Greek Myths
The Greek myths are timeless classics, whose scenes and figures have captivated us since ancient times. The gods and heroes of these legends hold up a mirror to the human condition, embodying universal characteristics and truths - whether it be the courage of Perseus, the greed of Midas, the vaulting ambition of Icarus, the vengeance of Medea, or the hubris of Niobe. These traits are the basis for immortal dramas and rich narratives, as profound as they are entertaining, which form the bedrock of our culture and literature today and remain relevant and fascinating for all readers, young and old alike.
This edition contains 47 tales based on the most famous episodes in Greek mythology, from Prometheus, the Argonauts, and Theseus to the Trojan War and Homer's Odyssey. The individual texts are selected from the seminal work Sagen des klassischen Altertums (Gods and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece) by Gustav Schwab (1792-1850), and strikingly illustrated by 29 artists, among them outstanding representatives of the Golden Age of Book Illustration and the Arts and Crafts Movement, including Walter Crane (1845-1915), Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), William Russell Flint (1880-1969), and Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1930).
These illustrations are complemented by scene-setting vignettes for each story and a genealogical tree of Greek gods and goddesses by Clifford Harper, commissioned especially for this volume. Placing the tales in context, the book contains a historical introduction by Dr. Michael Siebler and is rounded off with biographies of all featured artists as well as an extensive glossary of ancient Greece's most famous protagonists. The heroism, tragedy, and theater of Greek mythology glimmer through each tale in this lavishly illustrated edition, awakening the gods and heroes to new life.
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Gustav Schwab (1792-1850) was a German author, teacher, and professor. From 1828, Schwab worked at Johann Friedrich Cotta's eponymous publishing house in Stuttgart, where he was a patron and mentor of young authors. His seminal Sagen des klassischen Altertums (Gods and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece, 1838-1840) is an indispensable standard work of Greek mythology that has popularized its tales in Germany and across the globe.
Michael Siebler studied classical archaeology and earned his doctoral degree through his study of the Roman Mars Ultor. After receiving his doctorate, he worked in the German Archaeological Institute in Damascus. Siebler was later a research associate at the Institute for Classical Archaeology at Mainz University and then a features editor at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. A freelance writer, he has published various works on Troy and Olympia.
"Where would the Marvel films be without Gustav Schwab? A bow to the heroes of classical antiquity who, particularly in these times, find themselves in demand once again."-- "Süddeutsche Zeitung"
"Beautifully illustrated, Schwab's rich narrative is met by vivid and dramatic illustrations. There is no need to consult the oracle: you will enjoy this book."-- "Force One"
"TASCHEN's Greek Myths reimagines the fascinating world of Greek mythology for modern times. Through these legendary tales of gods and all-too-human heroes, Schwab's updated stories reveal all the feats, furies and foibles of the human condition."-- "CNBC"
