It's All Greek to Me

by Charlotte Higgins

Why is ancient Greece important? Because, quite simply, if we want to understand the modern Western world, we need to look back to the Greeks. Consider the way we think about ethics, about the nature of beauty and truth, about our place in the universe, about our mortality. All this we have learned from the ancient Greeks. They molded the basic disciplines and genres in which we still organize thought, from poetry to drama, from medicine to philosophy, from history to ethnography.

Packed with useful facts, including a timeline, a "mythology for dummies," a who's who, a guide to Homer's epics, and a handy map for those struggling to know their Lemnos from their Lesbos, It's All Greek to Me is an entertaining and insightful tour through the world of the ancient Greeks. Why are some laws Draconian? What is an Achilles' heel? Why were the Spartans spartan? Charlotte Higgins provides these answers and more, arming average readers with the knowledge they need to understand the Greeks and their tremendous contributions to our lives. This book aims to unlock the richness of a fascinating culture and place it where it should be-in the mainstream of life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Greece, Greek Mythology, Ancient History, Adult, Historical

254 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2008

About the author

Charlotte Higgins is the author of three books on aspects of the ancient world. Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain (Vintage, 2014), was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson prize for non-fiction, the Thwaites Wainwright prize for nature writing, the Dolman travel-writing prize and the Hessell-Tiltman history prize. In 2010, she won the Classical Association prize. Her most recent book Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths (Cape, 2018) was BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.

As chief culture writer of the Guardian, she contributes to the Long Read, culture and comment sections; and writes editorials, book reviews and essays. This New Noise, a book based on her nine-part series of reports on the BBC, was published by Guardian-Faber in 2015.

Higgins began her career in journalism on Vogue magazine in 1995 and moved to the Guardian in 1997, for which she has served as classical music editor and arts correspondent.

She has served as a judge for the Art Fund museums prize, the Contemporary Art Society award, and the Royal Philharmonic Society awards. As a broadcaster, she has appeared regularly on BBC Radios 3 and 4. She has also written for the New Yorker, the New Statesman and Prospect.

She is an associate member of the Centre for the Study of Greek and Roman Antiquity at Corpus Christi College, Oxford and is on the board of the Henry Barber Trust. She is a keen amateur violinist.

Reviews

[Elena Sala · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME (2008) is a book for readers who want to know more about the Ancient Greeks. Greek literature, myths, history and an examination of the impact Greek classical culture had on Western civilization are explained in a very simple, informal, jocular way.

Divided thematically into chapters, Higgins covers Homer, the playwrights, the historians, the first scientists and the philosophers. She offers very brief disquisitions on topics as varied as the architecture of the Parthenon, homosexuality, slavery, the Spartans, Zak Snyder's 2007 film 300, hoplites and triremes, the Homeric question as well as summaries (too many summaries) of major literary texts.

It is a book aimed for beginners, possibly, teenagers. Higgins has an adequate understanding of the subject, and it is very clear that she feels very enthusiastic about the topic too, however, the book is very superficial, repetitive and in the end, her relentless witty commentaries, her overblown vivacity and eagerness grated on my nerves. I wouldn't recommend this book for adults.

[Daniel Chaikin · Rating 3 out of 5]

63. It's All Greek to Me : From Homer to the Hippocratic Oath, How Ancient Greece Has Shaped Our World by Charlotte Higgins
published: 2008
format: 220 page hardcover
acquired: library
read: Oct 1, 13-16
rating: 3½

After a nice introduction, I found I didn't like it, and then I did, and then I finished and now I've kind of lost whatever affect it had, and that about sums it up.

Higgins tries to give a brief tour through Ancient Greek literature from Homer to Aristotle. It's fast paced with snarky humor and she provides some nice summaries. I particularly valued her take on Plato and Aristotle since I haven't and don't plan to read either. She also had a nice take on Sappho. And she had me wanting to read both Herodotus and Thucydides. She almost lost me early as her opening chapter on Homer (who she goes back to several times) dissolved into something like cliff notes, including (bad) chapter-by-chapter brief summaries. But she didn't do anything like that again and I was happy to read through the rest of it.

[James Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was incredibly disappointing.

I'd hoped to get an overview of ancient Greek thought, politics, philosophy, and art and then a linking between these facets of antiquity and the world today. For example, I'd hoped for the journey that political thought took from Athenian democracy to the modern systems of democracy practiced in the world.

This book doesn't deliver that. Don't get me wrong: it *does* describe Athenian democracy (for example). And it does point out that an Athenian wouldn't recognize democracy in modern Western civilizations. But it skips entirely the links of how one system eventually morphed in to the other. The book doesn't even have to good graces to say if there ever was a link or not. I'd be satisfied with "modern democracies descended from X (probably Rome?) and really have nothing to do with Athens". But instead, there's nothing.

That happens a lot. Higgins tells us that Homer and Thucydudes are read at West Point, but she doesn't tell us the value that students get out of it (other than some vague hand-waving in the direction of Vietnam). It's all vague and cursory and ultimately unsatisfying.

The blurb on the cover reads "From Homer to the Hippocratic oath, how Ancient Greece has shaped our world", so I don't feel out of place expecting just that. But, in reality, the book is just "From Homer to the Hippocratic oath". There's value in that; but it's not what was promised and it's not what I wanted when I started reading it.

The book is also poorly written; it would have strongly benefited from a good editor. The style jumps all over the place: from formal lecture-style material to conspiratorially whispering to the reader and back again -- often in the same paragraph*. Higgins also never met a synonym that she didn't like. The book often seems less like a book about the ancient Greeks and more of an excuse to use a big thesaurus. It feels like a middle school writing project where the student is trying REALLY hard to impress the teacher. I'm not a fan.

I'd avoid this one. The chapter on Plato was probably worth reading if, like me, you've had no real exposure to his work. Other than that, there's really no meat on this one.

At least it's short.

* I do the same thing, of course. But then, I would never suggest that you should read something I've written; let alone pay for it!

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up shortly after I married a woman of Greek descent. The title is appealing, but the book isn't really about Greece, it's about Greek literature. Which is OK, but reading about reading is not of great interest to me.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

“From Homer to the Hippocratic Oath: how Ancient Greece has shaped our world” - well, at least she got the Homer bit right. Higgins’ book is one of those half-baked pies: it’s good, but just not quiet there.

What promises to be an illuminating experience winds up being just dull, full of spelling and punctuation issues (Higgins is VERY comma friendly and indulges is slightly too many ellipses for my liking...).

I did learn bits and pieces about Ancient Greece in this, but nothing to the depth of what is promised, and certainly not how they relate to modern day. In the end, the whole book feels like a summary of Higgins’ favorite parts of the Iliad and Odyssey, with the odd promotion of Philip Pullman and some generic Wikipedia-esque facts. It just feels lazy and cheap on the whole. In one word? Disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this "layman's guide" to many (if not most) things Greek. Charlotte Higgins walks the reader through the Iliad and the Odyssey; the ins and outs of Sparta; Greek architecture (which brought back memories of Mr. Tippery's World History class sophomore year - I had those column styles down pat!); mythology; and the philosophers. And that's just some of the information that is packed into this gem of a book. There's also a timeline, a map, and a Who's Who of Greeks (actual and mythological).

It's All Greek To Me will remain on my keeper shelf because it is such a handy source of information - really, if you'd like a Greek reference book that's easy to read and understand (and also quite interesting), this may be the book for you.

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone anywhere who has an interest in Ancient Greece, this accessible, clear, fascinating, easily readable book is a must read.

[R.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

English review below the Greek one...
3½/5

Ουσιαστικά δεν ξέρω τι υποτίθεται ότι είναι ή προσπαθεί να πετύχει το βιβλίο. Το βρήκα κάπως αποσπασματικό (και λογικό είναι εδώ που τα λέμε), αρκετά επαναλαμβανόμενο σε κάποια σημεία (η συγγραφέας αγαπάει πολύ τον Όμηρο ας πούμε και ενώ τον αναλύει στην αρχή του βιβλίου επανέρχεται συχνά παραθέτοντας τα ίδια στη συνέχεια), κάπως φτωχό σε άλλα σημεία ή αρκετά υποκειμενικό στις ερμηνείες του κάποιες φορές. Επίσης είναι αρκετά μικρότερο σε περιεχόμενο από ότι φαίνεται αρχικά, καθώς οι τελευταίες 50 σελίδες περίπου περιέχουν λίστες με το Δωδεκάθεο, προτεινόμενες πηγές για διάβασμα, κατάλογο ονομάτων, ευχαριστίες σε όσους συνεισέφεραν στην έκδοση του βιβλίου, μία πολύ περιορισμένη λίστα με αρχαιοελληνικές λέξεις/φράσεις που χρησιμοποιούνται σήμερα στην Αγγλική γλώσσα και η ερμηνεία/καταγωγή τους, αρχαία γνωμικά κτλ κτλ. Στο βιβλίο υπάρχουν και κάποια τυπογραφικά που μπορούσαν να λείπουν...

Παρόλα αυτά, το βρήκα εύκολο στην ανάγνωση σε γενικές γραμμές και εκτίμησα τον ενθουσιασμό της συγγραφέα και τις προσπάθειές της να αγγίξει έστω και λίγο διάφορες πτυχές του πολιτισμού, της λογοτεχνίας, της ιστορίας κτλ της Αρχαιάς Ελλάδας. Το χιούμορ της και ο τρόπος που βλέπει τα πράγματα τις περισσότερες φορές έχουν κάτι το αναζωογονητικό. Νομίζω ότι θα είναι ένα πιο χρήσιμο βιβλίο σε κάποιον που έχει κάποια πολύ βασική γνώση για το αντικείμενο και θα ήθελε να μάθει περισσότερα χωρίς να είναι όμως ξετρελαμένος.


"...this book aims to unlock the richness of the Greek world and show just how profoundly it has informed our own."

Well, I'm not very sure if actually that's what this book is about or if it achieved its aim. I found it somehow fragmental, quite repetitive on some stuff and too bare-bones or biased or spartan (to use a word related on the book) on other stuff. It is much shorter than it seems to be at first sight too. The last 50 pages or so feature a map of Greece, the Greek alphabet, index of names, a very very limited collection of Greek words/phrases used in English and their meaning/origin, suggestions for further reading, aknowledgements etc. There are some typos too.

All that said, I kind of enjoyed this book and found it refreshing. Not original and not impressive to this Greek reader, but I liked the enthusiasm of the author and her efforts to explain/mention at least some basic elements of Greek culture to a random reader. Her attempts on humor were OΚeyish too. I guess "It's All Greek To Me" might be more interesting to someone who has a very limited knowledge about the subject matter and wants to learn a little bit more without been heavy on the subject.
3½/5

[Susan Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

While searching for books that would sum up the Greek world of antiquity and also detail the ways contemporary Western civilization has responded to it, I found Charlotte Higgins’ It’s All Greek to Me. With straight-forward, clear, but not simplistic narrative and illustrations, Higgins conveys the heart of ancient Greek culture. An enthusiast of Homer’s work, her introduction and first chapter (“The alpha and omega: Why a life without Homer is a life half-lived,”) drew me in. Higgins says Homer’s work is the fountainhead of European thought. For nearly 2700 years people have been responding to the Iliad and the Odyssey in poetry and stories, theater and film, visual arts, and as ever in academe. Why?
Higgins ‘s short (193 pages plus appendices) but meaty and distilled story of Greek antiquity answers that question by providing insights into its politics, views on death and the afterlife, democracy’s original definition and application, misogyny and the women who defied it, war, science, and philosophy. It inspired me to read translations of Plato’s ‘Death of Socrates’ (the Phaedo and Crito) and other philosophical dialogues. The text is witty and down-to-earth, the sort of writing that makes one wish to meet and have long conversations with the author.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't take long to read this book. It's a good introduction to - and discussion of - ancient Greek history, literature and culture and looks at how it has impacted on Western cultures (and others) down the ages. Higgins is not afraid to criticise not only Classical Greek culture, but also some of the interpretations and misuses others have put it to over the centuries.

I especially liked the sections on the developments of mathematics, philosophy and science, where she notes some of the theories that were proposed to explain aspects of the natural world - and how some of them were remarkably accurate. Some of the quotes have made me want to investigate to try and find some of these works if I can.

In addition to the main chapters, there are supplementary sections at the back which include a timeline, a glossary of terms and a guide to mythological and historical figures. It's a good book, fairly accessible to the general reader who might not feel ready to tackle Homer or Thucydides. There are also plenty of references and recommendations for additional reading if you want to read more about a specific topic.

[Claire Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who studied classics for many years and majored in it in college, I was excited about this. However, I found it to be poorly written in parts and far too focused on Homer [clearly the author's favorite classical subject] and it ends rather abruptly. However, it did reference a few lesser known characters which I found moderately interesting. Overall, if you've studied classics for over a year on any level, you can probably skip it. If you're interested in classics, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.

[Charlotte Falkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all my born days, I have never used the word "romp" to describe anything. I don't even think I've used the word. But this book by Charlotte Higgins is a ROMP. I enjoyed every page and will keep this book at hand to refer to. Not only is it well-organized and well-written, but Higgins manages to illustrate numerous characters in unique, amusing ways which is a tall order considering her subject matter (gods, goddesses, dieties, titans, mortals, etc., their drama and similar). I'd love to read a book about Stoicism written by Ms. Higgins.

[Izzy A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and easy read that spans the width of ancient Greek philosophy, mythology and culture. The writing is endearingly enthusiastic and keeps you entertained throughout. It's not the most in depth book, so if you're looking for a real deep dive into ancient Greek life this might not be the book for you. For anyone who has an interest in classics but isn't sure where to start, this is a fantastic jumping off point.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about books, or rather an appreciation of ancient Greek literature. The chapters are thematic with one on love, one on soldiers, another on the philosophers. There is stuff about the Athenian playwrights, about forms of government, about homosexuality. And Higgins provides a lot of quotes throughout. But no one does she quote more than Homer. Each chapter has like a dozen Iliad quotes. To the point where I almost feel like I’ve read the Iliad again

[Angela Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed most of this book although I will say it seemed repetitive because there was so much focus on Homer than things were brought up more than once. However, I did appreciate that the chapters were very topic oriented so if someone is researching a single aspect of the book that repetition would be helpful. I also enjoyed her tone very much! It was witty without taken away from the seriousness of the subject. A bit academic but an enjoyable read.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting collection of information about Ancient Greece and all the ways it influenced (and still influences) our lives. Its drama, science, insights into human nature are to be found in so many aspects of today, and I enjoyed adding to what I already admire about the Greeks' cultural history.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing here that isn't familiar to anyone with even a smattering of Ancient Greek knowledge...but it's well organized & enthusiastically written. Entertaining & useful; the author's crush on Homer is evident throughout the book.

[Holly Beaumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this thematic romp through Ancient Greek culture. It was an entertaining, thought-provoking primer. Generous in its references and suggestions of further reading, it nevertheless left me wanting more from this author in particular.

[Pippi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave up on this. Quite a chatty and readable style, but with a focus only on Greek literature and that overwhelmingly Homer. No history, archaeology, etc. What did the Greeks think about death? Well, here’s a full resume of Oedipus Rex …

[Janis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information. A couple of chapters were pretty dry but I enjoyed the book for the most part.

[Maite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahora me quiero leer los clásicos.

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluently written, with a lot of focus on the great Greek writers and philosophers. A very handy bibliography provides inspiration for further reading.

[Michael Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good place to start if you want to learn about the Greeks.

[Cathal McGuinness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant introduction to ancient Greece

[regina ferarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of Ancient Greece with a bit of history, literature, and anecdotes.

[Louis Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decently constructed introduction to Ancient Greek literature has some insightful takes and good humour at times

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been interested in Greek in general since I studied in high school. I never got into it back then as much as I did with Latin, so this book provided a great guide for all things greek. The people, their literature, and how the Ancient Greeks have affected life as we know it. It was very interesting even when there were parts that were very heavy on history.

[Johnny T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of how Ancient Greece is still relevant and important, although not as good as a starting point for learning about the culture as it would have you think. Still worth picking up, though!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was on the Road Scholar recommended reading list. It is a good overview of ancient Greece from Gods and Goddesses to literature and history. It is accessible and readable with a timeline and definitions. maybe too short? I wished it had kept going