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Deep enough for the general reader, not a history text book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2021
There have been one or two sour comments from people who assert that it is not serious historical research. It does not set out to be, nor would many want to read it if it were. And since there is some doubt about whether she even existed it's scarcely a suitable subject for such an approach.For a general reader who has heard of Helen, and may have read the Iliad or one of the many books derived from it, and who wants a flavour of the past, it is excellent. There is plenty of geography, archaeology, art, history and mythology to go at. The book covers goddesses and how noble women might have been perceived.The story of Helen, real or otherwise, has inspired writers for 3000 years. Hughes mentions (perhaps too briefly) the writings of Euripides, Ovid, Marlowe (just these three span 2000 years), and many others.Schliemann in the nineteenth century excavating Troy, thought he had found Helen's head-dress and necklace and photographed his wife wearing it - I have attached a picture. I wonder how she felt about that. Sadly that beautiful jewellery is 1000 years too old to have been made for her - if she existed at the supposed time of the Trojan war, maybe 1200 years BC. How much is history and how much is myth, who can tell? But I have seen Greek war memorials that include mention of Troy.She has a lively style of writing. Some accuse her of breathless enthusiasm. It's a matter of taste.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2021
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 23 April 2023
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 24 February 2021
For a general reader who has heard of Helen, and may have read the Iliad or one of the many books derived from it, and who wants a flavour of the past, it is excellent. There is plenty of geography, archaeology, art, history and mythology to go at. The book covers goddesses and how noble women might have been perceived.
The story of Helen, real or otherwise, has inspired writers for 3000 years. Hughes mentions (perhaps too briefly) the writings of Euripides, Ovid, Marlowe (just these three span 2000 years), and many others.
Schliemann in the nineteenth century excavating Troy, thought he had found Helen's head-dress and necklace and photographed his wife wearing it - I have attached a picture. I wonder how she felt about that. Sadly that beautiful jewellery is 1000 years too old to have been made for her - if she existed at the supposed time of the Trojan war, maybe 1200 years BC. How much is history and how much is myth, who can tell? But I have seen Greek war memorials that include mention of Troy.
She has a lively style of writing. Some accuse her of breathless enthusiasm. It's a matter of taste.
Deep enough for the general reader, not a history text book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 24 February 2021
There have been one or two sour comments from people who assert that it is not serious historical research. It does not set out to be, nor would many want to read it if it were. And since there is some doubt about whether she even existed it's scarcely a suitable subject for such an approach.Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 24 February 2021
For a general reader who has heard of Helen, and may have read the Iliad or one of the many books derived from it, and who wants a flavour of the past, it is excellent. There is plenty of geography, archaeology, art, history and mythology to go at. The book covers goddesses and how noble women might have been perceived.
The story of Helen, real or otherwise, has inspired writers for 3000 years. Hughes mentions (perhaps too briefly) the writings of Euripides, Ovid, Marlowe (just these three span 2000 years), and many others.
Schliemann in the nineteenth century excavating Troy, thought he had found Helen's head-dress and necklace and photographed his wife wearing it - I have attached a picture. I wonder how she felt about that. Sadly that beautiful jewellery is 1000 years too old to have been made for her - if she existed at the supposed time of the Trojan war, maybe 1200 years BC. How much is history and how much is myth, who can tell? But I have seen Greek war memorials that include mention of Troy.
She has a lively style of writing. Some accuse her of breathless enthusiasm. It's a matter of taste.
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 5 January 2021
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 27 May 2019
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 4 May 2008
