ReadingsIndex

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Book SynopsisA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE YEAR LONGLISTED FOR THE ANGLO-HELLENIC LEAGUE RUNCIMAN AWARD 2022 ‘Peter Fiennes’s road trip around Greece [is] engagingly described’ Mary Beard, TLS ‘Fiennes is a brilliant and generous guide through Greece’ Observer ‘A wonderful… really profound meditation on what it means to hope… a gorgeous excursion into Greece and across the centuries on an environmental quest’ BBC Radio 4 Open Book Book of the Year choice by Anita Roy What do the Greek myths mean to us today? It’s now a golden age for these tales - they crop up in novels, films and popular culture. But what’s the modern relevance of Theseus, Hera and Pandora? Were these stories ever meant for children? And what’s to be seen now at the places where heroes fought and gods once quarrelled? Peter Fiennes travelTrade Review‘Peter Fiennes’s road trip around Greece – engagingly described in A Thing of Beauty – began with a visit to Lord Byron’s house… Fiennes’s tough talk and his down-to-earth refusal to put up with pretentious silliness contributes a lot to the pleasure of the book… [he] is well attuned to the ambivalence of hope.’ -- Mary Beard, Times Literary Supplement‘Fiennes is a brilliant and generous guide… a must-read.’ -- Alex Preston, Observer‘This book is a lament for a poisoned planet… He goes in search of the numinous but relishes the bathos of modernity… not so much a travelogue as an excursion into the psyche of Anthropocene man.’ * Literary Review *‘A wonderful book by a wonderful writer.’ -- Tom Holland‘A wonderful… really profound meditation on what it means to hope… a gorgeous excursion into Greece and across the centuries on an environmental quest’ * BBC Radio 4 Open Book BOOK OF THE YEAR choice by Anita Roy *‘A Thing of Beauty is an immensely pleasurable read. It takes you on an adventure around Greece and the myths that the ancients told there. But what really stayed with me were the reflections on storytelling, joy, and hope. Essential reading for our pandemic and pollution ravaged times.’ -- Helen Morales, author of Antigone Rising: The Subversive Power of the Ancient Myths‘Peter Fiennes has a way of making even the most serious of subjects enjoyable and riveting to the end, and A Thing of Beauty is certainly no exception, this is great travel writing that makes the reader a part of the adventure, and one of the most engaging and enjoyable books I’ve read this year.’ -- Pilgrim House‘A deeply humane travelogue, a beautifully written book of stories, A Thing of Beauty is a siren song for Greece and a generous and precious gift – a classical education for those of us who are bereft of one.’ -- Patrick Barkham, natural history writer and author of Wild Child‘Peter Fiennes… follows in the footsteps of Pausanias, Lord Byron and others to rediscover some of the most evocative landscapes and sites from classical myth.’ -- Argo‘Fiennes is a brilliant and generous guide through Greece. He weaves the ancient world and the modern together with intelligence and elegance… There’s a wry Sebaldian humour at work here … A Thing of Beauty is a must-read for anyone visiting Greece.’ -- Alex Preston, Observer‘A Thing of Beauty is an entertaining, erudite travelogue through Greece, both ancient and modern.’ * Foreword Reviews *‘An evocative and informative book… It’s for anyone interested in the Greek Gods and their myths, the Greek countryside and wildlife, Greek politics and history, climate change and sustainable living, whether there’s any hope in the world today… and just how many Greek salads can one man eat? If you’re interested in more than one of those topics, it’s definitely the book for you.’ * Greece Travel Secrets *‘Fiennes sets out to explore the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece, in search of Hope… It’s a highly personal travelogue…with the historical and modern-day detail that late British travel writer Jan Morris might bring to the task.’ -- Booklist, starred review‘Passionate and lyrical’ * Publishers Weekly *‘An enjoyable journey through Greek myths and modernity in [Fiennes’s] search for hope, beauty and new understanding of our world.’ * Choice Magazine *‘In A Thing of Beauty, myths are not presented as dust-covered artefacts but vibrant, living, often frightening things that, like Greek gods, still affect and manipulate our lives. The quest that Peter Fiennes undertakes is of urgent relevance in this time of environmental change. Startling, informative and often very funny.’ -- Nick Hunt, author of Outlandish‘Fiennes is a talent and an important voice. His search for hope in the stories of the past feels vital for these times.’ -- Rob Cowen, author of Common Ground‘A Thing of Beauty is such a joy. Peter Fiennes invites us to travel with him to visit the ancient Oracle at Delphi as he searches for hope while the pre-vaccine pandemic is at its height and the wild fires rage. Self-deprecating, funny, deeply knowledgeable about Greek mythology, yet simultaneously confronting the challenges that face our world head-on, Fiennes is a most delightful travelling companion.’ -- Katharine Norbury, author of The Fish Ladder and editor of Women on Nature

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Book SynopsisMedusa, literally, petrifies: her face turned the ancients to stone. For Perseus and his patriarchal culture she was a dangerous female monster that had to be destroyed; for Dante she was the erotic power that could destroy men; Freud saw in her hair a nest of terrifying penises signaling castration. Yet in our time Medusa's reputation has improved: feminists see her as a noble victim of the patriarchy, and the designer Versace celebrates the lure of her mysterious face in a logo which stares at us from his ads for men's underwear, haute couture and exotic dinner-ware. In our modern culture she is once again a power-player demanding to be recognized; Medusa, it seems, still has the power to transfix us. Medusa: In the Mirror of Time explores how and why the mythical figure of the gorgon has become one of the most important and enduring ideas throughout human history. This book represents Medusa's biography, searching for the origins of the myth in cultures more ancient than Classical Greece. Ultimately it shows the Medusa myth to be a cultural dream, which continues to develop and change with our times. At the same time it explores what the changing Medusa myth reveals about our culture, and ourselves.Table of ContentsPreface I The Myth II Medusa's Lineage III Medusa in the Middle Ages and Renaissance IV Medusa in the Romantic and Victorian Ages V Medusa in the Age or Realism VI The Modern Intellectual Medusa VII The Feminist Medusa VIII Medusa as a Contemporary Icon IX A Critique of the Commentaries X Myth as Dream XI Dream Touchstones XII Conclusion: Who is Medusa? Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis is a volcanic journey into the soul of a winged red monster named Geryon. It is queer coming-of-age love story, a Greek myth retold, and a modern classic.Tormented as a boy by his brother, Geryon escapes to a parallel world of photography. He falls deeply in love with Herakles, a golden young man, who deserts him at the peak of infatuation. So Geryon retreats ever further into the world created by his camera, fascinated by his wings, his redness and the fantastic accident of who he is. But all is suddenly and irrevocably shattered by Herakles' return.Autobiography of Red is a deceptively simple narrative filled with currents of meaning, emotion, and the truth about what it's like to be red. An extraordinary, modern epic poem - moving, disturbing and delightful.''Totally engrossing'' Ocean Vuong''This book is amazing - I haven''t discovered any writing in years that''s so marvellously disturbing'' Alice MunroA profo

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Book Synopsis''A page-turning retelling . . . so interesting and thought-provoking'' JENNIFER SAINT''A fresh and original take on the myth of Perseus . . . I was gripped by the human drama at the novel''s heart'' ELODIE HARPER*****Perfect for fans of Jennifer Saint, Elodie Harper and Natalie Haynes, author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, bringing to life the voices of three women who are side-lined in the traditional version, and whose stories reveal a man who might not, in fact, be a hero at all. His mother Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone. Forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she''s ever done.His trophy As a meTrade ReviewHeywood tells her story vividly, setting it convincingly in the period * Sunday Times on Daughters of Sparta *A fresh and original take on the myth of Perseus . . . I was gripped by the human drama at the novel's heart. -- Elodie HarperA beautifully woven tale, Heywood triumphantly reclaims the stories of three of Greek Mythology's most deserving women. With brilliant, confident writing, The Shadow of Perseus has illuminated the stories of ladies too often relegated to the role of villain or damsel. -- Claire M. Andrews, author of the Daughters of Sparta trilogyRe-energizes the Perseus myth . . . By re-interpreting the familiar characters in human terms, Claire Heywood gives new life and a startling new perspective to an old tale. Original and engrossing -- Margaret George, bestselling author of Helen Of Troy

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Book SynopsisThe second heart-pounding Greek-myth-inspired romantasy from the author of Threads That Bind, perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken's Lore, Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows and Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights.It's been five weeks since Io, descendant of the Fates, left the city of Alante to follow the golden threads in search of the god on the other end. Her investigation takes a turn for the worse when her only lead vanishes, but not before she gathers some crucial clues.Now Io has a new mystery to solve sibling disappearances across the Wastelands that seem to be connected to the murders in Alante. And all signs point to Nanzy, the Golden City, as the centre of the conspiracy.As Io journeys to Nanzy, she makes powerful enemies, finds allies and uncovers a horrifying plot that traces back centuries. The more she learns, the more she suspects that the future of the world rests on her shoulders. But how much of the future is Io's choice, and how much is simply her fate?Dripping with atmosphere and edged with danger, Threads That Bind weaves together a gorgeous dark tapestry of mystery, fated romance and modern myth. You won''t be able to put this one down' Alexandra Bracken, bestselling author of Lore

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Book SynopsisYou've read the myth of the Golden Fleece. Now find out how it really was for Jason and the Argonauts in this gripping reimagining of the famous Ancient Greek tale, and first book in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series. Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Neil Gaiman and Natalie Haynes. He has come to take what is yours... Iolkos, Greece, 1230 BC. King Pelias has grown paranoid, tormented by his murderous past and a prophecy of the man who will one day destroy him. When a stranger arrives to compete in the Games of Poseidon, Pelias is horrified, for this young man should never have grown to manhood. He is Jason, Pelias' nephew, who survived his uncle's assassins as a child. Now Jason wants his revenge – and the kingdom. But Pelias is cunning as well as powerful. He gives Jason an impossible challenge: to claim the throne, he must first steal the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason assembles a band of Greece's finest warriors. They are the Argonauts, named for their trusty ship. But even with these mighty allies, Jason will have to overcome the brutal challenges hurled his way. His mission and many lives depend on his wits – and his sword. PRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES 'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth' Daisy Dunn 'Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world' Adam Lofthouse 'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story' Sam Taw 'Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant' Dr Paul Millett '[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable' Boarding Schools' AssociationTrade ReviewA deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world -- Adam Lofthouse, author of The Centurion's Son[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable * Boarding Schools' Association *What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story. This glorious hero quest is packed with intrigue, adventure, mystery, and beautifully written skirmishes, raising the stakes higher and higher as the crew venture into darker and more treacherous lands. The characters are well drawn and compelling, each with their own flaws and motives woven into the plot. The tribal politics, subversion and battle scenes leave you hungry for more of this dazzling epic, so I hope it won't be too long until a sequel is released! -- Sam TawKnowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... Brilliant -- Dr Paul Millett, Cambridge University, on The Consul's Daughter

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Book SynopsisThe enthralling tale of a powerful Greek goddess maligned in both myth and ancient history, as told by Sunday Times bestselling author Jennifer Saint.''An exceptional achievement'' ELODIE HARPER ''A very special novel'' COSTANZA CASATI ''The essential mythological book of the decade'' NIKITA GILL When Hera, immortal goddess and daughter of the ancient Titan Cronus, helps her brother Zeus to overthrow their tyrannical father, she dreams of ruling at his side. As they establish their reign on Mount Olympus, Hera suspects that Zeus might be just as ruthless and cruel as the father they betrayed.She was always born to rule, but must she lose herself in perpetuating this cycle of violence and cruelty? Or can she find a way to forge a better world?Often portrayed as the jealous wife or the wicked stepmother, this retelling captures the many sides of Hera, vengeful when she needs to be but also compassionate and most importantly, an all-powerful queen to the gods. More praise for HERA:''A thrilling depiction'' ELIZABETH FREMANTLE''Subtle, nuanced and utterly gorgeous'' SARAH UNDERWOOD ''Jennifer Saint''s best book yet'' ROSIE HEWLETT ''Vast in scope and thoroughly entertaining'' NIKKI MARMERY ''An absolutely triumph'' JASMINE ELMER

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Book SynopsisRosa Andújar is Deputy Director and Lecturer in Liberal Arts at King's College London, UK. She has co-edited two volumes which address her research expertise in ancient Greek tragedy and its modern reception: Paths of Song: The Lyric Dimension of Greek Tragedy (2018) and Greeks and Romans on the Latin American Stage (2020).Luis Alfaro is a Chicano writer/performer known for his work in poetry, theatre, short stories, performance and journalism. Alfaro held a six-season tenure as the Mellon Playwright-in-Residence at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (2013-2019). He was a member of the Playwright's Ensemble at Chicago's Victory Gardens Theatre (2013-2020). Alfaro is the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, popularly known as a genius grant, presented to people who have demonstrated expertise and exceptional creativity in their respective fields. Alfaro is a Joyce Foundation Fellow. In 2019, Alfaro was awarded the PEN America/Laura Pels IntTrade ReviewIn these plays, Luis brilliantly transplants Sophocles’s Electra and Oedipus and Euripides’s Medea into the modern-day streets of Los Angeles and New York. In doing so, he gives voice to the rich, complex lives of the Chicanx and Latinx communities and neighborhoods that he knows and loves. This book is a must-own for any student and lover of contemporary, American plays. * LA Review of Books *A Bloomsbury translation: In this way, the entire book constitutes more than a simple collection of Alfaro's plays. Each of the sections of the anthology reiterates the creation of an archive ... Andújar's work thus contributes to the preservation of the memory of these communities which have turned to the theatre as a venue through which to tell and connect their own stories with other cultures, geographies and temporalities, constantly and necessarily crossing all kinds of borders. * Latin American Theatre Review *Andújar not only offers a richly annotated introduction at the beginning of this volume: each of the three plays also begins with a separate introduction that contextualizes the dramatic work in a way that is both enthralling and enlightening … A must-read for any student and fan of contemporary theatre. And for those of us who have a particular love of Chicanx and Latinx drama, this volume will bring immeasurable reading pleasure and enlightenment. * La Bloga *From the opening scene, the cultural combination is intoxicating … A fascinating trilogy. * British Theatre Guide *Equipped with Andújar’s excellent introduction to Alfaro’s work generally and to each adaptation, plus a production history and interview with Alfaro, this book not only makes the scripts of three very successful plays available for the first time for everyone, but also presents a unique and fascinating way of engaging with the ancient Greek dramas of which Alfaro’s plays are adaptations. * Skenè: Journal of Theatre and Drama Studies *A welcome addition to the bookshelves of those with an interest in the afterlives of Athenian tragedy ... The volume as a whole exemplifies the way in which collaboration between academics and practitioners enhances classical reception studies: this reviewer would be delighted to see more contemporary classical reception texts being given similar treatment. * Greece & Rome *Table of ContentsEditor’s Acknowledgements List of Illustrations 1. Luis Alfaro’s Griego Drama: An Introduction 2. Electricidad: A Chicanx Tragedy between Family and Feminism 3. Electricidad 4. Blind Love and the Chains of Destiny: Oedipus el Rey 5. Oedipus el Rey 6. Mojada: Dramatizing Latinx Migrations 7. Mojada 8. Production History 9. Glossary 10. Interview with Luis Alfaro 11. Further Reading

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Book SynopsisBuild your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right levelHeroes and monsters; gods and goddesses; adventure and excitement: all are to be found in this book, which contains four well-known myths and legends from Ancient Greece told in an accessible style. Find out how Theseus killed the minotaur, how Daedelus escaped from the maze and why Herakles longed for a rest!Sapphire/Band 16 books offer longer reads to develop children''s sustained engagement with texts and are more complex syntactically.A humorous magazine interview with Herakles on pages 54 and 55 help children to recap the myth of The Labours of Herakles and examine how another text type might represent the material.Text type: Three traditional talesCurriculum links: History: Who were the Ancient Greeks? How do we use Ancient Greek ideas today?This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

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Book SynopsisRobin Lane Fox''s Travelling Heroes: Greeks and their Myths in the Epic Age of Homer proposes a new way of thinking about ancient Greeks, showing how real-life journeys shaped their mythical tales. The tales of the ancient Greeks have inspired us for thousands of years. But where did they originate? Esteemed classicist Robin Lane Fox draws on a lifetime''s knowledge of the ancient world, and on his own travels, to open up the age of Homer. His acclaimed history explores how the intrepid seafarers of eighth-century Greece sailed around the Mediterranean, encountering strange new sights - volcanic mountains, vaporous springs, huge prehistoric bones - and weaving them into the myths of gods, monsters and heroes that would become the cornerstone of Western civilization: the Odyssey and the Iliad. ''A beautiful evocation of a tantalizing world ... Travelling Heroes is a tour de force''  R

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Book SynopsisMalcolm Bull is Head of Art History at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, University of Oxford, and a Fellow of St. Edmund Hall.

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Book SynopsisWhat were the twelve labours of Herakles? Why did Zeus turn himself into a shower of gold? What was the name of the guard-dog of the Underworld? Which two-faced Roman god gave his name to the month January? What is the answer to the riddle of the Sphinx? The myths of ancient Greece and Rome are the most dramatic and unforgettable tales of love, war, heroism and betrayal ever told. Whether it's Ikaros flying too close to the sun, Prometheus stealing fire from the gods or the tragedy of Oedipus, their characters have inspired art, literature, plays and films, and constellations named after them fill the night sky. But how much do you really know about them? From the clash of the Titans to the fall of Troy, here are the greatest legends of all time, brilliantly retold by classical scholar Jenny March. All the heroes, monsters, villains, gods and goddesses of classical civilization are included; the epic journeys of Odysseus and Aeneas; the founding of Athens and Rome; the quests of JasoTable of ContentsThe Penguin Book of Classical MythsList of PlatesList of IllustrationsMapsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Creation2. The Gods3. The First Humans4. The Quest for the Golden Fleece5. Io and Argos6. Heroes and Monsters7. Herakles8. Theseus, Athens and Crete9. The Theban Saga10. The Trojan War11. Odysseus and his Odyssey12. The House of Pelops13. Dangerous Women14. Aeneas and the Destiny of Rome15. The Foundation of Rome16. Metamorphoses17. Myths of Love and DeathSelect BibliographyIndex

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