Publisher 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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Vengeful gods, overconfident kings, snake-haired gorgons, sea voyages, heroic quests—it’s all Greek to us. We were happy to follow wherever British comedian, actor, and author Stephen Fry led us in this retelling of classical mythology. His skilled narration—complete with cheeky impersonations, zany contemporary characterizations, and comical commentary—brings excitement to the escapades of the Greek pantheon. Fry’s dry wit is perfect for updating these timeless tales, but what makes his storytelling really crackle is his remarkably deep knowledge of the material. He doesn’t just rewrite these myths to add punch lines. By updating them with modern language, Fry makes it clear how relatable they are and have always been. We loved all the fascinating things we learned in passing, like why a snake wrapped around a stake is a symbol of the medical profession, or that the horrific eternal punishment of King Tantalus gave us the word “tantalizing.” Mythos is a blast from the storied past that helps us better understand our own world—a Herculean task in its own right.