Best Greek Books

Explore the world of Greek heroes and their epic adventures, including quests for golden fleeces, outwitting vengeful gods, and slaying monstrous beasts. Stephen Fry's Heroes is a thrilling, humorous, and tragic retelling of timeless tales, filled with daring chases, puzzles, and acts of bravery, reminding us of both the worst and the best in humanity. This companion to his bestseller Mythos is a rollicking good read that brings to life the relatable world of Greek gods, infused with modern literature, music, and pop culture.

Discover the world of Circe, a peculiar daughter of the mighty god Helios, who discovers her ability to wield witchcraft. After being banished to a deserted island, Circe hones her craft, tames wild beasts, and encounters numerous famous mythological figures. But being a lone woman draws danger, and she soon finds herself facing the wrath of gods and men alike. In the end, Circe must choose between her godly birthright or the mortals she loves. A thrilling tale of strength, love, and ultimately, choice.

A classic novel that tells the story of Zorba, a passionate Greek working man who accompanies the unnamed narrator to Crete to work in a lignite mine. The novel explores the struggle of men to find their souls and purpose in life, and is about love, courage, and faith. Zorba is a truly memorable character, his life rich with all the joys and sorrows that living brings, awakening in the narrator an understanding of the true meaning of humanity. A life-affirming novel and a modern literary classic, this stunning new translation brings the clarity and beauty of Kazantzakis's language and story alive.

Transport yourself to the ancient world with this thrilling debut exploring the life of Clytemnestra, the infamous queen known for her thirst for vengeance. Born a princess but forced to marry a tyrant, Clytemnestra's life takes an unexpected turn when she plots revenge against her husband for his unspeakable crimes. This riveting novel is perfect for fans of Madeline Miller's Circe, and promises to be a captivating read for anyone interested in power, prophecies, and unforgettable characters.

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing retelling of the classic Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. "Ariadne" follows the tale of two princess sisters, Ariadne and Phaedra, living under the rule of a fearsome king who demands sacrifices to the Minotaur every year. When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives as the next sacrifice, Ariadne falls in love with him, but helping him kill the beast means betraying her family and country. This debut novel beautifully captures the strength of forgotten women in a world ruled by mercurial gods. Fans of "CIRCE," "A SONG OF ACHILLES," and "THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS" won't want to miss this exceptional read.

This epic tale follows Achilles, the best of all Greeks, and the awkward young prince Patroclus, who forge an inseparable bond despite risking the gods' wrath. Trained in the arts of war and medicine by a centaur, they join the heroes of Greece to lay siege to Troy when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped. But when the cruel Fates demand a terrible sacrifice, their bond is put to the ultimate test.

Embark on an epic journey with Homer's timeless tale of Odysseus and his struggle to return home after the Trojan War. In Robert Fagles' acclaimed translation, experience the poetic and mythic retelling of Odysseus' encounters with gods, monsters, and natural forces that test his wit and moral endurance. With a bold contemporary idiom, Fagles captures the energy and mastery of Homer's original work. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's introduction and commentary offer new insights and background information that enrich the reading experience. A must-read for classicists and literature enthusiasts alike, this modern-verse translation is accessible and captivating for a new generation of readers.

Explore the timeless tales of Greek mythology with Mythos, a captivating retelling by acclaimed author Stephen Fry. From the mighty Zeus to the vengeful Gaia, experience the birth and downfall of the gods and mortals that shaped Western culture. Fry's modern take on these age-old stories is both spellbinding and informative, offering a rich and human understanding of the myths that continue to inspire writers, artists, and dreamers alike.

Greek mythology comes alive as you join three women in their quest to break an ancient curse. Clytemnestra ignores warnings when she marries Agamemnon, but soon finds herself faced with the curse that has plagued their family for generations. Princess Cassandra has the gift of prophecy, and when Agamemnon marches towards her beloved city of Troy, she sees the inevitable tragedy, but no one believes her. And Elektra wants nothing more than for her father to come home from war, but is her destiny tied to her family's violent past? Experience a spellbinding retelling of Greek mythology's notorious heroine, brought to life by the author of international bestseller "Ariadne."