Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Michael Joseph (2023), Edition: Illustrated, 464 pages
Description
Here are the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of the Greek myths, stylishly retold by Stephen Fry. The legendary writer, actor, and comedian breathes life into ancient tales, from Pandora's box to Prometheus's fire, and transforms the adventures of Zeus and the Olympians into emotionally resonant and deeply funny stories, without losing any of their original wonder. Classical artwork inspired by the myths and learned notes from the author offer rich cultural context.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bragan
Stephen Fry's rendition of Greek myths, from the creation of the world to the tribulations of King Midas, is a lot of fun. Fry tells these stories with a wit and affection that makes them entertaining to read, no matter how familiar they are. (Although, for me at least, they were often familiar
Fry focuses on telling the stories, not on analyzing them, although he can't resist indulging in a little bit of amusing personal commentary here and there. And I think leaving any interpretation of these stories, beyond the most obvious themes, as an exercise for the reader works very well. It's an easy exercise to indulge in, if you're so inclined.
He also includes a lot of interesting footnotes, featuring asides about etymology, geography, and literature in a way that never gets overwhelming or dry.
Basically, the whole thing is rather delightful. Well, as delightful as you can get, I suppose, when you're writing about entities whose main pastime appears to have been sexually assaulting each other and everyone else,and just generally being jerks. Between this and Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, which I read a while back, I'm genuinely beginning to wonder if there are any mythologies out there where the gods aren't giant dicks.
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only in general outline or half-forgtten, making it interesting to discover, or rediscover, the details.)Fry focuses on telling the stories, not on analyzing them, although he can't resist indulging in a little bit of amusing personal commentary here and there. And I think leaving any interpretation of these stories, beyond the most obvious themes, as an exercise for the reader works very well. It's an easy exercise to indulge in, if you're so inclined.
He also includes a lot of interesting footnotes, featuring asides about etymology, geography, and literature in a way that never gets overwhelming or dry.
Basically, the whole thing is rather delightful. Well, as delightful as you can get, I suppose, when you're writing about entities whose main pastime appears to have been sexually assaulting each other and everyone else,and just generally being jerks. Between this and Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, which I read a while back, I'm genuinely beginning to wonder if there are any mythologies out there where the gods aren't giant dicks.
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LibraryThing member the.ken.petersen
This is BRILLIANT!!!
So many tellings of the Greek myths are either child's stories or intellectual gobbldy gook, more keen on professing the genius of the author than entertaining. Stephen Fry's version hits just the right level.
In passing, it is interesting how many Biblical stories find their
So many tellings of the Greek myths are either child's stories or intellectual gobbldy gook, more keen on professing the genius of the author than entertaining. Stephen Fry's version hits just the right level.
In passing, it is interesting how many Biblical stories find their
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origins in these myths. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lucky-Loki
An engaging and friendly retelling of stories from Greek myth, told very personably and cheerfully by Stephen Fry. It is written very much in his voice, which I found delightful, and with the occasional personal observations, wry comments or unobtrusive asides on its various linguistic influences
The book, perhaps, is in want of an Ending, but with no Greek equivalent to the Norse Ragnarok to provide a natural such, it is likely a bit much to ask. And while it in the second half at times can feel a bit like an anthology of minor mythological anecdotes, Fry's roughly chronological ordering of the stories and frequent nods backwards and forwards between them makes is always have a sense of forward momentum and interconnectivity. Warmly recommended, and thoroughly enjoyed.
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on modern language and names. There is a handy map of the Ancient Mediterranean with nary every placename mentioned in the book helpfully pinpointed, as well as a very thorough registry of names in the back -- though the book should really be read from cover to cover. As Fry states in the foreword, for reasons of scope the longer (and most widely known) myths are not included -- so other than the occasional reference to them, you will not find Herakles, Perseus, Theseus, Achilles, Odysseus, Orpheus or Jason and his Argonauts here. The tradeoff is that he has ample time to share every minor tale imaginable, including many a mere page or paragraph in length. He does, however, include the creation myths and the war against the titans, and sets the stage for the rest of the book beautifully when doing so, jumping smoothly back and forth between his own invented dialogues in more intimate scenes to the (perhaps more expected) prose retellings. My sole complaint of any note is that the book clearly required another quick re-read by the author after the final revisions, as some sections show rather obvious and unfortunate signs of having been reordered and juggled, so that a story will reference something as though the reader knows it, only to have that thing happen (and being described as if for the first time) one or two stories later.The book, perhaps, is in want of an Ending, but with no Greek equivalent to the Norse Ragnarok to provide a natural such, it is likely a bit much to ask. And while it in the second half at times can feel a bit like an anthology of minor mythological anecdotes, Fry's roughly chronological ordering of the stories and frequent nods backwards and forwards between them makes is always have a sense of forward momentum and interconnectivity. Warmly recommended, and thoroughly enjoyed.
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LibraryThing member jody12
The Greek myths make for an unusual read in any circumstance. There is nothing simple about Zeus, Kronos or Apollo and their antics from Mt Olympus. But it is fair to say that if anyone is going to make their stories readable, it would be Stephen Fry.
In Mythos, Fry attributes the Gods & co with
We had a good conversation around myths and story-telling and why us humans are so good at it. We seem to need explanations for everything around us, above and below, and this is where the Greeks excelled. The most imaginative of us couldn’t come up with anything nearly as creative as the family battle between Kronos and Zeus! We loved the female roles, but in most cases, the males ended up taking over, so nothing new there …
Someone mentioned the similarities between these myths and some of our indigenous stories, particularly of the natural world. Both the Greeks and Aboriginals seemed to find significance in the night sky and what they read there.
In closing, it would be best to day that if you have a hankering to know more about the ancient myths but lack the courage (and time) to delve too deeply into a text book style study, pick up Mythos and/or Fry’s follow up Heroes. If nothing else you’ll come away a little more informed with smile on your face and a even a chuckle in your heart.
In Mythos, Fry attributes the Gods & co with
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modern day speech and thought processes which give them a crazy, ‘what-the-hell’ quality … something Fry does so well. And although our thoughts differed on the value of this read, there was no doubting its entertainment appeal.We had a good conversation around myths and story-telling and why us humans are so good at it. We seem to need explanations for everything around us, above and below, and this is where the Greeks excelled. The most imaginative of us couldn’t come up with anything nearly as creative as the family battle between Kronos and Zeus! We loved the female roles, but in most cases, the males ended up taking over, so nothing new there …
Someone mentioned the similarities between these myths and some of our indigenous stories, particularly of the natural world. Both the Greeks and Aboriginals seemed to find significance in the night sky and what they read there.
In closing, it would be best to day that if you have a hankering to know more about the ancient myths but lack the courage (and time) to delve too deeply into a text book style study, pick up Mythos and/or Fry’s follow up Heroes. If nothing else you’ll come away a little more informed with smile on your face and a even a chuckle in your heart.
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LibraryThing member DarthDeverell
Stephen Fry’s Mythos retells ancient Greek mythology from the creation of the universe out of chaos through the stories of the Olympian Gods usurping the Titans to walk among men. Fry uses contemporary language to tell these stories, drawing upon multiple – often contradictory – sources,
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though he always indicates where he chose a certain version over another or how the allegories of the myths influenced language. It’s a great, readable version of these stories from classical antiquity infused with modern humor and suggested readings for further discovery. Fry brings the tales of the Olympian Gods to a contemporary audience in a way few have before outside of translations of single sources, like Emily Wilson’s translation of Homer’s Odyssey, or adaptations of specific stories, such as Madeline Miller’s Circe. This illustrated edition makes a great gift for those with an interest in myth or ancient history. Show Less
LibraryThing member Euryale
I have always loved mythology and grew up reading and rereading Edith Hamilton, so I was very excited to win this copy from the Early Reviewers program. The hardcover is well produced, with a beautiful dust jacket and illustrated throughout with artworks inspired by the stories.
Right away, this is
If you're unfamiliar with Greek myths and wonder what all the fuss is about, or if you have a longtime interest in classical mythology and want an attractive, witty coffee table book, I definitely recommend this.
Right away, this is
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set apart from drier collections of Greek myths by its approach; Fry opts to string the myths together into a single narrative flow, and he favors storytelling over analysis. This is a mythology book meant to be read for fun, no prior classics knowledge required. The cheeky added dialogue and occasional asides won't be to everyone's taste, but I enjoy Fry's style of humor. Even so, don't worry, the book is deeply researched and true to its sources.If you're unfamiliar with Greek myths and wonder what all the fuss is about, or if you have a longtime interest in classical mythology and want an attractive, witty coffee table book, I definitely recommend this.
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LibraryThing member Razinha
I'd requested an advance review copy of this in 2019, but wasn't selected. As I only request books I am interested in (yes, that should be obvious, but there are some who shotgun the requests, hoping to get a free one), I put it on my List and finally carved out some time for it. I love Stephen
I like many of my age had access to Bulfinch's work, though I had never seen Edith Hamilton's. I ate up all of the mythologies I could read - Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Judeo Christian. very little of Hindu until later in life. I found Fry's retellings quite refreshing, and yes, the humor only helped Had Kronos the examples to go by, he would perhaps have identified with Hamlet at his most introspective, or Jaques at his most self-indulgently morbid. Konstantin from The Seagull with a suggestion of Morrissey. Yet there was something of a Macbeth in him too and more than a little Hannibal Lecter—as we shall see.AndCadmus returned home and broke the news to his parents King Agenor and Queen Telephassa. Loud was the lamentation and great the recrimination.I loved his dig on poor Pluto Or “dwarf planet” as it is now disrespectfully designated. The moons of Pluto are Styx, Nyx (or Nix), Charon, Kerberos, and Hydra. I liked his analyses and explanations that he saved for his end notes. Example, on the creation of males (women came later):“What shall we call them?” Athena asked.
“‘That which is below,’” said Zeus after some thought. “Anthropos.”
[And Fry's note]That is one theory as to the origin of the word anthropos, which does strictly mean “man.” It is unfortunate that many words for our species seem to refer only to the male. “Human,” for example, is cognate with homo, the Latin for “man.” Thus “humanity” rudely leaves out half the species. “Folk” and “people” aren’t so specific. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that “man” is actually connected to mens (mind) and manus (hand), and was in fact gender neutral until perhaps a thousand years ago.”Recommended, for fans of either Fry or Greek myths. Or of entertaining writing.
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Fry's work. He has wonderful wit ("Next Gaia visited her daughter Mnemosyne, who was busy being unpronounceable."), and a talent for telling stories, whether of poetry, or memoirs, fiction, ... and mythology. "These creations sound charming enough—Day, Night, Light, Depths, and Caves. But these were not gods and goddesses, they were not even personalities. And it may have struck you also that since there was no time there could be no dramatic narrative, no stories; for stories depend on Once Upon a Time and What Happened Next."I like many of my age had access to Bulfinch's work, though I had never seen Edith Hamilton's. I ate up all of the mythologies I could read - Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Judeo Christian. very little of Hindu until later in life. I found Fry's retellings quite refreshing, and yes, the humor only helped Had Kronos the examples to go by, he would perhaps have identified with Hamlet at his most introspective, or Jaques at his most self-indulgently morbid. Konstantin from The Seagull with a suggestion of Morrissey. Yet there was something of a Macbeth in him too and more than a little Hannibal Lecter—as we shall see.AndCadmus returned home and broke the news to his parents King Agenor and Queen Telephassa. Loud was the lamentation and great the recrimination.I loved his dig on poor Pluto Or “dwarf planet” as it is now disrespectfully designated. The moons of Pluto are Styx, Nyx (or Nix), Charon, Kerberos, and Hydra. I liked his analyses and explanations that he saved for his end notes. Example, on the creation of males (women came later):“What shall we call them?” Athena asked.
“‘That which is below,’” said Zeus after some thought. “Anthropos.”
[And Fry's note]That is one theory as to the origin of the word anthropos, which does strictly mean “man.” It is unfortunate that many words for our species seem to refer only to the male. “Human,” for example, is cognate with homo, the Latin for “man.” Thus “humanity” rudely leaves out half the species. “Folk” and “people” aren’t so specific. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that “man” is actually connected to mens (mind) and manus (hand), and was in fact gender neutral until perhaps a thousand years ago.”Recommended, for fans of either Fry or Greek myths. Or of entertaining writing.
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LibraryThing member srms.reads
I am so glad that I started 2022 with this book! The retelling of the Greek myths with Stephen Fry’s own brand of humor and wit is interesting, informative and entertaining. I am no expert on Greek mythology but have developed a keen interest after reading a number of recent retellings. So,
From Chaos to Kronos, Zeus and beyond , Mythos by Stephen Fry holds you in its thrall. The stories are interspersed with historical facts and tidbits about the origins of the names of familiar places and etymology of certain words used in modern day English. The author also adds footnotes referencing text, poetry and other art forms that have been inspired by some of these myths as well as scientific facts. My favorite parts would the segments pertaining to the Titanomachy, Prometheus, Eros and Psyche and Arion and the Dolphin. I found the myths pertaining to the sting of the bee, the arachnid’s web and the stories behind the constellations particularly interesting.
The edition itself is a beautiful copy (I read the US hardcover edition) and the featured classical artwork is a stunning addition to the beautifully penned yet accessible prose .After hearing so much praise about the audiobook, I decided to alternate between reading and listening, often indulging in immersive reading and I was not disappointed. Stephen Fry’s narration makes these Gods, Goddesses, demigods and the mortals they encounter come alive. These are timeless tales of love, lust, jealousy, power struggles and so much more, some more enticing than the others but all definitely worth the time invested (and this is a book that should not be rushed through!). Looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series!
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naturally, I had to pick up Stephen Fry’s series and I am so happy that I did.From Chaos to Kronos, Zeus and beyond , Mythos by Stephen Fry holds you in its thrall. The stories are interspersed with historical facts and tidbits about the origins of the names of familiar places and etymology of certain words used in modern day English. The author also adds footnotes referencing text, poetry and other art forms that have been inspired by some of these myths as well as scientific facts. My favorite parts would the segments pertaining to the Titanomachy, Prometheus, Eros and Psyche and Arion and the Dolphin. I found the myths pertaining to the sting of the bee, the arachnid’s web and the stories behind the constellations particularly interesting.
The edition itself is a beautiful copy (I read the US hardcover edition) and the featured classical artwork is a stunning addition to the beautifully penned yet accessible prose .After hearing so much praise about the audiobook, I decided to alternate between reading and listening, often indulging in immersive reading and I was not disappointed. Stephen Fry’s narration makes these Gods, Goddesses, demigods and the mortals they encounter come alive. These are timeless tales of love, lust, jealousy, power struggles and so much more, some more enticing than the others but all definitely worth the time invested (and this is a book that should not be rushed through!). Looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series!
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LibraryThing member jmoncton
Stephen Fry does a fantastic job of combining entertainment with information as he retells the canon of Greek myths. In these stories he interjects his trademark humor that make it especially memorable and funny. And even better, he narrates the audiobook - it's a treat!
LibraryThing member DemetriosX
I have to admit up front that I'm probably the wrong audience for this book. I'm quite familiar with all these stories and would probably have preferred a more scholarly study. But I do enjoy Fry's work as an actor and comedian and he tells these stories well in an engaging manner.
It's an
If the book has a real flaw, it's that Fry is a little too fond of his own cleverness. Occasionally, he'll work in a bit of word play that really isn't as funny as he thinks it is, and it's easy to imagine him smirking and asking the reader to admire how clever he is.
Still, all in all it's a good book, and I would certainly pick up a sequel dealing with the Heroic Age should he write one.
It's an
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excellent introduction to Greek myth for an adult or teen. For someone younger, I'd recommend reading it for yourself first. Greek myth certainly has its raunchy side, and Fry doesn't shy away from it. He doesn't use coarse or even adult language, but neither is he ever terribly euphemistic.If the book has a real flaw, it's that Fry is a little too fond of his own cleverness. Occasionally, he'll work in a bit of word play that really isn't as funny as he thinks it is, and it's easy to imagine him smirking and asking the reader to admire how clever he is.
Still, all in all it's a good book, and I would certainly pick up a sequel dealing with the Heroic Age should he write one.
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LibraryThing member gerrit-anne
The Greek myths are amongst the greatest stories ever told, passed down through millennia and inspiring writers and artists as varied as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, James Joyce and Walt Disney. They are embedded deeply in the traditions, tales and cultural DNA of the West. You'll fall in love with
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Zeus, marvel at the birth of Athena, wince at Cronus and Gaia's revenge on Ouranos, weep with King Midas and hunt with the beautiful and ferocious Artemis. Spellbinding, informative and moving, Stephen Fry's Mythos perfectly captures these stories for the modern age - in all their rich and deeply human relevance. Show Less
LibraryThing member MickyFine
Stephen Fry's retelling of the Greek myths is exactly as brilliant and funny as you'd expect. Even if the myths are familiar, there's a pleasure in encountering Fry's own take. There's also plenty of footnotes filled with plenty of word nerdery and funny asides. This may rival Edith Hamilton's
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Mythology as my favourite recounting of these myths. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member AVoraciousReader
Book source ~ Library
Anyone who hasn’t heard of the Greek gods or the myths associated with them must have been hiding out in a barren wasteland. I’m no stranger to them having learned about them in school and then reading all kinds of books about them over the years. But this book by Stephen
I had no idea how often Zeus stuck his dick in gods and mortals alike. Sweet Baby Jane, that guy was a Class A Horndog. But you know who else was? Poseidon and Hermes. But do you ever hear about their wild debauchery? Noooooooo. You know who the stand up guy was? Hades. Go figure, right? Anyway, there were a fuckton of offspring from these gods and it all gets a bit confusing. I don’t know how anyone could keep them all straight, but Stephen Fry lays it all out and covers it all with a warm fuzzy blanket of humor. I recommend this book to anyone who has even the slightest interest in Greek Mythology.
Anyone who hasn’t heard of the Greek gods or the myths associated with them must have been hiding out in a barren wasteland. I’m no stranger to them having learned about them in school and then reading all kinds of books about them over the years. But this book by Stephen
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Fry is not only comprehensive from the very beginning of their reign onwards, but it’s funny as fuck, too. Because, you know, Stephen Fry.I had no idea how often Zeus stuck his dick in gods and mortals alike. Sweet Baby Jane, that guy was a Class A Horndog. But you know who else was? Poseidon and Hermes. But do you ever hear about their wild debauchery? Noooooooo. You know who the stand up guy was? Hades. Go figure, right? Anyway, there were a fuckton of offspring from these gods and it all gets a bit confusing. I don’t know how anyone could keep them all straight, but Stephen Fry lays it all out and covers it all with a warm fuzzy blanket of humor. I recommend this book to anyone who has even the slightest interest in Greek Mythology.
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LibraryThing member jillrhudy
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chronicle Books and was encouraged to write an honest review.
As deftly as Arachne, Stephen Fry reweaves these old tales with his trademark wit and delicious facility with the English language. This retelling leaves in all the gay and gender fluid
“Mythos” has full color illustrations, glossy pages, and gold foil accents. It’s a large and beautiful book and seemed daunting when I began, but looks can be deceiving: not wanting it to end, I finished it in a day. It is fully indexed, and makes a handy quick reference when you can’t remember which gods that medical staff with snakes comes from, or what myth goes with that flower, celestial body, or element. Sometimes Fry stretches a legendary tale out for a few sections with hilarious dialogue, as in “Eros and Psyche.” At times the hilarity can be a tad overdone and you want Fry to get on with the stories. On the whole I was amused and enchanted and very much look forward to more of the same in Fry’s upcoming book “Heroes.”
As deftly as Arachne, Stephen Fry reweaves these old tales with his trademark wit and delicious facility with the English language. This retelling leaves in all the gay and gender fluid
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elements of the originals that were omitted by my childhood mythology books; I’ll never hear “The Age of Aquarius” without thinking of Zeus again. (Aquarius is his Roman name and Ganymede, the Greek version). Due to Ganymede’s beauty, allowances were made for his age, his gender, and even his mortality. The weird capriciousness of the gods and of humankind are perfectly captured by Fry’s style. I also appreciated all of the etymology, history, popular culture, and witty asides in the copious footnotes. “Mythos” has full color illustrations, glossy pages, and gold foil accents. It’s a large and beautiful book and seemed daunting when I began, but looks can be deceiving: not wanting it to end, I finished it in a day. It is fully indexed, and makes a handy quick reference when you can’t remember which gods that medical staff with snakes comes from, or what myth goes with that flower, celestial body, or element. Sometimes Fry stretches a legendary tale out for a few sections with hilarious dialogue, as in “Eros and Psyche.” At times the hilarity can be a tad overdone and you want Fry to get on with the stories. On the whole I was amused and enchanted and very much look forward to more of the same in Fry’s upcoming book “Heroes.”
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LibraryThing member MarysGirl
A lively, intelligent retelling of the foundational Greek myths. There was only one story that I wasn't aware of, so it was like visiting with an old friend. I love Fry's writing. My only problem is that is stopped at the "Silver Age" and didn't get to the "Age of Heroes." Is there a sequel coming?
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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I hope so!Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member le.vert.galant
A fun and easy read, the book admirably weaves the Greek myths into a somewhat cohesive narrative. I've read a great deal of Greek mythology, but it's nice to hear the old stories in a new, accessible voice. I wish this book had been around when I first took an interest in the subject.
LibraryThing member infjsarah
I read this as an audiobook read by Stephen Fry himself. I enjoyed it a lot too even if all the various names and characters got lost in the sheer number of them at times. Good to learn some of the original stories as opposed to all the adaptions in popular culture.
LibraryThing member Bookmarque
Contrary to what Fry says here, Vestals were not required to be virgins until they died - only during the time they served. Usually from pre-adolescence to the 30s. Then they were free to leave, marry and have children and many of them did.
LibraryThing member amanda4242
Witty and intelligent and highly readable. Fry spends a good amount of time with the primordial deities, imbuing them with more personality than most authors bother with, and gives some of the less common variations on the more well-known myths.
LibraryThing member -Eva-
The many stories of the Greek pantheon, retold by Stephen Fry. As is expected of anything Fry, his knowledge of the topic is astounding and results, at times, in overload, so reading this one in smaller portions is recommended. It is a wonderful retelling with lots of humor and wit. Fry's natural
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voice is evident throughout and some zingers are delivered with both sting and love; it is evident that Fry's affection for the topic is immense and he manages to transmit that to the reader perfectly. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Greek and Roman mythology - I would not be surprised if this were to become standard textbook at some point. Show Less
LibraryThing member ClareRhoden
This is a very clever rendition of the classic tales, delivered with aplomb and confidence by a master story-teller. Enjoy.
LibraryThing member ladycato
I received a hardcover edition of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
To say this is a modern classic may seem silly. After all, it IS a collection of ancient Greek myths retold by Stephen Fry. Really, though, I think this is an edition that will carry on to future generations much in
The front of the book features a map and a chart of the major who's-who of the gods. Throughout the text, the initial introduction of characters is made with their name in capitals. If characters have the same name or similar names, this is clarified via footnotes. Illustrations and photographs are throughout. The back of the book contains notes on the subject matter, including a pronunciation guide and bibliography.
Fry really goes back to the older, blunter versions of the tales. Sexual conquests abound, and not just by Zeus. I found that amusing at times because the versions I read as a kid were so very sanitized. No worries about that here. The telling is raw and matter-of-fact.
This is definitely a book I'll be keeping on my shelf as a mythological resource for years to come.
To say this is a modern classic may seem silly. After all, it IS a collection of ancient Greek myths retold by Stephen Fry. Really, though, I think this is an edition that will carry on to future generations much in
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the style of Bulfinch and Hamilton's similar works. This book has a major advantage in that Fry's voice is so evident in every line. The stories feel conversational and insightful; plus, history geeks and literature lovers will especially enjoy the frequent footnotes, which feel to me much like the asides he frequently made as a host of the British trivia show QI.The front of the book features a map and a chart of the major who's-who of the gods. Throughout the text, the initial introduction of characters is made with their name in capitals. If characters have the same name or similar names, this is clarified via footnotes. Illustrations and photographs are throughout. The back of the book contains notes on the subject matter, including a pronunciation guide and bibliography.
Fry really goes back to the older, blunter versions of the tales. Sexual conquests abound, and not just by Zeus. I found that amusing at times because the versions I read as a kid were so very sanitized. No worries about that here. The telling is raw and matter-of-fact.
This is definitely a book I'll be keeping on my shelf as a mythological resource for years to come.
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
From the index at the end to the advice on pronunciations and everything in between, the strength of this book is in the details. This edition is beautiful. Obviously the stories aren't new, but I do love the footnotes and Fry's signature style. Similar to Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, this one
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breathes life into beloved tales that people are familiar with. Greek mythology has always been a favorite of mine and this edition is one I'm thrilled to add to my collection. Show Less
LibraryThing member craso
I really enjoy Greek mythology. I have read Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology” and Robert Grave’s “The Greek Myths.” This book by comedian, actor, and writer, Stephen Fry is the most enjoyable summary I have read on Greek mythology. When I first opened it, I was afraid it was too scholarly;
The good news is that, Mr. Fry wrote another volume that includes those heroes and myths.
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with footnotes and photographic illustrations like an academic textbook. Yet, it turned out to be a very well written story of how the world was created and all the gods and creatures that came to populate it. The myths are organized chronologically with the creation story and then move to the origins of each god and the poor mortals who’s lives became intertwined with these deities. The only thing this book lacks is the epic hero stories and adventures. The good news is that, Mr. Fry wrote another volume that includes those heroes and myths.
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LibraryThing member DGRachel
Disclaimer: I'm not a fan of Greek mythology and never have been. However...
Stephen Fry's retelling of Greek myths is hysterical. He also narrates the audiobook himself, which makes the stories even more enjoyable. I highly recommend the audiobook, whether you are a fan of the original myths or
Stephen Fry's retelling of Greek myths is hysterical. He also narrates the audiobook himself, which makes the stories even more enjoyable. I highly recommend the audiobook, whether you are a fan of the original myths or
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not. Very entertaining. Show Less
Awards
Independent Booksellers' Book Prize (Shortlist — Adult — 2019)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2017-11-02
Physical description
464 p.; 9.92 inches
ISBN
1405955104 / 9781405955102
Local notes
An illustrated edition of Fry's retelling of the lives of Greek gods and goddesses.
Signed bookplate.
Signed bookplate.