Myths, Muses and Mortals

In his new thematic overview of ancient Greek culture, the classicist Furley notes that his subjects never ""thought of writing just for themselves, as a meditation or perhaps a kind of self-expression or therapy."" Since so many scholars today write only for themselves, Myths, Muses and Mortals comes as a double delight: free of academic jargon, to be sure, but also underpinned by frequent and ample citations from major poems, plays, philosophical tracts, and other writings of the ancient Greek world. Divided into chapters on love, social status, sailing, warfare, and more, the volume is an ideal primer for the fledgling Hellenophile. * New Criterion * An engaging book which approaches the ancient Greek world from an interesting and fresh point of view. * Jan Haywood, Lecturer in Ancient History, University of Leicester * William Furley writes with the authority of the distinguished scholar that he is but also with the irresistible enthusiasm of a writer completely in love with his subject. I challenge anyone to read this book without being totally won over to Furley’s view that the ancient Greeks are curious, unique and utterly fascinating. * Anthony A. Barrett, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of British Columbia * Myths, Muses and Mortals is a unique book. It explores all aspects of life in ancient Greece through a wide range of Greek texts from Homer and Herodotus to curse tablets and political inscriptions. William Furley writes masterfully and brings the past to life again. * Jonas Grethlein, Professor of Classics, Heidelberg University *