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Arcadian Nights: The Greek Myths Reimagined
The classical Greek intellectual tradition pervades nearly every aspect of our modern Western civilization. Our logic and science, our philosophy, politics, literature, architecture, and art are all indebted to the ancient inhabitants of the small mountainous Mediterranean country. And the powerful myths of the Greeks, refined by Homer, Hesiod, Herodotus, and the great Greek dramatists, still resonate at the core of our culture.
Taking as his starting point many of the famous tourist sites in the Peloponnese, where the stories are set, John Spurling, winner of the 2015 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, freshly imagines key narratives from the Greek canon, including tales of the doomed house of Atreus (notably Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks at Troy, murdered by his wife in his palace bathroom); of the god Apollo; goddess Athene; Theseus, scourge of the Minotaur; the Twelve Labors of Heracles; and Perseus, rescuer of Andromeda.
In this vibrant, gripping and often grisly retelling of the Greek myths, stories of murder, power, revenge, love, and traumatic family relationships are made new again for our time with wit and relish by a gifted author. Spurling has added scene, dialogue, and context, while always staying true to the spirit of the original myth.
Taking as his starting point many of the famous tourist sites in the Peloponnese, where the stories are set, John Spurling, winner of the 2015 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, freshly imagines key narratives from the Greek canon, including tales of the doomed house of Atreus (notably Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks at Troy, murdered by his wife in his palace bathroom); of the god Apollo; goddess Athene; Theseus, scourge of the Minotaur; the Twelve Labors of Heracles; and Perseus, rescuer of Andromeda.
In this vibrant, gripping and often grisly retelling of the Greek myths, stories of murder, power, revenge, love, and traumatic family relationships are made new again for our time with wit and relish by a gifted author. Spurling has added scene, dialogue, and context, while always staying true to the spirit of the original myth.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
22 people are currently reading
1928 people want to read
About the author
John Spurling
24 books10 followersBorn in Kisumu in 1936, and brought up in Nairobi, John came to England aged 10. Two years later he wrote and produced his first play - a schoolboy farce about Julius Caesar's fictitious third landing in Britain.
After National Service in the Royal Artillery, and studying Law at St. John's College, Oxford, in 1960 John helped organise a United Nations plebiscite in the then Southern Cameroons, now part of the Cameroun Republic.
In 1963 he joined the BBC as a radio announcer, where he stayed until he received a two-year grant from a group of West End theatre managers to write plays. This resulted in MacRune's Guevara, performed by the National Theatre in 1969 and recently revived off-Broadway.
John has been a freelance writer since 1966, reviewing, broadcasting and writing two books of criticism – on Beckett's plays and Greene's novels – as well as some 30 plays and, more recently, four novels. In 1973 John became Henfield Writing Fellow at the University of East Anglia and was The New Statesman's art critic from 1976-88.
John's latest books are The Ten Thousand Things, to be published by Overlook (New York) and Duckworth (London) in 2014, and A Book of Liszts, published by Seagull Books in 2011. Arcadian Nights, stories from the Greek myths, will be published by Overlook (New York) on February 2, 2016, and was already released by Duckworth (London) on September 24.
John is married to the biographer Hilary Spurling. They have three children, and live in London and Arcadia, Greece.
John's grandfather was the classical scholar, J.C.Stobart, the BBC's first Director of Education and author of "The Glory That Was Greece" and "The Grandeur That Was Rome"
After National Service in the Royal Artillery, and studying Law at St. John's College, Oxford, in 1960 John helped organise a United Nations plebiscite in the then Southern Cameroons, now part of the Cameroun Republic.
In 1963 he joined the BBC as a radio announcer, where he stayed until he received a two-year grant from a group of West End theatre managers to write plays. This resulted in MacRune's Guevara, performed by the National Theatre in 1969 and recently revived off-Broadway.
John has been a freelance writer since 1966, reviewing, broadcasting and writing two books of criticism – on Beckett's plays and Greene's novels – as well as some 30 plays and, more recently, four novels. In 1973 John became Henfield Writing Fellow at the University of East Anglia and was The New Statesman's art critic from 1976-88.
John's latest books are The Ten Thousand Things, to be published by Overlook (New York) and Duckworth (London) in 2014, and A Book of Liszts, published by Seagull Books in 2011. Arcadian Nights, stories from the Greek myths, will be published by Overlook (New York) on February 2, 2016, and was already released by Duckworth (London) on September 24.
John is married to the biographer Hilary Spurling. They have three children, and live in London and Arcadia, Greece.
John's grandfather was the classical scholar, J.C.Stobart, the BBC's first Director of Education and author of "The Glory That Was Greece" and "The Grandeur That Was Rome"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 22, 2021
This is a very accessible version of classic Greek myths, however like most mythology retellings the author is un creative and decides to focus on the men and their stories.
November 3, 2024
mythology layered with homage to original written texts
Interspersed with a Partridge/Mark Corrigan level of references to naval manoeuvres of British Special forces in the Aegean during the Wars
Interspersed with a Partridge/Mark Corrigan level of references to naval manoeuvres of British Special forces in the Aegean during the Wars
January 8, 2016
This is wonderful modern rendering of the classical Greek myths with all the popular Greek characters. Whats new is the other tit bits of information like modern geography, history and cultural customs in relation to ancient Greece. The language use is witty, funny and very easy to read. The individual chapters are small and the book can be read in small portions, one tale at a time.
Highly recommended to lovers of Greek mythology.
Highly recommended to lovers of Greek mythology.
March 16, 2017
Interweaving historical musings, memoir, and mythology, Spurling creates a richly layered narrative of some of the world's most ancient and beloved stories. His frank, unpretentious presentation is often witty and melodic. Newbies to classicism and myth are recommended to engage this text, as are veteran fans whom could use a nice reinterpretation. The episodic content kept me addicted, and I was sad to have finished such a wonderful novel.
August 22, 2024
Witty and well written.
January 17, 2024
John Spurling’s “Arcadian Nights” is a collection of Greek myth retellings focusing mostly on the heroes. Spurling stays true to the traditional interpretation of the stories (re: male centric) which was a bit of a grounding moment after reading so many recent Greek myth retellings which take a more interpretive perspective and/or give more depth to the female characters.
While I enjoyed revisiting these classic stories and Spurling does throw some humor into them, I can’t say this is my favorite collection. Again it was classic, traditional and easy to consume but he didn’t give us anything “above and beyond” (see Stephen Frys series for a little more pizzaz).
I’m actually surprised to see this book was published in 2016 because it gave me vibes of being published in 1980.
All in all, a nice revisit to the classic myths, I will be reading “Arcadian Days” and I am open to Spurling’s future books but I do think there are more interesting collections of Greek myth retellings published in the past 10 years.
While I enjoyed revisiting these classic stories and Spurling does throw some humor into them, I can’t say this is my favorite collection. Again it was classic, traditional and easy to consume but he didn’t give us anything “above and beyond” (see Stephen Frys series for a little more pizzaz).
I’m actually surprised to see this book was published in 2016 because it gave me vibes of being published in 1980.
All in all, a nice revisit to the classic myths, I will be reading “Arcadian Days” and I am open to Spurling’s future books but I do think there are more interesting collections of Greek myth retellings published in the past 10 years.
February 25, 2024
John Spurling's ARCADIAN NIGHTS might just be the best contemporary take on Greek Mythology, both as subject but also as source material, that I've ever read. He's managed to make the stories fresh without missing the point of them and he strikes the balance between reverent and revisionist in ways that are at once funny and poignant, turning them back into stories that are relevant because they are good stories and not because he shoe-horned in some bad faith hot take looking to be an easy peddle to book clubs. I love when a book I randomly picked up while browsing a bargain bin turns out to be a real treasure, and this is definitely one of them. Tracing the rise of Athens from village to the center of Greek identity via its lineage of mythological heroes- Perseus, to Herakles, to Theseus- Spurling's book drops little gems of relevancy (Medea and Stalin both come from the same place, for instance) and key observations about the source material, all the while building an argument for how "real" history is just as anecdotal as mythical history, but without the emotional resonance that storytelling provides. Alternating between third party narration and en scene exchanges that help humanize these legendary figures, he weaves a collection at once document and drama, and treats each character as a fully fleshed, three dimensional personality that eventually becomes a part of the collective idea of a people.
December 16, 2022
i love myth
June 18, 2025
Arcadian Nights – The Greek Myths Reimagined by John Spurling
9 out of 10
These are some of the most overwhelming stories that one can read, and listening to them again is such a treat, however, this note is not really about The Greek Myths, or let us just say that I find them stupendous and this is all there is here about Arcadian Nights per se, and you could, should move on to other realms, maybe to The Lost Horizon https://realini.blogspot.com/2016/09/...
The idea of the Greek Myths, which have been in the program of the TVR Cultural aka our Culture Channel, made me think of the polemic we have at the sauna Downtown, where we meet with Balaur aka Messi, from the footballer and the Messiah, a man who is not a god, or demigod from these legends, but has a special status
He is a very generous Renaissance Man, if this is not the wrong label, we see him as complex, accomplished in a few spheres, he has been a footballer, a couch, a manager, investor, trainer and Maestro, a role model, Maecenas, always ready to help, giving money and support to Ukrainian refugees and other
The latter might be a bit of a distortion, he does not like to talk about his generosity, hence we could not be sure of the extent of his philanthropy, but he is surely munificent (wait, we come to the dark side soon, albeit you are better off reading something interesting, as aforementioned) and has this Messiah complex, a little bit
He does help the under signed, that is a sure thing, and gratitude is not just natural, it is required, for he has supported, offered advice, even razors and a special meal at his exquisite restaurant, so this must be a letter of homage, that is if yours truly would be a sensible fellow, and he is not, according to Messi aka Bala…
Anyway, this in jest, and the means to avoid the dispute for the ball that we have at the sauna, where we are forced by circumstances to keep it ‘short’, you could not spend hours in a steam, hammam, or the hot place (no matter how dysfunctional these places can be, they have shut down a few clubs in the network)
We dispute the ‘ball’ in there, the spiritual one, I came to the conclusion that our Hero has been a player for so long, then a couch and manager, that he has to be ‘in control’ it is hard to put in a word, although that can be said about the under signed as well, he lives in an abode where he is told permanently that he has to shut up
This brings to mind the classic Games People Play https://realini.blogspot.com/2013/09/... by Eric Berne, where the most common game is IIWFY, If It Weren’t For You, which we play with our spouses, accusing them of standing in the way of some career, which we would not pursue anyway
Messiah helps a lot in that he keeps pushing me to be nice at home – again, that would be another classic to read The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work https://realini.blogspot.com/2015/07/... by John Gottman - and he is right, in that a balance is restored, the Golden Mean of Aristotle
The temptation is to think of myself as a martyr – just like idiotic Orange Jesus, the republican candidate for the 2024 elections is pressing that he is the Navalny of the US, what a cluster fuck this moron, abject zombie is – and say that I spend nothing, while the budget is blown away by excessive, futile shopping that Seneca would condemn https://realini.blogspot.com/2023/06/...
One major dispute is over Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman – the one that has written Emotional Intelligence https://realini.blogspot.com/2013/08/... noted on my blog (well, one of the blogs) eleven years ago, the conclusion is that Eq is more important than IQ, maybe twice as relevant
I stand accused that my Social Intelligence is feeble (or has a lot of road ahead) and found this not just puzzling, but something of an oxymoron – yesterday, I watched the last part of Navalny, the Oscar Winning Documentary about the late leader of the Russian opposition, and found myself crying, yet again…
I cried when I learned that he was killed by the Butcher in the Kremlin (I have no doubt about that) and after a few days again, which to my mind is not anti-social behavior, on the contrary, it proved to me that I get (too) emotional about some special people, for all his flaws, Navalny was a hero, courageous, generous…
The trouble is with the hoi polloi, and worse, with the villains that identify with The Kremlin Butcher and explain that he is a fine fellow, or in a variation on the same tune, Zelensky, Navalny, Putin and others are ‘all alike’, siding with the monsters, but under the guise that it is all the same shit, arrogance and infinite wisdom…
I feel that our Jason, Messiah, hero of the Greek aka Modern legends is wrong in wasting his time with many frauds, there is this Cyclops (to use again a reference to the legends of Greece), who is called ‘The Professor’, a rather abject creature, who keeps on with vulgar talk and insists that ‘this people is shit’, which excludes him
The ancient myth of Pygmalion applies to him, albeit in reverse, he does not believe in his students, the people, he despises them, and research has demonstrated that this can be devastating, the students become failures, because this ‘professor’ despises them, and well, our generous demi-god is so damn flamboyant with this ghoul, that, instead of making the Medusa keep to his cave, he gets encouraged and harms us…
Now for my standard closing of the note with a question, and invitation – maybe you have a good idea on how we could make more than a million dollars with this http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/02/u... – as it is, this is a unique technique, which we could promote, sell, open the Oscars show with or something and then make lots of money together, if you have the how, I have the product, I just do not know how to get the befits from it, other than the exercise per se
There is also the small matter of working for AT&T – this huge company asked me to be its Representative for Romania and Bulgaria, on the Calling Card side, which meant sailing into the Black Sea wo meet the US Navy ships, travelling to Sofia, a lot of activity, using my mother’s two bedrooms flat as office and warehouse, all for the grand total of $250, raised after a lot of persuasion to the staggering $400…with retirement ahead, there are no benefits, nothing…it is a longer story, but if you can help get the mastodont to pay some dues, or have an idea how it can happen, let me know
As for my role in the Revolution that killed Ceausescu, a smaller Mao, there it is http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/03/r...
Some favorite quotes from To The Heritage and other works
‘Fiction is infinitely preferable to real life...As long as you avoid the books of Kafka or Beckett, the everlasting plot of fiction has fewer futile experiences than the careless plot of reality...Fiction's people are fuller, deeper, cleverer, more moving than those in real life…Its actions are more intricate, illuminating, noble, profound…There are many more dramas, climaxes, romantic fulfillment, twists, turns, gratified resolutions…Unlike reality, all of this you can experience without leaving the house or even getting out of bed…What's more, books are a form of intelligent human greatness, as stories are a higher order of sense…As random life is to destiny, so stories are to great authors, who provided us with some of the highest pleasures and the most wonderful mystifications we can find…Few stories are greater than Anna Karenina, that wise epic by an often foolish author…’
‚Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus’
“From Monty Python - The Meaning of Life...Well, it's nothing very special...Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.”
9 out of 10
These are some of the most overwhelming stories that one can read, and listening to them again is such a treat, however, this note is not really about The Greek Myths, or let us just say that I find them stupendous and this is all there is here about Arcadian Nights per se, and you could, should move on to other realms, maybe to The Lost Horizon https://realini.blogspot.com/2016/09/...
The idea of the Greek Myths, which have been in the program of the TVR Cultural aka our Culture Channel, made me think of the polemic we have at the sauna Downtown, where we meet with Balaur aka Messi, from the footballer and the Messiah, a man who is not a god, or demigod from these legends, but has a special status
He is a very generous Renaissance Man, if this is not the wrong label, we see him as complex, accomplished in a few spheres, he has been a footballer, a couch, a manager, investor, trainer and Maestro, a role model, Maecenas, always ready to help, giving money and support to Ukrainian refugees and other
The latter might be a bit of a distortion, he does not like to talk about his generosity, hence we could not be sure of the extent of his philanthropy, but he is surely munificent (wait, we come to the dark side soon, albeit you are better off reading something interesting, as aforementioned) and has this Messiah complex, a little bit
He does help the under signed, that is a sure thing, and gratitude is not just natural, it is required, for he has supported, offered advice, even razors and a special meal at his exquisite restaurant, so this must be a letter of homage, that is if yours truly would be a sensible fellow, and he is not, according to Messi aka Bala…
Anyway, this in jest, and the means to avoid the dispute for the ball that we have at the sauna, where we are forced by circumstances to keep it ‘short’, you could not spend hours in a steam, hammam, or the hot place (no matter how dysfunctional these places can be, they have shut down a few clubs in the network)
We dispute the ‘ball’ in there, the spiritual one, I came to the conclusion that our Hero has been a player for so long, then a couch and manager, that he has to be ‘in control’ it is hard to put in a word, although that can be said about the under signed as well, he lives in an abode where he is told permanently that he has to shut up
This brings to mind the classic Games People Play https://realini.blogspot.com/2013/09/... by Eric Berne, where the most common game is IIWFY, If It Weren’t For You, which we play with our spouses, accusing them of standing in the way of some career, which we would not pursue anyway
Messiah helps a lot in that he keeps pushing me to be nice at home – again, that would be another classic to read The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work https://realini.blogspot.com/2015/07/... by John Gottman - and he is right, in that a balance is restored, the Golden Mean of Aristotle
The temptation is to think of myself as a martyr – just like idiotic Orange Jesus, the republican candidate for the 2024 elections is pressing that he is the Navalny of the US, what a cluster fuck this moron, abject zombie is – and say that I spend nothing, while the budget is blown away by excessive, futile shopping that Seneca would condemn https://realini.blogspot.com/2023/06/...
One major dispute is over Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman – the one that has written Emotional Intelligence https://realini.blogspot.com/2013/08/... noted on my blog (well, one of the blogs) eleven years ago, the conclusion is that Eq is more important than IQ, maybe twice as relevant
I stand accused that my Social Intelligence is feeble (or has a lot of road ahead) and found this not just puzzling, but something of an oxymoron – yesterday, I watched the last part of Navalny, the Oscar Winning Documentary about the late leader of the Russian opposition, and found myself crying, yet again…
I cried when I learned that he was killed by the Butcher in the Kremlin (I have no doubt about that) and after a few days again, which to my mind is not anti-social behavior, on the contrary, it proved to me that I get (too) emotional about some special people, for all his flaws, Navalny was a hero, courageous, generous…
The trouble is with the hoi polloi, and worse, with the villains that identify with The Kremlin Butcher and explain that he is a fine fellow, or in a variation on the same tune, Zelensky, Navalny, Putin and others are ‘all alike’, siding with the monsters, but under the guise that it is all the same shit, arrogance and infinite wisdom…
I feel that our Jason, Messiah, hero of the Greek aka Modern legends is wrong in wasting his time with many frauds, there is this Cyclops (to use again a reference to the legends of Greece), who is called ‘The Professor’, a rather abject creature, who keeps on with vulgar talk and insists that ‘this people is shit’, which excludes him
The ancient myth of Pygmalion applies to him, albeit in reverse, he does not believe in his students, the people, he despises them, and research has demonstrated that this can be devastating, the students become failures, because this ‘professor’ despises them, and well, our generous demi-god is so damn flamboyant with this ghoul, that, instead of making the Medusa keep to his cave, he gets encouraged and harms us…
Now for my standard closing of the note with a question, and invitation – maybe you have a good idea on how we could make more than a million dollars with this http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/02/u... – as it is, this is a unique technique, which we could promote, sell, open the Oscars show with or something and then make lots of money together, if you have the how, I have the product, I just do not know how to get the befits from it, other than the exercise per se
There is also the small matter of working for AT&T – this huge company asked me to be its Representative for Romania and Bulgaria, on the Calling Card side, which meant sailing into the Black Sea wo meet the US Navy ships, travelling to Sofia, a lot of activity, using my mother’s two bedrooms flat as office and warehouse, all for the grand total of $250, raised after a lot of persuasion to the staggering $400…with retirement ahead, there are no benefits, nothing…it is a longer story, but if you can help get the mastodont to pay some dues, or have an idea how it can happen, let me know
As for my role in the Revolution that killed Ceausescu, a smaller Mao, there it is http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/03/r...
Some favorite quotes from To The Heritage and other works
‘Fiction is infinitely preferable to real life...As long as you avoid the books of Kafka or Beckett, the everlasting plot of fiction has fewer futile experiences than the careless plot of reality...Fiction's people are fuller, deeper, cleverer, more moving than those in real life…Its actions are more intricate, illuminating, noble, profound…There are many more dramas, climaxes, romantic fulfillment, twists, turns, gratified resolutions…Unlike reality, all of this you can experience without leaving the house or even getting out of bed…What's more, books are a form of intelligent human greatness, as stories are a higher order of sense…As random life is to destiny, so stories are to great authors, who provided us with some of the highest pleasures and the most wonderful mystifications we can find…Few stories are greater than Anna Karenina, that wise epic by an often foolish author…’
‚Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus’
“From Monty Python - The Meaning of Life...Well, it's nothing very special...Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.”
March 7, 2025
3.5
das ein buch mich dazu bringen kann perseus und theseus zu mögen ist crazy
das ein buch mich dazu bringen kann perseus und theseus zu mögen ist crazy
December 20, 2022
The story:
“Arcadian Nights” is a collection of short stories, re-telling the Greek myths from the imagination of award-winning author John Spurling. Focusing of five key figures (Agamemnon, Apollo, Herakles, Perseus and Theseus), the stories range from matricide to Minotaurs, from grandfathers to Gorgons.
My thoughts:
John Spurling is a winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, and every story in this book is rich with detail and the author’s obvious love for the stories.
Greece, and the Greek myths, are clearly in the author’s blood, and the book is dedicated to his grandfather J.C. Stobart, author of “The Glory That Was Greece” (1911). I particularly enjoyed the fact that the author was remembering and writing his own versions of these stories from his home in Greece — in fact, in the Peloponnese, in Arcadia itself (both named after figures in Greek mythology — Pelops and Arcas). It must be wonderful to sit in a place that, as the author says “is at once both fiction and reality”.
As mentioned, the stories are very detailed and might be daunting to readers who aren’t well versed in the Greek myths. But I really enjoyed just going with the flow, and learning about connections between the characters I was less familiar with, along with enjoying the author’s versions of stories I did already know.
The book helpfully includes a glossary of names at the back, which is great if you lose track (although beware of minor spoilers if you’re not familiar with the myths — “X, son of Y and Z; went on to murder his mother”…!).
This was a really enjoyable book for me, and although I read it as one book, you could equally dip in and out of the individual stories.
“Arcadian Nights” is a collection of short stories, re-telling the Greek myths from the imagination of award-winning author John Spurling. Focusing of five key figures (Agamemnon, Apollo, Herakles, Perseus and Theseus), the stories range from matricide to Minotaurs, from grandfathers to Gorgons.
My thoughts:
John Spurling is a winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, and every story in this book is rich with detail and the author’s obvious love for the stories.
Greece, and the Greek myths, are clearly in the author’s blood, and the book is dedicated to his grandfather J.C. Stobart, author of “The Glory That Was Greece” (1911). I particularly enjoyed the fact that the author was remembering and writing his own versions of these stories from his home in Greece — in fact, in the Peloponnese, in Arcadia itself (both named after figures in Greek mythology — Pelops and Arcas). It must be wonderful to sit in a place that, as the author says “is at once both fiction and reality”.
As mentioned, the stories are very detailed and might be daunting to readers who aren’t well versed in the Greek myths. But I really enjoyed just going with the flow, and learning about connections between the characters I was less familiar with, along with enjoying the author’s versions of stories I did already know.
The book helpfully includes a glossary of names at the back, which is great if you lose track (although beware of minor spoilers if you’re not familiar with the myths — “X, son of Y and Z; went on to murder his mother”…!).
This was a really enjoyable book for me, and although I read it as one book, you could equally dip in and out of the individual stories.
September 6, 2021
It only has 15 goodreads reviews right now, but it was successful in getting me to care about the #Greek heroes. I went into this not liking #Hercules at all and he ended up being my favorite. The rest are weird and their relationships with women are 10x worse than what I thought about poor Hercules (I view him as a Himbo now). I think Perseus was OK but I can't be sure bc they all start to run together at some point. Theseus's life disturbed me the most for some reason, mainly bc the characters all make terrifying choices that kinda confuse me.
I loved what the author did with these stories -- telling them as if we are talking over dinner, tying these myths into his modern life for context and giving his interpretation about which version should really be believed because it makes the most sense...
CW: he talks about rape bluntly and honestly, calling it what it is. Violence is not flowered. He doesn't make excuses for terrible choices, but he does frame things contextually. I appreciated being spoken to like an adult.
I loved what the author did with these stories -- telling them as if we are talking over dinner, tying these myths into his modern life for context and giving his interpretation about which version should really be believed because it makes the most sense...
CW: he talks about rape bluntly and honestly, calling it what it is. Violence is not flowered. He doesn't make excuses for terrible choices, but he does frame things contextually. I appreciated being spoken to like an adult.
May 19, 2022
It’s obvious from page one just how much the John Spurling knows about his Greek history and the mythology, he describes well the various places in Greece the important moments in Greek history as well as how they lived and dressed. He brings to the book many different Greek mythological characters, from the good, the terrible and the morally grey to the Gods, Goddesses, Princes, Princesses, warriors and more. We also catch a glimpse of the likes of the centaurs, the Cyclops and Medusa as well as other monsters and creatures. We also see their journeys into battle, their adventures during their lifetime, the character’s backgrounds as well as their relationships with each other. The author does an astounding job of bringing the characters to life.
The author is very vivid in his descriptions and there are definitely some bloody moments, the Greek gods could definitely be savage and he really puts that across. Some descriptions were a bit cringy due to them been so grotesque.
There’s an absolute ton to absorb in this one. A completely immersive and a real page turner, I literally sped through this one. I couldn’t wait to devour everything this book had to offer from all the history, the characters, the battles and the rest that came with this one.
Arcadian Nights covers everything you can expect from Greek mythology but so much more. A great starting point for anyone who wants to read some Greek mythology or for anyone who just loves Greek Mythology. There’s a glossary at the back of all the characters which I loved checking out as it gave me more of an insight into each character’s background and nature.
Arcadian Nights is a brilliant blend of historical fiction and Greek Mythology. I definitely feel this one will definitely be an important book in the Greek history/mythology department. This one of a simultaneous release of two books, the other been Arcadian Days.
Out May 26th!
The author is very vivid in his descriptions and there are definitely some bloody moments, the Greek gods could definitely be savage and he really puts that across. Some descriptions were a bit cringy due to them been so grotesque.
There’s an absolute ton to absorb in this one. A completely immersive and a real page turner, I literally sped through this one. I couldn’t wait to devour everything this book had to offer from all the history, the characters, the battles and the rest that came with this one.
Arcadian Nights covers everything you can expect from Greek mythology but so much more. A great starting point for anyone who wants to read some Greek mythology or for anyone who just loves Greek Mythology. There’s a glossary at the back of all the characters which I loved checking out as it gave me more of an insight into each character’s background and nature.
Arcadian Nights is a brilliant blend of historical fiction and Greek Mythology. I definitely feel this one will definitely be an important book in the Greek history/mythology department. This one of a simultaneous release of two books, the other been Arcadian Days.
Out May 26th!
May 1, 2022
Written by an award-winning historical novelist and playwright, Arcadian Nights is a series of Greek myth stories that focus on 5 iconic Greek characters - Agamemnon, Apollo, Herakles, Theseus and Perseus; together with other well known gods, demi-gods, monsters and mortals who shape their destinies.
Drawing on his own education and engagement with Greek history, John Spurling reinterprets key classic tales.
I wouldn’t say I know all the details of many Greek myths but I am definitely familiar with stories like the King Agamemnon and his assassination, the beauty of Helen which sparks the 10-year Trojan war between Troy and Sparta, and Perseus’ encounter with the gorgon Medusa. So it was really enjoyable reading fresh details and reimaginings of these tales as well as learn new myths that are less familiar like the death of Herakles.
This book is definitely educational and rich with detail demonstrating John Spurling’s in-depth knowledge of Ancient Greek life and myths. I particularly enjoyed all the cruel stomach-turning events like human casserole stews that were often served to punish enemies close to home.
I ended up listening to most of this book on audible which actually helped this read which is quite dense with a lot of detail at times. I would recommend breaking up this read alongside other reads to fully digest the 5 main storylines.
If you enjoy this book, there is also a companion book, Arcadian Days (also shown in this photo) that reimagines more myths. Both books are out 26 May.
Drawing on his own education and engagement with Greek history, John Spurling reinterprets key classic tales.
I wouldn’t say I know all the details of many Greek myths but I am definitely familiar with stories like the King Agamemnon and his assassination, the beauty of Helen which sparks the 10-year Trojan war between Troy and Sparta, and Perseus’ encounter with the gorgon Medusa. So it was really enjoyable reading fresh details and reimaginings of these tales as well as learn new myths that are less familiar like the death of Herakles.
This book is definitely educational and rich with detail demonstrating John Spurling’s in-depth knowledge of Ancient Greek life and myths. I particularly enjoyed all the cruel stomach-turning events like human casserole stews that were often served to punish enemies close to home.
I ended up listening to most of this book on audible which actually helped this read which is quite dense with a lot of detail at times. I would recommend breaking up this read alongside other reads to fully digest the 5 main storylines.
If you enjoy this book, there is also a companion book, Arcadian Days (also shown in this photo) that reimagines more myths. Both books are out 26 May.
May 19, 2024
A modern retelling of some of the Greek myths in a way that makes their beauty and intelligence more eloquent. From the curse of the house of Atreus through Apollo, Herakles, Perseus, to Theseus, it is a full spectrum of some of the most famous ones with the connections between them made obvious.
Reading this retelling is a great way to rediscover stories written thousands of years ago and that some of us might have heard or read about in a more stoic form. It makes their impact and beauty even greater and makes us think about why they hold so much power even today. In a society where we are used to stories where the nice guys always win and where important characters don't die, the Greek myths remind us that real life is much more tragic. Heroes are not perfect. Take Herakles and his madness fits that lead to the death of innocents. Or Theseus who abandons Ariadne, the woman who helped him escape the labyrinth, on an island while leaving with her sister. In the meantime, gods play with humans just as real life plays with us sometimes.
Discovering this book by John Spurling was truly a pleasant discovery, and he seems to have written another one, Arcadian Days, which I will definitely be looking into.
Reading this retelling is a great way to rediscover stories written thousands of years ago and that some of us might have heard or read about in a more stoic form. It makes their impact and beauty even greater and makes us think about why they hold so much power even today. In a society where we are used to stories where the nice guys always win and where important characters don't die, the Greek myths remind us that real life is much more tragic. Heroes are not perfect. Take Herakles and his madness fits that lead to the death of innocents. Or Theseus who abandons Ariadne, the woman who helped him escape the labyrinth, on an island while leaving with her sister. In the meantime, gods play with humans just as real life plays with us sometimes.
Discovering this book by John Spurling was truly a pleasant discovery, and he seems to have written another one, Arcadian Days, which I will definitely be looking into.
June 26, 2018
A funky retelling of Greek myths by an author of historical fiction that was both refreshing in tone and perspective. Through interesting historical research, some basic critical thinking/plot hole plugging, and not so bad dialogue, Spurling addresses the biggest issue I (and I assume many modern readers)* have with many myths - the plot hole issue. Why exactly did Theseus abandon Ariadne? Was he really that much of a dick? Did she really have that little agency?
I appreciate Spurling's willingness to give both his subjects and readers the benefit of the doubt. In his world, Hercules has a personality that is consistent with his behavior which is contextualized around deep traditions and mores that the writer gently illustrates for the reader. Even the gods' motivations are given some thought and more flesh (hah!) than Hera is a bitch and Mars is a bro.
I was pretty touched by this collection and really appreciated how Spurling made stories I was obsessed with as a kid become at once both complex and more familiar.
* hell, and probably historical readers (listeners) too. who am I to impose my superiority?
I appreciate Spurling's willingness to give both his subjects and readers the benefit of the doubt. In his world, Hercules has a personality that is consistent with his behavior which is contextualized around deep traditions and mores that the writer gently illustrates for the reader. Even the gods' motivations are given some thought and more flesh (hah!) than Hera is a bitch and Mars is a bro.
I was pretty touched by this collection and really appreciated how Spurling made stories I was obsessed with as a kid become at once both complex and more familiar.
* hell, and probably historical readers (listeners) too. who am I to impose my superiority?
March 25, 2023
The most famous men of Greek mythology come together in this dazzling contemporary narrative showcasing the greatest of human (and godlike) bravery, righteousness and strength. John Spurling leads us through the epic feats of Agamemnon cursed by the doomed House of Atreus, the fickle and unpredictable behaviour of the sun god Apollo, the glory of arguably the most famous of all heroes Herakles in his completion of the twelve labours, the favoured mortal Perseus as he slayed the Gorgon Medusa and finally the legacy of Theseus the killer of the infamous Minotaur.
Written during a time when the author himself resided in Arcadia, you can sense the passion and respect that he holds for these ancient tales as he contemplates them from the viewpoint of a modern Grecian landscape, even stating that the tales felt "at once both fiction and reality".
Like Spurling's companion work, Arcadian Days, this book is well written in a conversational style that would suit a beginner to mythology, however there is a distinctive reflective tone, perhaps bordering memoir in style that makes this an interesting read.
Vivid, bold, bloody and definitely morally grey, Spurling brings these well known tales to life in a frank and respectful way that is sure to please readers of all preferences.
Thank you to @duck_books for so kindly sending me this book to review!
Written during a time when the author himself resided in Arcadia, you can sense the passion and respect that he holds for these ancient tales as he contemplates them from the viewpoint of a modern Grecian landscape, even stating that the tales felt "at once both fiction and reality".
Like Spurling's companion work, Arcadian Days, this book is well written in a conversational style that would suit a beginner to mythology, however there is a distinctive reflective tone, perhaps bordering memoir in style that makes this an interesting read.
Vivid, bold, bloody and definitely morally grey, Spurling brings these well known tales to life in a frank and respectful way that is sure to please readers of all preferences.
Thank you to @duck_books for so kindly sending me this book to review!
November 30, 2024
I liked the personal touch of the author's anecdotes throughout the book, it made it different from what could have been a very standard book of myths. At some points, the book wasn't very engaging and seemed to drag a bit. After reading the Stephen Fry mythology books, it just didn't quite hit the same standard.
There were quite a few 'tweaks' to the stories as well, which the author admitted in advance in the introduction. The biggest example of this was with Theseus and the Minotaur myth. The minotaur is called
1. Minotaurus instead of Asterion.
2. Minos is also meant to be complicit in helping Ariadne and Theseus escape.
3. Phaedra also escapes with Theseus and Ariadne.
4. Theseus doesn't abandon Ariadne on Naxos. Some tour guide tricks her into getting lost instead.
I think this book just failed to address at points that the heroes aren't always good people and make terrible choices at times. It should be fine to admit this in the modern day.
I purchased Arcadian Days at the same time as this, so I'm hoping I might enjoy that more.
There were quite a few 'tweaks' to the stories as well, which the author admitted in advance in the introduction. The biggest example of this was with Theseus and the Minotaur myth. The minotaur is called
1. Minotaurus instead of Asterion.
2. Minos is also meant to be complicit in helping Ariadne and Theseus escape.
3. Phaedra also escapes with Theseus and Ariadne.
4. Theseus doesn't abandon Ariadne on Naxos. Some tour guide tricks her into getting lost instead.
I think this book just failed to address at points that the heroes aren't always good people and make terrible choices at times. It should be fine to admit this in the modern day.
I purchased Arcadian Days at the same time as this, so I'm hoping I might enjoy that more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2023
This is the prequel to Arcadian Days. In this book John Spurling explores the myths of five Greek Gods, Agamemnon [Troy], Apollo [Delphi], Hrakles [12 Labours], Perseus [Medusa killing] and Theseus [The Minataur] He tells the life story of each of the above and their main event that made them famous. - each myth is interspersed with details surrounding the author's home in Greece.
Spurling brings each character alive in a believable and entertaining way - a book I found difficult to put down.
Spurling brings each character alive in a believable and entertaining way - a book I found difficult to put down.
September 9, 2023
I enjoy the way the stories are told, but at times the plot device of viewing them from the position of his home in Greece was just distracting. The musings about his current surroundings even interrupted a story in the middle, which was jarring. A couple of times, his clear personal hatred of Christianity did the same thing, such that the effect was “Did I mention I live in Greece now? I do, you know. It’s beautiful, and I live here. Also Christianity is awful and here’s a tired internet atheist argument about how it copied a Persian god. Anyway, back to the Greek myths…”
January 7, 2025
‘Stories reflect our dreams and desires, our ephemeral relationships and secret selves as well as our actions and reactions’
I am a massive SUCKER for any Greek myth retelling; whilst the stories remain the same, Spurling adds his own unique take to them by imagining what the characters are saying or thinking and their motives at any point. It’s a particularly nice personal touch that he links the stories back to where he’s living in modern-day Greece!
Rounded up from 4.5 stars because
a) the stories could’ve been ordered better; the 5 figures focussed on all linked to each other, but putting the figures in ‘chronological’ order would’ve made the connections easier to follow
b) this man CANNOT write about dicks. I’m sorry but ‘That’s a very large cock’…’Do you think it will fit?’ and ‘soft tube of flesh’ 😭 who writes like that (although these were very entertaining descriptions!)
Overall very good read, taking existing stories and making them his own!
I am a massive SUCKER for any Greek myth retelling; whilst the stories remain the same, Spurling adds his own unique take to them by imagining what the characters are saying or thinking and their motives at any point. It’s a particularly nice personal touch that he links the stories back to where he’s living in modern-day Greece!
Rounded up from 4.5 stars because
a) the stories could’ve been ordered better; the 5 figures focussed on all linked to each other, but putting the figures in ‘chronological’ order would’ve made the connections easier to follow
b) this man CANNOT write about dicks. I’m sorry but ‘That’s a very large cock’…’Do you think it will fit?’ and ‘soft tube of flesh’ 😭 who writes like that (although these were very entertaining descriptions!)
Overall very good read, taking existing stories and making them his own!
April 5, 2020
I had a great time reading this book, which is basically an artfully embellished and quite erudite retelling of selected Greek myths. The author is a playwright with a seasoned gift for setting scenes, filling in details to maintain continuity, and just flat knowing how to tell stories in a captivating and engaging way. His background knowledge and respect for the historical truths of Greek mythology and drama kept me fascinated and greatly entertained.
September 23, 2021
I found this book, a fascinating reintroduction to the Greek Myths. The raw passions, harnessed, in a rather primieval time. Where there was a lawlessness, we find hard to comprehend. Slaves, were common, and probably were designated thus. Since they could help and were fed, and perhaps murdered, or put to death, by their masters. To have some other kind of system, in such a sparse population, was probably too expensive, or impossible.
May 12, 2022
Greek mythology seems to have had a resurgence recently with all manner of retellings everywhere. So far I’ve not been particularly impressed, as a lot of the ‘feminist’ retellings are quite the opposite…
However, as a self-confessed mythology nerd I think I know them too well and expect more from a new interpretation.
Spurling’s retellings are quite discreet and more like the ones I remember as a child. He adds in a lot of anecdotes from his own life living in Arcadia which injects a bit of present day into the stories, reminding us that these are real places.
We meet Apollo, Agamemnon, Elektra and more… seeing them come to life with acts of heroism, cannibalism and incest.
It’s an enjoyable read but quite heavy - possibly not one for those who know nothing about Greek mythology. The timeline jumps back and forth, making it quite confusing and it also feels a bit overwritten at times.
While I am used to a more academic writing style, it won’t be for everyone, and many will struggle to engage with the stories which is a shame.
For those in the know, I highly recommend, but if you’re a mythology novice, perhaps choose a different version.
However, as a self-confessed mythology nerd I think I know them too well and expect more from a new interpretation.
Spurling’s retellings are quite discreet and more like the ones I remember as a child. He adds in a lot of anecdotes from his own life living in Arcadia which injects a bit of present day into the stories, reminding us that these are real places.
We meet Apollo, Agamemnon, Elektra and more… seeing them come to life with acts of heroism, cannibalism and incest.
It’s an enjoyable read but quite heavy - possibly not one for those who know nothing about Greek mythology. The timeline jumps back and forth, making it quite confusing and it also feels a bit overwritten at times.
While I am used to a more academic writing style, it won’t be for everyone, and many will struggle to engage with the stories which is a shame.
For those in the know, I highly recommend, but if you’re a mythology novice, perhaps choose a different version.
February 25, 2025
Very nicely retold set of Greek myths. I liked the idea of having the story focus around heroes and stories related to the author’s own area of Greece. I also enjoyed a lot of his embellishments on the myths to make them more cohesive. Lee’s narration is excellent as always. [LIBRARY AUDIOBOOK]
めっちゃ面白いギリシャ神話の話。作家の自分の住んでるエリアのフォーカスがいい考え。彼の色んな自分の物語部分が好きだった
めっちゃ面白いギリシャ神話の話。作家の自分の住んでるエリアのフォーカスがいい考え。彼の色んな自分の物語部分が好きだった
March 1, 2025
Enjoyable read
I grew up hearing the Greek myths and, as an adult, continued studying them in their many fascinating permutations. The book was interesting, well written, engaging as an introduction to Greek mythology and of interest to someone revisiting the stories. There were only two errors in the data presented.
I grew up hearing the Greek myths and, as an adult, continued studying them in their many fascinating permutations. The book was interesting, well written, engaging as an introduction to Greek mythology and of interest to someone revisiting the stories. There were only two errors in the data presented.
April 21, 2020
Retelling the Greek Hero myths (Agamemnon, Heracles, Perseus, Theseus) with fair attention to the full myth (ie less sketchy than Edith Hamilton, less humanized/developed than Madeline Miller), with a British wry humour, and with occasional commentary and personal musings.
March 19, 2023
Audible
August 22, 2023
Loved this! His writing really soothes and his voice has touches of humor and personal experience amongst the re-writing of the Classic greek tales.
October 6, 2024
Well written, relaxing, knowledgeable but pretty light with some imaginary interpretations of the ancient Greek myths.
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