Gods and Heroes of Ancient Greece. Gustav Schwab. 1946. Barnes & Noble Collector's Edition
I was happy to find a new copy of Gustav Schwab's "Gods and Heroes of Ancient Greece." I remember reading it at the town library a few decades ago and enjoyed it a lot back then.
Originally published in 1946, the book was later translated from the original German. It was conceived to fill a void in the book market. At the time, most of the books on Greek Mythology were very dry academic dissections of the subject (either that or children's books). There wasn't much suitable for the general adult reader until "Gods and Heroes." Evidently the idea worked, as it is still in print 75 years later.
"From fire-stealing Prometheus to scene-stealing Helen of Troy, from Jason and his golden fleece to Oedipus and his mother, this collection of classic tales from Greek mythology demonstrates the inexhaustible vitality of a timeless cultural legacy. These stories of heroes and powerful gods and goddesses are set forth simply and movingly, in language that retains the power and drama of the original works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Homer. Here are Icarus flying too close to the sun, mighty Hercules, Achilles and that darn heel, the Trojans and their wooden horse, brave Perseus and beautiful Andromeda, wandering Odysseus and steadfast Penelope. Their stories and the stories of the powerful gods and goddesses who punish and reward, who fall in love with and are enraged by the humans they have created, are set forth simply but movingly, in language that retains the power and drama of the original works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Homer. In Gustav Schwab’'s masterful retelling, they are made accessible to readers of all ages.
Introduction by Werner Jaeger With black-and-white illustrations throughout"
Directed by Brett Ratner, Hercules (2014) was based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars. The story finds Hercules as the leader of a group of hired mercenaries in Ancient Greece, extending their battle skills to the highest bidder without scruples... until morality and justice take over. The story is unique in that is proposes Hercules was a man, not the son of Zeus, whose fabricated myths preceded him and grew his intimidating reputation as a fierce warrior of unparalleled strength. The set designs and CGI battle scenes are particularly well done, portraying the ancient world in a stylish manner. Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, does decent acting job in the title role as Hercules. Legitimate talent and seasoned veterans fill out the cast, including Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Ian McShane and John Hurt.
