The Greek Myths That Shape the Way We Think by Richard Buxton


The Greek Myths That Shape the Way We Think
Title : The Greek Myths That Shape the Way We Think
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0500518807
ISBN-10 : 9780500518809
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 304
Publication : Published April 12, 2022

How do ancient Greek myths find themselves retold and reinterpreted in cultures across the world, several millennia later? In this volume, bestselling author Richard Buxton explores the power that eight iconic Greek myths hold in the modern world. Buxton traces these stories and archetypes from their ancient forms through their transformations over time in literature, art, cinema, psychology, and politics.


Over their long lives, Greek myths have expressed a myriad of meanings: from aesthetic refinement to erotic fantasy to political power. Greek myths are an integral part of a broader cultural history, their changes in meaning signifying major shifts in art and society; myths that strike a resonant cultural chord in one period may fall out of fashion the next. This erudite yet accessible exploration examines how the world’s most influential myths have survived to the present, and how they have shaped our ideas on everything from family and society to sexuality and culture.


As Buxton explains, each of the eight featured myths is fundamental to the way we think about ourselves and the world. The figure of Prometheus has inspired science fiction icons from Mary Shelley to Ridley Scott. The tragedy of Medea has had a profound impact on theater, feminism, and even criminology. Oedipus’s influence stretches far beyond Freud. The rich visual tradition inspired by Greek myths—from pottery to paintings to popular culture —illustrates this wide-ranging, sometimes surprising study, making this book a beautiful object to own as well as a thought-provoking read.


The Greek Myths That Shape the Way We Think Reviews


  • Susan

    A very interesting and well researched book about various Greek myths and their retellings/reimagining through time. I, however, do not think the connection them and how humans think today was made. But, as long as you ignore the title itself, this was a very enjoyable read if you want to learn about myths or know about myths and want to learn how their presentation has changed overtime.

  • Kyle Dodson

    This was a lovely introduction into greek myths and legends. After retelling a handful of the most memorable of greek tales, the author creatively dissects the implications of these stories throughout history and on the way we think today. Thought provoking and quite captivating. Would recommend.

  • hannah rosenman

    i really liked this retelling. it was easy to follow, not too bogged down in the excerpts and pictures, and i enjoyed the accompanying narration

  • Ellen Osborn

    This book was considerably easier to read than I expected, which leaves me with mixed feelings. While I found the writing enjoyable, much more time was spent describing myths and their reimaginings than exploring *why* these specific myths “shape the way we think.” The author makes abundantly clear that myths are still important today, but I already knew that in many respects. I was hoping to learn more about the social, historical, and political motivations behind mythical retellings. This book felt like a popular-science-esk approach to Greek myths, and I enjoyed it for what it is.

  • Taylor B

    This book was a blend of things I nerd out on: mythology and art history, so I really enjoyed that aspect of it. In some chapters it dragged, hence the three star rating, but overall I enjoyed it and am happy to have read my souvenir from the British Museum!

  • Kayla

    Fascinating! I came away with a deeper appreciation for Greek mythology.

  • Reagan Kvicala

    Are you kidding?? This book was incredible. I felt like I was learning something without it being dumbed down. Very interesting front to back. Love love love.