Nigel Spivey

These myths were a lot of fun to read. The title of this book was a fairly accurate one. Lots of little details are added to the Greek myths to give them more dimension, making for more memorable and enjoyable myths. It's a great starter book for anybody interested in mythology, but be forewarned, there are mentions of homosexuality (Zeus and Gnaymede, for example) as well as incest and rape. But all of these things existed in the original myths) so people familiar with these myths should show more not be surprised. All in all enjoyable book, my favorites were the Demeter and Persephone one as well as the Hercules one. 4.5/5 stars for enjoyable and memorable stories. show less

An exquisite exploration of the classical foundations of Western culture. From Troy and Athens to Rome, the trip is enlightening. This book was a helpful addition to my diverse collection of classical history readings.

Clear, concise writing, with fine narrative flow, beautifully illustrated throughout with images closely and thoughtfully tied to every observation made in the text, making it an enjoyable, reading experience, and easy to absorb the concepts by a non-expert in Greek and Roman art, culture and mythology.

This greatly expanded my understanding of those darn painted pots in every museum in a way no other art book has in the past.

This was an excellent book. It makes the Greek myths accessible to the average American and shows them for the awesome stories that they are. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know about the myths but hasn't the fortitude to wade through Homer's version.