In this engrossing retelling of Greek myth, Jean-Pierre Vernant combines his profound knowledge of the subject with brilliant and original story-telling. Beginning with the creation of Earth out of Chaos, Vernant continues with the castration of Uranus, the war between the Titans and the gods of Olympus, the wily ruses of Prometheus and Zeus, and the creation of Pandora, the first woman. His narrative takes us from the Trojan War to the voyage of Odysseus, from the story of Dionysus to the terrible destiny of Oedipus and to Perseus's confrontation with the Gorgons. Jean-Pierre Vernant has devoted himself to the study of Greek mythology. In recounting these tales, he unravels for us their multiple meanings and brings to life cherished figures of legend whose stories lie at the origin of our civilization.

About the Author
Jean-Pierre Vernant was a French historian and anthropologist, specialising in ancient Greece. Heavily influenced by Claude Levi-Strauss, he applied structuralist theory to Greek tragedy, myth and society. He died in 2007.

Reviews
Storytelling at its best ... A rich treasury for all readers * Library Journal *
Those seeking a first-rate account of the meanings and origins of the Greek myths, as well as a fresh and absorbing narrative, will find no better guide. * Publisher's Weekly *



Book Information
ISBN 9781861973993
Author Jean-Pierre Vernant
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Profile Books Ltd
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 160g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 16mm