Book cover of The Penguin Book of Classical Myths

Book description

What were the twelve labours of Herakles? Why did Zeus turn himself into a shower of gold? What was the name of the guard-dog of the Underworld? Which two-faced Roman god gave his name to the month January? What is the answer to the riddle of the Sphinx?

The myths…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Penguin Book of Classical Myths as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is really the definitive replacement to Robert Graves’ awesome The Greek Myths, which held sway for 50 years or so as the go-to book for detailed explanation alongside obscure erudition.

The good thing is, March’s book, whilst amazingly erudite and ‘complete’ (if one can ever be), is also highly readable and organized in a much superior and reader-friendly way than the Graves’ volumes. I like reference books, and this is my default classical reference book now.

From James' list on understand and enjoy Greek myths.

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