In this engrossing retelling of Greek myth, Jean-Pierre Vernant combines his profound knowledge of the subject with brilliant and original story-telling. Beginning with the creation of Earth out of Chaos, Vernant continues with the castration of Uranus, the war between the Titans and the gods of Olympus, the wily ruses of Prometheus and Zeus, and the creation of Pandora, the first woman. His narrative takes us from the Trojan War to the voyage of Odysseus, from the story of Dionysus to the terrible destiny of Oedipus and to Perseus’s confrontation with the Gorgons. Jean-Pierre Vernant has devoted himself to the study of Greek mythology. In recounting these tales, he unravels for us their multiple meanings and brings to life cherished figures of legend whose stories lie at the origin of our civilization.
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In a cohesive narrative he relates the battles between the gods and men, giving memorable faces to famous names. A cosy read for winter afternoons. -- TNT magazine, December 2001. Book of the Week
Just the ticket if you're seeking a brilliantly discursive and stimulating re-telling of the key legends that form a foundation stone of Western civilisation. -- Birmingham Post, February 2002
Presented in a comprehensible yet informal storytelling style.. -- Hull Daily Mail, January 2002
Vernant is one of the most influential scholars of ancient Greece: the general reader will find this an engrossing, stimulating and lively book. -- Times Literary Supplement, July, 2002
Vernant retells ancient Greek myths in a pellucid, intimate style such as he was wont to use with his grandson at bedtime.(This is)wonderful. -- The Guardian G2, October, 2002
Just the ticket if you're seeking a brilliantly discursive and stimulating re-telling of the key legends that form a foundation stone of Western civilisation. -- Birmingham Post, February 2002
Presented in a comprehensible yet informal storytelling style.. -- Hull Daily Mail, January 2002
Vernant is one of the most influential scholars of ancient Greece: the general reader will find this an engrossing, stimulating and lively book. -- Times Literary Supplement, July, 2002
Vernant retells ancient Greek myths in a pellucid, intimate style such as he was wont to use with his grandson at bedtime.(This is)wonderful. -- The Guardian G2, October, 2002
About the Author
Jean-Pierre Vernant is one of the most remarkable classicists of our time. Professor at Paris's Collège de France and author of numerous academic publications on the subject of Greek mythology, Vernant's 'fairy tale' narrative is infused with a wealth of insight as well as a lifetime's knowledge.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this book back in 2003 but due to having nothing new to read I am half way through it again. It is an excellent little book and can be completed in a few nights avid reading, although due to the strange Greek names others may want to take longer to digest the Gods/Family history a little more. The book starts out setting the scene telling of how the Gods and the Humans came to be, then moves on to the more fun stories and myths.
Because of it's shortness it is only really a grounding for books of this eara but as a positive the myth's in this form can easily be adapted to be read to children. The best thing about the book is that it is told in a story style rather than a Historical Fact style like so many are which makes it a much more pleasant read.
This is the first Greek setting book I read which got me hooked, has since led me down the Historical fiction route of Pressfield and his much more realistic and gruesome novels.
If you want to quickly get upto speed on who's who in the Gods and some of the characters spoken about in other more detailed novels then this book is the perfect starting point.
Because of it's shortness it is only really a grounding for books of this eara but as a positive the myth's in this form can easily be adapted to be read to children. The best thing about the book is that it is told in a story style rather than a Historical Fact style like so many are which makes it a much more pleasant read.
This is the first Greek setting book I read which got me hooked, has since led me down the Historical fiction route of Pressfield and his much more realistic and gruesome novels.
If you want to quickly get upto speed on who's who in the Gods and some of the characters spoken about in other more detailed novels then this book is the perfect starting point.
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Winters Kiss
Format:Paperback
This book acts as an interesting and thoroughly engaging introduction to Greek Mythology.
Starting out with 'How the world was created' according to Greek Legend, with God & Goddess names spread throughout, allowing for a previously versed reader to be refreshed, or for a first time reader to easily learn.
The Legends are then told in a short story-like manner, which is an utter delight to read, time and time again.
This book is 'light' in it's writing, but gives much information and a great overview of Greek Mythology.
I highly recommend this book for both young and old alike. You don't even have to have an interest in Ancient Greek Legends to enjoy this book and the stories within.
Starting out with 'How the world was created' according to Greek Legend, with God & Goddess names spread throughout, allowing for a previously versed reader to be refreshed, or for a first time reader to easily learn.
The Legends are then told in a short story-like manner, which is an utter delight to read, time and time again.
This book is 'light' in it's writing, but gives much information and a great overview of Greek Mythology.
I highly recommend this book for both young and old alike. You don't even have to have an interest in Ancient Greek Legends to enjoy this book and the stories within.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I asked for a book on Greek mythology as although I knew many of the names, I was distinctly hazy on the finer points of who they were and what they did. The book is really an edited down version of the myths and the author makes no bones about pointing out where stories have multiple versions. It is well-written with slightly whimsical comments from the author woven in from time to time. It does get to the heart of the stories without wasting its words and the tales are clearly put across. Greek mythology can be a trifle confusing at times as there are so much entangled lineage and enmities which run through it all but as a gateway into the subject, this book is a winner.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Some chapters brilliant some slightly boring
I'd never really know much about the Greek gods and this book really did teach me a great deal. However I would have preferred much more about the legendary myths and less about... Read more
Published 7 months ago by C. Ross
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great read for a newbie.
Went for this book after reading the other reviews and it wasn't a disappointing decision. A good choice for a first time reader of greek mythology. Would recommend it!
Published 9 months ago by Patty- Ann
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enlightening
At last at the tender age of 55 I am finally getting to grips with Greek mythology as a complete novice. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mrs. E. M. Nevin
1.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to understand
I find this book very dry and hard to understand... I have not made it past how the universe was formed. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Danica
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good for a beginning.
I read this book to get a little bit more of an understanding before I delved into the deeper information in another book I had bought on the same subject. Read more
Published on 14 April 2011 by Nikki84_14
2.0 out of 5 stars
Call me shallow but...
I want from an "entree" into the colossal maze of Greek Mythology but 3 things:
(a) idiot proof attempt at a "time-line" or "genealogy tree"
(b) pictures - both from... Read more
(a) idiot proof attempt at a "time-line" or "genealogy tree"
(b) pictures - both from... Read more
Published on 9 Mar 2011 by Ginola14
5.0 out of 5 stars
A stunning insight to Ancient Greek myths
This book is amazing. I received it as a Christmas present from a friend and found myself unable to put it down. Read more
Published on 18 Dec 2010 by bookfairy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good text
The book is perfect to understand and get started in the world of greek myths. It is very "reader-friendly" in the sense that uses simple words but the ideas are clear. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2010 by Suizonas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read like a novel!
I would HIGHLY recommend this for beginners in greek mythology with little or no prior knowledge. Usually a lot of books/encyclopaeds narrate mythological details and history in a... Read more
Published on 5 Oct 2010 by L. Siddiqui
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I bought this for my son who had been studying myths at school. He found it fascinating
Published on 3 Oct 2010 by M. E. L. Stonestreet
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