The "Misunderstood" Monsters of Greek Mythology

by Anastasia Tentokali, Beetroot Design Group (Illustrator), Fanis Skourtis (Translator)

Frightening, shocking, strange and unpredictable, the monsters of Greek Mythology are the antiheroes that have inspired authors such as Hesiod, Homer, Plato, Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Wilde and Gide, artists like, Rubens, Goya, Ingres and Picasso and have fascinated countless generations of readers and listeners all around the world. Here, for the first time, the monsters of Greek Mythology get to tell their story! The original myths are coupled by the monsters’ own version of their story, all in sharp and witty original verse by Anastasia Tentokali and appropriately translated for the english version by Fanis Skourtis.
The design of the book makes use of a quite old but extremely ergonomic technique in which the content is arranged within a page so that it leaves enough space downwards and on the sides so that the reader’s hand can comfortably grasp it without obscuring the text.
The typography including fonts and text distribution, reminds of classic children’s books of old times that is made afresh by the use of modern technology that allows crystal-clear precision in the rendering of the shapes and the printing of the colors. The printing was made in high-quality Old Mill 130 and 250 gram paper.
Every “misunderstood monster” featured in the book is illustrated accordingly to its “psychology” as this is explained in its “personal account of its story”. The brand new book by Mangel-Wurzel book is lavishly designed and illustrated in smart neo-black-figure style colors in reminiscence of the black-figured illustrations of the Classic Greek Era, interpreted in a new –edgy style.

67 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[borderline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma das mais bonitas prendas que recebi. Perde-se um pouco na tradução. Hei de aprender grego.

[Kelly]

I feel like it isn’t fair to rate this, because the translation just isn’t doing it justice. I’m sure in the original Greek, the text is just as enchanting as the imagery but it’s obvious that the translation has forfeited the poetic nature of this book.

The illustrations are so beautiful and intriguing, and the paper and binding itself is just what I’ve always wanted in a book but I just wish I knew Greek so I could truly enjoy this series of poems on the misunderstood Greek monsters.

[Antonia · Rating 1 out of 5]

La única parte que salvó el libro, a mi parecer, fueron los dibujos y el que fuera tan corto.
Las historias no se entendían bien, la poesía era muy mala, y estaba llena de errores gramaticales, tipográficos y simplemente las oraciones no tenían sentido.
Me gusta mucho el concepto de personajes no comprendidos, y ver sus historias desde otro ángulo. En 2026 esas historias se han vuelto muy populares, ya sea en libros o en la pantalla de cine, así que debo decir que me gusta el concepto. Sin embargo, lo sentí muy flojo y superficial:
Si vas a intentar defender a estos "monstruos", al menos hay que utilizar un punto con el que se pueda empatizar.
Por ejemplo en el caso del Minotauro básicamente dijo "Él estaba tan solito, que empezó a devorarlos a todos :(" o con los Centauros, "Ellos tenían impulsos sexuales salvajes respecto a las mujeres, pero qué más van a hacer si son bestias :("
En cambio, las explicaciones para Cerbero me causó ternura: "Siempre trabajaba duro y de manera honesta, sin esperar algo a cambio, pero que por un poco de música daría su corazón y alma". O las Sirenas, que son vistas como demonios del agua, pero la autora lo veía como "Están postradas en rocas muertas de hambre, esperando su destino, y deciden intentar hacer algo al respecto".
También hay una estrofa en el capítulo de la Quimera que está repetido, no creo que se haya hecho a propósito. Simplemente me parece que el libro lo habría disfrutado mucho más, si se hubiera enfocado en los dibujos, y contar las historias de estos "antagonistas" desde otro ángulo, en narración normal, en vez de poesía, que es muy difícil aprender, y más aún perfeccionar.

[K M Laume · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the whole concept of the misunderstood beasts and all of the beautiful iconic illustrations. I’m also a huge fan of Greek myth. This is why I’m giving it four stars instead of three. There was a poetic quality to the text however the translation really needs work. It’s a shame because it would really be a five star book otherwise!

[Ján · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked it up because of my love of Greek mythology and because I liked the premise. Beautiful illustrations as expected (design prize). However, I’ve expected more from the text. I’m also unsure about the quality of the translation..

[Lurdes · Rating 2 out of 5]

After vacationing in Greece, I was eager to beef up my Greek mythology knowledge but I fear some meanings are lost in translation in this little book, which promises uncovered symbolism and allegories, but delivers more confusion than clarity.

[Breña · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice idea to look behind the curtain of mythological monsters and see their "truth". Modern yet archaic-inspired illustrations accompany the poems. The translation is a bit rough and bumpy, but one gets the idea. Overall a work of art with love for details.

[Byronic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice illustrations but I expected some more text analysis. The questionable translation quality doesn't improve it either, unfortunately.

[Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book that is let down by it's translation

[Danielle]

I can’t really rate this. The artwork is beautiful but I feel they’ve done such a bad job on the translation it renders it almost unreadable

[Xenia Rybina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reading was OK, but one extra star goes for the illustrations ✨