Songs on Bronze

The Greek Myths Made Real

By: Nigel Spivey

Narrated by: Yuri Rasovsky

Songs on Bronze is the first major retelling of Greek mythology in half a century; a set of lively, racy, dramatic versions of the great myths, which, in a multicultural society, are recognized more than ever as stories without equal.

Modern translations of the Greek myths have often sought to instruct, to edify, or to impart a personal philosophy. Songs on Bronze is different. Nigel Spivey gives us the Greek myths as the spellbinding stories they are. In bold, sensuous prose, he tells of Demeter and Persephone, of Jason and the Argonauts, of the wrath of Achilles and the travels of Odysseus, of Oedipus's crime, and Orpheus's excursion into the underworld. In his hands, these stories are revealed anew as outsize tales of love and strife, of secret compacts and open rivalries, of lust and desire.

©2005 Nigel Spivey (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Rollicking good tales." (Publishers Weekly)

Don't Myth This (sorry)

This is one of the most enjoyable audible books I've yet listened to. I've always liked the old Greek myths, and the way they are presented here makes them absolutely irresistable. Some of the older translations can make it a bit of a struggle even when you like the story, but Spivey is so informal in his language that I think it's how I would try to explain them to someone who was unfamiliar with the stories. I hesitate to use the word 'irreverant' but it may be the best choice. Yuri Rasovsky's narration reinforces that style wonderfully. I'll still download Edith Hamilton's 'Mythology' if it becomes available, but I certainly don't feel as if I'm missing anything. Thanks as well to the earlier reviews, they convinced me to try the book and am VERY glad I did.

ok

this book was a good over view but became tedious after a few days and stories

What a Wonderful, Interesting, Unique Listen!

This book was a delightful surprise. The book seeks to teach readers/listeners the myths of ancient Greece in the format those myths were so often passed on: the oral tradition of story teling. While many of the myths are gruesome and violent, the book almost reads like a night time fairy tale that you'd listen to around the fire or tucked snugly into bed. The narrator is just perfect for bringing out this storytelling quality - it's more like he's "telling us" the book than reading it to us. A wonderful performance - this is one of the rare times I believe the audio book may be better than the actual book! Highly recommend.

Great stories...

Nicely done - a great version of the Gods and the trials of the times. Narriation was smooth and captivating. Tell me more...........

I liked it

A good primer / refresher on the greek myths. Narration was perfect. Definitely worth a second listen at some point.