For a perfect introduction to the stories of the Classical world look no further than this short, modern, concise book. As a handy, almost pocket‐sized hardback, it will sit comfortably on the bookshelf or coffee table. Its bright blue jacket is covered with glorious gold scenes from Greek myth and once the reader gets inside they will find it filled with a selection of 95 black and white illustrations. This is an affordable, portable and accessible book.
Whilst Reference Reviews more usually features books in a perhaps weightier and more academic vein than this one, it does make a refreshing change to find a reference title capable of delivering factual and interesting information in a thoroughly modern and approachable style. This may be partly the result of the author's experience. As a teacher on an e‐learning course at Cambridge University's Institute of Continuing Education he is embracing modern techniques of learning that, it could be argued, have led to the need for some reference titles which are perhaps less demanding on their readership. This is a reference title that could sit in my primary school library to be used by teachers of Classical studies. It would certainly not be out of place in a secondary school and may even be acceptable to university libraries. Where it will possibly find its most avid readership is amongst the home market and quite possibly also the public library sector.
The content of this book is, however, of particular importance. A completely comprehensive guide to the classical stories would not be possible in such a slim volume. Instead, what Matyszak has done is select key fragments of some of the most famous and well known stories, particularly those which relate to a modern twenty‐first century understanding of the world but have at the same time shaped an understanding of the world for over two thousand years. These stories he has intelligently woven together to explain how they relate to modern society, have influenced language, art and culture and why they have done this. At the same time he retells the myths and stories in a most approachable style.
Beginning with an introduction to the importance of the Greek and Roman myths, Matyszak works chronologically through from The Beginning to Pandora, The Great Gods, Olympus, Lesser Gods (including Magical Creatures), Heroes, The Golden Age, The Trojan War and finally a chapter titled Going Home that takes the reader from the Odyssey to the Aeneid and the foundation of Rome. The book concludes with a short annotated bibliography of further reading suggestions depending on one's area of interest, sources of illustrations and (pp. 222‐4) an index to the contents of the book.
At first glance it is possible to feel bewildered by the many and complex myths, stories and pantheons of gods that populated the Greek and Roman worlds. This confusion is compounded by the addition of the knowledge that the existence of dozens of gods in the Greek world and thousands in the Roman led to only a handful being given stories. Thus deities such as Janus and Isis, despite being major deities in the pantheon, tend not to appear in myth. On the one hand, this makes it easier to understand the myths but leaves one wondering about the stories behind the existence of these deities. That is perhaps a subject of study for another book.
For the Greeks and Romans, as well as for Matyszak (see his witty dedication), the gods were important. It was unforgivable not to believe in them. They were a genuine belief system and their existence was considered to be independent of this. This, and other explanations by Matyszak are evidence of the detailed scholarship contained in this book which is balanced by an intelligent and accessible approach to the stories. I particularly enjoyed reading his breakdown of how to become a hero in a series of easy steps. The chatty style is complemented by brief but detailed insights into the stories and myths themselves. Matyszak also includes excellent insights into the inspiration that the stories have provided to composers, artists and other cultural pursuits.
Matyszak explains why the myths and stories are important for the modern world – for the insight they give us into the ancient world and its psychologies as well as philosophies. He continues that they are of course highly enjoyable and have found their way into modern culture and thinking in such a way as to render language, thought and belief barren without them. He sequences the stories, gives them a context, exoticizes them as the ancients would have done and encourages us, his readers, to enjoy and understand them. By the end of the book, for it is impossible to just “dip in”, one discovers that they are wiser and more aware of the importance of these stories not only for understanding the classical world but the modern one too.
This is a carefully researched, enjoyable, diverting and intriguing book, ideal for lay readers and students alike.
