Mythos

All three books in Stephen Fry's series about Greek myths and history are winners (Mythos, Heroes, Troy). I loved reading everything I could about that world as a child, and Stephen's retelling and exploration of those tales not only reminded me of "old friends" but filled in many gaps. Told in his own, very accessible voice (and read by the author), these books were a highlight of my year's reading. It was a treat while creating my own strange new world for my stories to be able to immerse myself in the tales of the gods and heroes of antiquity.

Greek mythology that reads like a storybook.

I never thought I would enjoy reading Greek mythology. But how Fry wrote it is really amazing. Now, when I go to a museum and see an ancient painting depicting Greek Mythology, I am often able to explain what is visualised in the artwork.

In the book, Zeus and the other Gods get a true character and the fights they have are depicted in a way that you still want to read it till the end, even if you know what the end will look like. 

While I first discovered Stephen Fry's wit and humor through the Bones TV series, I was delighted to learn that he is also an accomplished author. And, while I don't know much about Greek mythology, his book Mythos welcomes readers with open arms and requires no prior knowledge of the subject.

Ancient Greek heroes' world has never sounded more appealing or approachable. Stephen Fry injects his trademark wit into the world of mythology, and it provides an engaging retelling of Greek myths, sprinkled with a touch of anachronistic language for added amusement, which tickled my funny bone.

Stephen Fry's Mythos… show more.

The Greek myths are given a brilliant make-over by Stephen Fry, a master of words and story-telling.

Pouring soul and colour into tired old stories that I read once-upon-a-time in school here in Greece, Fry re-invents the Titans, gods, goddesses, muses, and heroes of ancient Greek mythology, giving flesh and personality to each and every one of them.

This book made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions - Fry’s tongue-in-cheek take on the myths is pure hilarity. What is most impressive is the research that has gone into creating a book that presents the hundreds of characters, complex storylines,… show more.

For those who find Edith Hamilton’s Mythology a bit dry for the modern day, Stephen Fry’s Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined presents a comprehensive anthology of the major myths, retold with verve and humor for an adult audience. Fry may be best known as a humorist and actor, but he’s also got serious classical chops. He interweaves his immensely readable myths with thoughtful analysis, the occasional scholarly footnote, and helpful illustrations. An excellent resource and a great read.  

Because I like to cheat and this is a nice way of recommending more than five books, obviously. But seriously, if you want to be precise, you can always start with Mythos, the first of Fry’s trilogy, and assure yourself you’re in for as droll a time as a master of British wit can manage.

The common thread you may be picking up on in these recommendations is the desire to celebrate how myths are constantly being remade over time as their audiences change. Fry’s work is a brilliant example of this, a collection of Greek myths presented in a… show more.