Greek Myths
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  • Published: 9 September 2021
  • ISBN: 9781473599505
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $26.99

Greek Myths

A New Retelling, with drawings by Chris Ofili

Formats & editions
Paperback
1 Nov 2022
EBook
9 Sep 2021
Audiobook
9 Sep 2021
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A major new retelling of the Greek myths for a new generation, with original drawings by world-renowned artist Chris Ofili.

In this spellbinding new collection, Charlotte Higgins reinterprets some of the most enduring stories of all time.

Here are myths of the creation, of Heracles and Theseus and Perseus, the Trojan war and its origins and aftermaths, tales of Thebes and Argos and Athens. There are stories of love and desire, adventure and magic, destructive gods, helpless humans, fantastical creatures, resourceful witches and the origins of birds and animals.This is a world of extremes, and one that resonates deeply with our own: mysterious diseases devastate cities; environmental disasters tear lives apart; women habitually suffer violence at the hands of men.

Unlike in many previous collected myths, female characters take centre stage - Athena, Helen, Circe, Penelope and others weave these stories into elaborate imagined tapestries. In Charlotte Higgins's thrilling new interpretation, their tales combine to form a dazzling, sweeping epic of storytelling, and a magnificent work of scholarship and imagination.

With a series of original drawings by Chris Ofili.
  • Published: 9 September 2021
  • ISBN: 9781473599505
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $26.99
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About the author

Charlotte Higgins

Charlotte Higgins's previous books include the acclaimed Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain, which was shortlisted for awards including the Samuel Johnson (now Baillie Gifford) Prize for non-fiction. She is chief culture writer of the Guardian, a past winner of the Classical Association prize, and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. She lives in London.

Also by Charlotte Higgins

Red Thread
Under Another Sky
See all

Praise for Greek Myths

Charlotte Higgins captures the raw, magical originality of the Greek myths in this beguiling book, charmingly illustrated by Chris Ofili... She knows her classics - and her myths - inside out.

Harry Mount, Catholic Herald

We are in the hands of a fine, fluent storyteller... Higgins, like the bards who first unspooled these tales, creates the illusion of spontaneity and handles suspense brilliantly... Chris Ofili's drawings complement the lyricism of the prose descriptions. Higgins depicts art mediating life - the reason, I think, that we read books... I loved this book.

Sara Wheeler, Spectator

[A] scholarly, capacious reimagining... Higgins makes you feel for these tormented, accursed mortals afresh.

Claire Allfree, The Times

A gritty and exhilarating new version of the ancient stories in which the female characters take centre stage.

Katy Guest, Guardian

Higgins invests the tales with surprising new meanings... The command of Higgins herself, as the master weaver of myths, emerges forcefully....Ancient myths here acquire compelling modern form.

Booklist, Starred Review