Details: The book leads the reader through these vibrant stories, from the origins of the gods through to the homecomings of the Trojan heroes. All the familiar narratives are here, along with some less familiar characters & motifs. In addition to the tales, the book explains key issues arising from the narratives, & discusses the myths & their wider relevance. This long-overdue book crystallises three key areas of interest: the nature of the tales; the stories themselves; & how they have & might be interpreted. For the first time, it brings together aspects of Greek mythology only usually available in disparate forms namely children s books & academic works. There will be much here that is interesting, surprising, & strange as well as familiar. Experts & non-experts, adults, students & schoolchildren alike will gain entertainment & insight from this fascinating & important volume. As inhuman fire sweeps on in fury through the deep angles of a drywood mountain & sets ablaze the depth of the timber & the blustering wind lashes the flame along, so Achilleus swept everywhere with his spear like something more than a mortal harrying them as they died, & the black earth ran blood. Homer " Iliad" 20. 490-4
- On the surface the recent Hollywood blockbuster " Troy", directed by Wolfgang Petersen, tries to read the " Iliad" rightly, but makes a number of interesting modifications to the story, presumably in the interests of commercial success & In searching for a contemporary Achilles there are those who look towards the action heroes played by the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger & Jean-Claude van Damme. But Rambo does not die young, the Terminator does not weep, & the Universal Soldier does not eat with the father of his victims. Ideal for: anyone who has a working knowledge of Greek Mythology & wants to know more. This paperback book has 531 pages & measures: 19.7 x 13.1 x 3.7cm