Gods and Mortals

Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers

Sarah Iles Johnston

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Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Princeton University Press
02 January 2025

Folklore, myths & legends

Gripping tales that abound with fantastic characters and astonishing twists and turns, Greek myths confront what it means to be mortal in a world of powerful forces beyond human control. Little wonder that they continue to fascinate readers thousands of years after they were first told. Gods and Mortals is a major new telling of ancient Greek myths by one of the world’s preeminent experts. In a fresh, vibrant, and compelling style that draws readers into the lives of the characters, Sarah Iles Johnston offers new narrations of all the best-known tales as well as others that are seldom told, taking readers on an enthralling journey from the origin of the cosmos to the aftermath of the Trojan War.

Some of the mortals in these stories are cursed by the gods, while luckier ones are blessed with resourcefulness and resilience. Gods transform themselves into animals, humans, and shimmering gold to visit the earth in disguise — where they sometimes transform offending mortals into new forms, too: a wolf, a spider, a craggy rock. Other mortals—both women and men — use their wits and strength to conquer the monsters created by the gods — gorgons, dragons, harpies, fire-breathing bulls.

Featuring captivating original illustrations by Tristan Johnston, Gods and Mortals highlights the rich connections between the different characters and stories, draws attention to the often-overlooked perspectives of female characters, and stays true both to the tales and to the world in which ancient people lived. The result is an engaging and entertaining new take on the Greek myths.

'This book is a triumph! . . . [A] magnificent retelling of the Greek myths.' — Alexander McCall Smith, author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series

''Move over, Edith Hamilton! Sarah Iles Johnston has hit the magical refresh button on Greek myths.' – Maria Tatar, author of The Heroine with 1001 Faces

By: Sarah Iles Johnston
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 203mm, Width: 133mm,
ISBN: 9780691239873
ISBN 10: 0691239878
Pages: 496
Publication Date: 02 January 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Sarah Iles Johnston is the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Religion and Professor of Classics at The Ohio State University, where she teaches courses on Greek myths. Her many books include The Story of Myth, Ancient Greek Divination, and Restless Dead: Encounters between the Living and the Dead in Ancient Greece. Tristan Johnston is an illustrator and graphic designer whose work includes books for children and adults, as well as storyboards and graphics for apparel. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

Reviews for Gods and Mortals: Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers

"""[A] superb retelling. . . . Nuanced, sympathetic and deeply moving.""---Michael Dirda, Washington Post ""Sarah Iles Johnston brings exceptional verve and scholarship to Gods and Mortals: Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers, a comprehensive volume. . . . [Johnston] restores the lustiness of tales that other writers have made bloodless. . . . Armchair enthusiasts may find some surprises.""---Meghan Cox Gurdon, Wall Street Journal ""A truly wonderful book for anyone interested in Greek myth . . . written in an accessible, engaging and beautiful style that does credit to the timeless inspiration of these stories.""---Jacqueline Klooster, Bryn Mawr Classical Review ""[The] gods make Game of Thrones look like a pastoral idyll…this book is a delight and a ‘must have.’""---Roger Barnes, Classics for All ""[Gods and Mortals] can almost be read as a novel…if you’re at all interested in the Greek myths and why they are still relevant to us in our modern world, you’ll want one on your bookshelf that you can keep and dip into over and again.""---Terry Potter, The Letterpress Project ""Lively, engaging, and well researched."" * Choice Reviews * ""Enjoyable.""---Kathleen Fleming, Journal of Folklore Research Review"