Ancient Greek religion and mythology Books
Pan Macmillan God: An Anatomy - As heard on Radio 4
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 *
£21.25
Orpington Publishers King Priam of Troy
Book Synopsis
£5.32
Orpington Publishers Queen Hecuba of Troy
Book Synopsis
£5.32
The Emma Press Daughter of the Sun
Book SynopsisA collection of poems in two sections reimagining the Greek myth of Medea and personal sonnets exploring the author's time caring for her mother.
£10.44
Amberley Publishing In Search of Aeneas
Book SynopsisThe epic story of Aeneas takes place at the time of the fall of Troy and the rise of Rome, but was Aeneas in fact a real person? In Search of Aeneas opens a fresh window onto the ancient world for all students of general history.
£21.25
Arcturus Publishing Ltd Classical Mythology
Book SynopsisMeet legendary heroes, powerful goddesses and vengeful monsters in this beautiful hardback collection of Greek and Roman mythology, featuring classic full-colour illustrations.The myths and legends of the ancient world are vividly told here by master storytellers of the 19th century, Thomas Bulfinch and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Discover how Theseus defeated the Minotaur, why the witch Circe turned the men into swine and more in this compendium of epic tales.This treasury captures the beauty and magnificence of these timeless myths, featuring enchanting Pre-Raphaelite and art nouveau illustrations in full-colour by Walter Crane and John William Waterhouse, among others.Stories include:• Echo and Narcissus• Juno and her rivals• Pygmalion• Cupid and Psyche• The Gorgon''s Head• Cadmus and the Dragon''s Teeth• The Pomegranate Seeds
£16.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Greek Mythology: Gods and Heroes Brought to Life
Book SynopsisGreek mythology isn't the equivalent of the Bible or the Qur'an. There is no standardized version of any myth. Myths aren't sacred. Whether you happen to be Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides or any other Greek, or even you or me, every myth is yours to tell and interpret any way you like. Just to give one example. An oracle has decreed that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother. In Homer's version, Oedipus carries on ruling in Thebes when he discovers he has fulfilled the oracle, whereas in the version that Sophocles gives us in his play Oedipus the King, Oedipus blinds himself and goes into voluntary exile. That said, certain details are unalterable. Oedipus has to be ignorant of the fact that the man whom he kills is his father and that the woman whom he marries is his mother; he has to fulfil the awful prophecy of the oracle; and he has to come to a realisation of what he has done afterwards. But everything else is pretty much up for grabs. Greek mythology is very much alive and well in the contemporary world. There are many narrative versions of the myths currently available, but this book will do something very different: it will give the characters the chance to tell their stories in their own words. In so doing, it will give both gods and humans the opportunity to reflect upon their life stories and, in places, justify their actions. In this way they will come across as real people, just as they are, say, in the plays of the dramatists.
£14.39
Cornerstone Lore Olympus: Volume Three: The multi-award
Book SynopsisWitness what the gods do after dark in the third volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring a brand-new, exclusive short storyfrom creator Rachel Smythe."A refreshingly modern and surprisingly poignant take on the Hades and Persephone myth . . . steamy, often laugh-out-loud funny, and emotional."-Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Blood and Ash"It is natural for a King to be curious about his future Queen. . . ."All of Olympus-and the Underworld-are talking about the God of the Dead and the sprightly daughter of Demeter. But despite the rumors of their romance, Hades and Persephone have plenty to navigate on their own.Since coming to Olympus, Persephone has struggled to be the perfect maiden goddess. Her attraction to Hades has only complicated the intense burden of the gods' expectations. And after Apollo's assault, Persephone fears she can no longer bury the intense feelings of hurt and love that she's worked so hard to hide.As Persephone contemplates her future, Hades struggles with his past, falling back into toxic habits in Minthe's easy embrace. With all the mounting pressure and expectations-of their family, friends, and enemies-both Hades and Persephone tell themselves to deny their deepest desires, but the pull between them is too tempting, too magnetic. It's fate.This full-color edition of Smythe's original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.This volume collects episodes 50-75 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.
£19.80
Orpington Publishers Plato
Book SynopsisLife of Plato
£5.32
Orpington Publishers Aristophanes
Book SynopsisLife and works of comic dramatist Aristophenes.
£5.32
Orpington Publishers Homer
Book SynopsisLife and works of Homer
£5.32
Taschen GmbH Greek Myths
Book SynopsisThe Greek myths are timeless classics, whose scenes and figures have captivated us since ancient times. The gods and heroes of these legends hold up a mirror to the human condition, embodying universal characteristics and emotions, like love, hatred, fortune, jealousy, revenge, hubris, greed, or bravery. These traits are the basis for immortal dramas and rich narratives, as profound as they are entertaining, which form the bedrock of our culture and literature today and remain relevant and fascinating for all readers, young and old alike.This edition contains 21 of the most famed episodes from the Trojan War, the subsequent wanderings of Odysseus, and his long-awaited return to Ithaca. The texts are carefully compiled from the seminal work Sagen des klassischen Altertums (Gods and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece) by Gustav Schwab, and strikingly illustrated by 15 artists, among them outstanding representatives of the Golden Age of Book Illustration and the Arts and Crafts Movement, including Walter Crane, William Russell Flint, Newell Convers Wyeth, and Virginia Frances Sterrett.These illustrations are complemented by scene-setting vignettes for each story and a genealogical tree of Greek gods and goddesses by Clifford Harper. Placing the tales in a historical context, the book contains an introduction by Dr. Michael Siebler and is rounded off with an extensive glossary of the most important protagonists in the Greek myths. The heroism, tragedy, and theater of Greek mythology glimmer through each tale in this lavishly illustrated edition, awakening the gods and heroes to new life.Trade Review“Beautifully illustrated, Schwab’s rich narrative is met by vivid and dramatic illustrations. There is no need to consult the oracle: you will enjoy this book.” * Force One *“Even the lover of myth is in a sense a lover of wisdom, for the myth is composed of wonders.” * Aristotle *
£14.25
Arcturus Publishing Ltd The Classical Mythology Oracle
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
£16.99
Penguin Books Ltd The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology
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.
£12.34
HarperCollins Publishers The HalfGod of Rainfall
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
£9.50
Hodder & Stoughton The Shadow of Perseus
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
£15.29
Penguin Books Ltd Jason and the Argonauts Penguin Classics
Book SynopsisThe first new Penguin Classics translation of the Argonautica since the 1950sNow in a riveting new verse translation, Jason and the Argonauts (also known as the Argonautica) is the only surviving full account of Jason’s voyage on the Argo in quest of the Golden Fleece aided by the sorceress princess Medea. Written in the third century B.C., this epic story of one of the most beloved heroes of Greek mythology, with its combination of the fantastical and the real, its engagement with traditions of science, astronomy and medicine, winged heroes, and a magical vessel that speaks, is truly without parallel in classical or contemporary Greek literature and is now available in an accessible and engaging translation.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works thTrade Review"Consistently fascinating, an amalgam of the mythic and the modern with an occasion dash of Baron Munchausen or Marvel Comics.” —Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World “An accessible, nimble, and often beautiful edition of Apollonios Rhodios’s epic.” —Tor.com "At every turn, Poochigian...improves on every English-language translation of the Argonautica that’s come before him. —Open Letters Monthly"Aaron Poochigian’s new translation of Apollonius of Rhodes’ Jason & the Argonauts demands to be read aloud—lines of perfect, unforced iambic pentameter make it as lyrical as Shelley or Frost." —Smartish Pace
£9.49
Arachne Press Unmothered
Book SynopsisIn an intimate and unflinching collection, A J Akoto tracks the complex bind of mother-daughter relationships. Through separation and attempts to mend, longing, and the fluidity of myth/story-telling in defining histories and identities, she collapses the elision between womanhood and motherhood/daughterhood, bringing to the forefront that which usually remains unspoken.
£9.49
Chartwell Books Encyclopedia of Mythology
£18.70
Wellfleet Press The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends
Book SynopsisIn this unique exploration of world mythology, discover how ancient tales across cultures have influenced today’s pop culture, from Beyoncé to Game of Thrones. Fun and engaging, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends details the influences of classical stories on contemporary popular culture. Without these myths, passed down through the generations over three millennia, many of the stories we enjoy in our current media wouldn’t exist! Along with colorful illustrations and graphics, author Arie Kaplan makes unexpected connections in our everyday lives. Are you wearing Nike shoes? The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory. Big on astronomy? Most of the planets in our solar system, like Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars, are named after members of the Roman pantheon. Kaplan takes you on a deep dive into mythology from around the world and shows that Superman and Achilles are connected, Frankenstein and Prometh
£13.49
Princeton University Press The Book of Greek and Roman Folktales Legends and
Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of CHOICE’s Outstanding Academic Titles for 2017"
£17.09
Thames & Hudson Ltd Greek Mythology A Travellers Guide from Mount
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
£15.29
Oxford University Press Inc World Mythology
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
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd Mythos
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 *
£24.00
Pennsylvania State University Press A PreColumbian Bestiary
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
£11.21
Reaktion Books Medusa: In the Mirror of Time
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
£18.00
HarperCollins Publishers Great Greek Myths
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.
£10.69
Penguin Books Ltd Travelling Heroes Greeks and their myths in the
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
£14.24
Penguin Books Ltd The Mirror of the Gods
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.
£16.99
British Museum Press The Greek Vase Art of the storyteller
Book SynopsisWonderfully preserved Greek vases are a unique source of information about the mythology, religion, drama and daily life of the ancient Greek world. This sumptuous photographic book offers a superb visual introduction to the artistry of ancient Greek vases, exploring them not merely as beautiful vessels to bear water and wine, but also as instruments of storytelling and bearers of meaning. Presenting the vases and their imagery in their full narrative glory, The Greek Vase interprets their forms and stories along a variety of themes, from the adventures of gods and mythological heroes, to expressive scenes of sexual intimacy and depictions of social, family and domestic life. This beautifully illustrated book highlights what these pictures would have meant to the people who lived with and used them, how they have been received by later generations, and the profound influence of their form, decoration and narrative on subsequent art, architecture and literature.
£13.50
Llewellyn Publications,U.S. Modern Witchcraft with the Greek Gods
Book SynopsisFrom Zeus and Hephaestus to Hades and Persephone, this book reveals the origins of nearly thirty Greek gods and goddesses, how they've been worshipped across the centuries, and how you can work with them in your own practice. Provides multiple perspectives and approaches for working with Greek deities thanks to the two authors having many years of experience between them
£19.55
Orpington Publishers Achilles Greek Myths Put it in Your Pocket Series
Book SynopsisAll you need to know about Greek Myths concerning the Trojan War.
£5.02
Orpington Publishers Athens The Acropolis All You Need to Know About
Book SynopsisThe king in antiquity. The Birth of Athena, her role as goddess. Early temples, the pantheon. Its marbles, its conversion to a church.
£5.62
Orpington Publishers Olympia The Olympic Games Put it in Your Pocket
Book SynopsisThe origins of the Olympic Games in honour of Zeus - The formalities - Prize giving - closed down under Christianity.
£5.02
Orpington Publishers Eleusis Demeter and Kore All You Need to Know
Book SynopsisThe myth about the abduction by Hades off Demeter's daughter Kore. How she was allowed back for 8 months of the year but returned to Hades for the other 4 the founding of Demeter's Eleusinian mysteries.
£5.62
Orpington Publishers Epidaurus Centre of Healing All You Need to Know
Book SynopsisThe myth of Asclepius booth (god of healing), the expectations of invalids visiting the centre, and the god's miraculous cures, the buildings and the great theatre of Epidaurus.
£5.62
Orpington Publishers Behind the Masks In the footsteps of the early
Book SynopsisAn easy introduction to early Greek drama.
£7.59
Cambridge University Press Sparta
Book SynopsisOne of a well-established series of sourcebooks catering to the needs of ancient history students at schools and universities. Each volume focuses on a particular period or topic and provides a generous and judicious selection of primary texts in new English translations, with annotation and supporting materials.Table of Contents1. Section A: Sparta from contemporary Spartan poetry; 2. Section B: historical inscriptions relating to Sparta; 3. Section C: Sparta in religion and religious festivals; 4. Section D: Spartan institutions in theory; 5. Section E: Spartan institutions in practice. 6. Section F: the Spartan mirage; 7. Section G: contemporary Athenian views of Sparta; 8. Section H: an historical overview; 9. Section K: Sparta and Lakonia.
£19.99
Penguin Books Ltd Heroes
Book SynopsisPenguin presents the CD edition of Heroes written and read by Stephen Fry.Mortals and Monsters. Quests and Adventures . . . __________There are Heroes - and then there are Greek Heroes.Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes.In this companion to his bestselling Mythos, Stephen Fry brilliantly retells these dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales. Join Jason aboard the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta - who was raised by bears - outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera.Filled with white-knuckle chases and battles, impossible puzzles and riddles, acts of base Trade 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 *
£24.00
John Murray Press Understand Greek Mythology
Book SynopsisAncient Greek myths shaped and were shaped by one of the most important culture in the history of the world. Even today, stories such as Oedipus, Narcissus, Odysseus and the Golden Fleece reverberate through our popular culture.This is the ideal introduction to Greek myth. The opening chapter is a detailed background to Greek culture and mythology. From then on , the book explores thirteen well-known Greek myths, retelling them in modern English, and teasing out their meanings and cultural significance.Table of Contents : 1. Introducing Greek mythology : 2. The beginning of time : 3. Echo and Narcissus : 4. Oedipus : 5. The birth and heroic deeds of Perseus : 6. Theseus and the Minotaur : 7. The abduction of Persephone : 8. Orpheus and Eurydice : 9. In search of the golden fleece : 10. Jason and Medea : 11. The judgement of Paris : 12. Odysseus and the Cyclops
£12.34
Pan Macmillan Brand New Ancients
Book SynopsisKate Tempest is one of the most exciting and innovative performers to have emerged in spoken-word poetry in many years; her dramatic poem Brand New Ancients won the prestigious Ted Hughes Prize for innovation in poetry. Tempest’s wholly unique blend of street poetry, rap and storytelling - combined with the spellbinding delivery of an open-air revivalist - has won her legions of followers all over the UK. Her remarkable stage presence is wholly audible in this poem, a spoken story written to be told with live music. Brand New Ancients is the tale of two families and their intertwining lives, set against the background of the city and braided with classical myth. Here, Tempest shows how the old myths still live on in our everyday acts of violence, bravery, sacrifice and love - and that our lives make tales no less dramatic and powerful than those of the old gods.Trade Reviewbreathe[s] new life into old classic forms . . . a long poem about us and the gods that's all high-kicking verve and long-range understanding. I loved its vision, powerful and merciful. -- Ali Smith, Books of the Year * Observer *
£9.65
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Religion and Classical Warfare Archaic and
Book SynopsisPart of a trilogy on religion in classical warfare which should become the standard work on the subject. This volume deals with Archaic and Classical Greece
£21.25
Vintage Publishing Greek Myths: A new retelling of your favourite
Book Synopsis'A great storyteller' Madeline Miller, author of CirceIn this powerful new collection, Charlotte Higgins foregrounds Greek mythology's most enduring heroines. Here are the myths of Heracles and Theseus, the Trojan war, Thebes and Argos and Athens. They are stories of love and desire, adventure and magic, destructive gods, helpless humans, fantastical creatures and resourceful witches. In this telling the female characters take centre stage as Athena, Helen, Circe, Penelope and others weave these stories into elaborate imagined tapestries. In Charlotte Higgins's thrilling new interpretation of these ancient stories, their tales combine to form a dazzling, sweeping epic of storytelling. With a series of original drawings by Chris Ofili.Trade ReviewHiggins is a wonderful scholar, and a great story teller. I've been loving these retellings, cleverly centered around the theme of myths told in tapestry. -- Madeline Miller, author of THE SONG OF ACHILLES and CIRCE[Higgins] leads us through the labyrinth of interconnected stories in a startlingly fresh way. It throws radiant new light on their meanings... This excellent book should delight many generations of story lovers to come. -- Edith Hall * Guardian *[An] erudite and exhilarating collection... luminous, astute retellings. -- Hephzibah Anderson * Observer *[A] scholarly, capacious reimagining... Higgins makes you feel for these tormented, accursed mortals afresh. -- Claire Allfree * The Times *We are in the hands of a fine, fluent storyteller... Higgins, like the bards who first unspooled these tales, creates the illusion of spontaneity and handles suspense brilliantly... Chris Ofili's drawings complement the lyricism of the prose descriptions. Higgins depicts art mediating life - the reason, I think, that we read books... I loved this book. -- Sara Wheeler * Spectator *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Zeus Is A Dick
Book SynopsisIn the beginning, everything was fine.* And then along came Zeus. *more or lessAhh Greek myths. Those glorious tales of heroism, honour and... petty squabbles, soap-opera drama and more weird sex than Fifty Shades of Grey could shake a stick at! It's about time we stopped respecting myths and started laughing at them. Did you know Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, was born of some discarded genitals? Or that Hera threw her own son off a mountain because he was ugly? Or that Apollo once kidnapped a boat full of people while pretending to be a dolphin? And let's not even get started on Zeus - king of the gods, ruler of the skies and a man who's never heard of self-control. In fact, if there's one thing most Greek myths have in common, it's that all the drama could have been avoided if SOMEONE could keep it in their toga...Horrible Histories writer Susie Donkin takes us on a hilarious romp through mythology and the many times the gods (literally) screwed everything up! Stephen Fry's Mythos by way of Drunk History, Zeus is a Dick is perfect for those who like their myths with a heavy dollop of satire.'Who knew mythology was so bonkers? I am grateful - it had me laughing from the first page to the last.' - Miranda Hart'It's about time someone called him out on all this' - Hera, goddess of marriage, wife of Zeus'Worst. Father. Ever.' - Artemis, goddess of the hunt, daughter of Zeus'Oh yeah, focus on him. I never did anything wrong. Nothing to see here' - Poseidon, god of the seas, brother of Zeus'Just a real dick, honestly' - Many, many peopleTrade ReviewWho knew mythology was so bonkers? I am grateful - it had me laughing from the first page to the last. -- Miranda Hart
£15.29
The New York Review of Books, Inc Men And Gods
Book Synopsis
£17.09
HarperCollins Focus Whos Who Greek Mythology
Book SynopsisTake a tour of this legendary world with Who’s Who: Greek Mythology. This book introduces readers to Greek mythology in an approachable, fun, and educational way, so that all ages can enjoy learning about Greek mythos. Discover themes of heroism, jealousy, vengeance, love, fate, honor, and hubris in the adventures of the brave Heracles, mighty Zeus, wise Athena, beautiful Helen, and more.Inside you’ll find: In-depth profiles for each of the major gods, goddesses, heroes, and demigods The myths surrounding each figure Vibrant illustrations detailing each tale Awesome and terrifying mythological creatures, including Medusa and the Minotaur The Olympian family tree A brief history of ancient Greece A must-have for kids who love history and mythology, this book will captivate young readers as they delve into the infamous stories of a lost world. From epic battles to st
£9.49
Orpington Publishers Socrates: All you need to know about the Greek
Book SynopsisThe life and times of the great philosopher Socrates. Including the prosecution, trial and execution.
£5.32
Green Magic Publishing Dance, Love and Ecstasy
Book SynopsisDionysos is the Greek god of the grape-harvest and winemaking, of the growth and fertility of vegetation - especially orchards and vineyards - and, lastly, of insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity and theatre. Because of his links to plant growth, he also became associated with death, resurrection and regeneration. He was also known as Bákkhos to the Greeks, a name adopted by the Romans as Bacchus. The focus here is on the links between Dionysos'' cult and the perennial human preoccupations of drugs, sex and ecstasy.
£11.69
