Heroes: The myths of the Ancient Greek heroes retold

Description

Penguin presents the CD edition of Heroes written and read by Stephen Fry. Mortals and Monsters. Quests and Adventures . . . __________ There are Heroes - and then there are Greek Heroes. Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes. In this companion to his bestselling Mythos, Stephen Fry brilliantly retells these dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales. Join Jason aboard the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta - who was raised by bears - outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera. Filled with white-knuckle chases and battles, impossible puzzles and riddles, acts of base cowardice and real bravery, not to mention murders and selfless sacrifices, Heroes is the story of what we mortals are truly capable of - at our worst and our very best. ___________ 'Ebullient and funny' The Times 'Entertaining and edifying' Daily Telegraph 'A rollicking good read' Independent 'Fry exhibits enormous erudition and enthusiasm' Mail on Sunday 'The Greek gods of the past become relatable as pop culture, modern literature and music are woven throughout. Joyfully informal yet full of the literary legacy' Guardian

Stephen Fry was born in Hampstead in 1957 and, following a troubled adolescence, went on to study English Literature at Queen's College, Cambridge. As well as being the bestselling author of four novels, The Stars' Tennis Balls, Making History, The Hippopotamus, and The Liar, and two volumes of his autobiography, Fry played Peter in Peter's Friends, Wilde in the film Wilde, Jeeves in the television series Jeeves & Wooster and (a closely guarded show-business secret, this) Laurie in the television series Fry & Laurie. More recently, he presented Stephen Fry- The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, his groundbreaking documentary on bipolar disorder, to huge critical acclaim. Before it was announced that Fry would retire as moderator, his legions of fans tuned in to watch him host the popular quiz show QI each week. Stephen Fry is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and director. He rose to fame alongside Hugh Laurie in A Bit of Fry and Laurie (which he co-wrote with Laurie) and Jeeves and Wooster, and was unforgettable as Captain Melchett in Blackadder. More recently he presented Stephen Fry- The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, his groundbreaking documentary on bipolar disorder, to huge critical acclaim. His legions of fans tune in to watch him host the popular quiz show QI each week.

This is a spirited retelling of stories that Fry clearly knows and loves * The Times * Assured and engaging. The pace is lively, the jokes are genuinely funny, and Fry once again proves himself a master of great learning worn lightly * Guardian * Here, indeed, be monsters, myriad adventures and machinating gods. Fry is a personable and passionate narrator * Mail on Sunday * Just as delightful and difficult to put down as the first. Heroes makes the stories relatable without skimping on the gory details, or sacrificing the truths of the myth. It's rich, it's funny and you'll feel like you've learned a lot * Herald * Fry brilliantly retells the dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales of these heroic men and women in all their grit and glory. Filled with white-knuckle chases and twisted labyrinths, impossible puzzles and blood-curdling monsters * Northern Ireland Homes & Lifestyle * Just as delightful and difficult to put down as the first. It makes stories relatable without skimping on the gory details * Sunday Life * Rich, funny and you'll feel like you've learned a lot along the way * Eastern Daily Press * Tales of fatal flaws, perilous journeys and shining acts of heroism are told with gusto and young and old will be engrossed. The audiobook is an absolute gem too, read by the author who has a winning way of bringing these epic tales to life * Western Morning News * Joyfully informal yet full of the literary legacy. The Greek gods of the past become relatable * Guardian (on 'Mythos') * The best thing he's written since his superb first novel . . . entertaining and edifying * Telegraph (on 'Mythos') * A rollicking good read * Independent (on 'Mythos') * Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance * The Times (on 'Mythos') * A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought we knew. Brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling -- Richard North Patterson (on 'Mythos') Fry makes the stories relatable without skimping on the wonderful gory details, or sacrificing the traditional truths of the myth * i (The paper for today) * Stephen Fry has created a magnificent book. Humorous, but with serious stories told with wit and erudition. This is a book that will delight readers of all ages. Fry's writing is never less than delightful * Moorlander * Fry is a natural storyteller and his lively retellings make for an entertaining read * Hannah Beckerman, Observer * The comedian and polymath retells age-old Greek myths in dramatic, modernised style * i * One of the nation's favourite intellectuals retells the epic myths of the Greek heroes in his own unique and very enjoyable way * Cambridge Independent *