A Thing of Beauty: Travels in Mythical and Modern Greece

In his book, "Peter Fiennes: In Search of the Greek Myths," Peter Fiennes explores the modern relevance of Greek myths and their impact on popular culture. He travels to the sites of famous myths, encounters dancing activists and Arcadian shepherds, visits the Oracle, and explores the cities, remote villages, and ruins of Greece.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE YEAR
LONGLISTED FOR THE ANGLO-HELLENIC LEAGUE RUNCIMAN AWARD 2022




Peter Fiennes embarks on an captivating road trip through Greece, vividly depicted by Mary Beard in The Times Literary Supplement (TLS). TLS praises Fiennes as a brilliant and generous guide, highlighting his expertise in traversing Greece. The Observer describes the book as a "wonderful... really profound meditation on what it means to hope." It also portrays it as a captivating excursion into Greece and across centuries, exploring an environmental quest. BBC Radio 4 Open Book has selected this book as their Book of the Year, with Anita Roy as the choice.




The modern relevance of Greek myths has reached a golden age, with their presence in various forms of media, including novels, films, and popular culture. However, the question arises: what significance do these tales hold for us today? Were they originally intended for children, or do they have timeless messages that resonate with adults? Furthermore, what can we observe and learn from the sites where heroes battled and gods engaged in quarrels?




In his journey, Peter Fiennes explores the locations associated with some of the most renowned Greek myths. He traverses breathtaking landscapes, encountering dancing activists and Arcadian shepherds along the way. He discovers the "most beautiful beach in Greece," consults the Oracle, and immerses himself in the cities, remote villages, and ruins of this storied land. Through his experiences, Fiennes offers a fresh perspective on our actions and their impact on the world.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861544356