Mythos is an absolute blast. If you’re new to the Greek myths, this is a grand compendium of its stories. If you’re an old hand with them, Fry’s sly sense of humor permeates his depiction of these classic stories and gives them a decidedly unique feel.

The impressive thing about this book is its depth. Fry covers the gamut of Greek myths, starting with the earliest formation myths and going to more well-known stories. There might be other translations that use more glorious language, or that dig more into aspects of certain myths. But I can’t think of another version this catholic, this witty, and this engaging.

Mythos will work for both old and new fans of these stories. Sotes’ illustrations have a woodblock feel and yet are engaging. It’s a great gift for anyone who wants to know more about these famous legends, bringing a delightful depiction to this field.

Author-comedian Stephen Fry’s accessible (and often quite cheeky) adaptations of the Greek myths trace parallels to modern references while retaining their epic scope. The illustrations are simple (usually only two to four tones), yet complement each story with specific details and facial expressions. Gift this to the friend who loves Greek retellings, or to the teen who is ready for an introduction to the mythology. (Recommendation will be sent in email newsletter to subscribers of WordSmarts.com)

Captivating journey into Greek mythology, where gods and goddesses love, quarrel, and deceive with bold brilliance. Stephen Fry’s retelling, sprinkled with his signature humor, brings these ancient tales to life in vivid color.

This is the second time I have read this book. I adore Stephen Fry’s retellings of the stories of the Greek Gods and loved this edition with the illustrations. They made it even more enjoyable.

Stephen takes the stories of the Greek Gods that we have heard before and adds his own flare to them. Most of the stories focus on the divinity, along with some tales of the mortals who are affected by the gods and goddesses.

I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, which Stephen reads himself. He is an incredible narrator and I’ll never get enough of his narration. The illustrated edition of this book is absolutely beautiful! The illustrations fit so well with the tales and make an incredible edition. Perfect for collectors out there. I’m sure it will be even more beautiful physically.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC of the illustrated edition of this wonderful book. I highly recommend picking it up for fans of the original and Greek Mythology as a whole.

"Stephen Fry's beloved retelling of the Greek myths, now presented in a deluxe edition with stunning original illustrations.

Rediscover the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of these timeless tales, from the majestic heights of Mount Olympus to the eerie depths of the Underworld and from Eros and Psyche's against-all-odds romance to Prometheus's gift of fire to mankind. Fry draws out the humor and pathos in each story and reveals its deep resonance with our own lives without losing any of its original wonder. Featuring vibrant artwork throughout, this collectible volume comes complete with a textured cover and dyed page edges. Explore the captivating world of monsters and gods, of magic and mayhem, with a brilliant storyteller as your guide.

BELOVED AUTHOR: Stephen Fry is an icon whose signature wit and mellifluous style make this retelling utterly unique. Readers love hearing his interpretations, whether they are familiar with the original Greek myths or not.

COLLECTIBLE EDITION: Fry's series of retellings - Mythos, Heroes, and Troy - are international bestsellers. Now, fans can complete their collection and revisit the beloved first book with this gorgeous, illustrated edition.

GIFT FOR MYTHOLOGY FANS: With a sleek contemporary design and full-color original artwork throughout, this deluxe volume makes a superb present for anyone interested in mythology, Greek history, or the classics.

Perfect for
Fans of Stephen Fry and the Mythos series who want a complete collection
Mythology and history buffs
Collectors of illustrated classics
Gift-givers looking for a deluxe holiday present for a classics lover
Fans of Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, Madeline Miller's Circe and Song of Achilles, and Edith Hamilton's Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes."
Perhaps they don't want to mention Neil Gaiman...

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Mythos: The Illustrated Edition by Stephen Fry and illustrated by Jesús Sotés is a collection of Greek mythology. Opening with the beginning of the universe according to Greek mythology and focusing strongly on the origins of the gods and many of the more epic heroes and villains, this edition is a great introduction for mature readers.

The illustrations have a more limited color palette and use every color to its fullest. They’re very vibrant pictures and each color is carefully chosen to contrast with another color, sticking mainly to blues, yellows, reds, and greens. We also have some full page spreads and some illustrations strategically placed around the prose.

This edition is more for mature fans of Greek mythology because of some of the humor, particularly in regards to sexual content, and a nude image of Aphrodite herself. Because nothing is graphic, I would say that it’s really up to individual readers (or guardians) discretion for whether or not it’s appropriate for each individual.

One thing I really appreciated was Stephen Fry using the footnotes to clearly state when different myths have different interpretations (such as the ancestry of Harmonia) and or when he’s personally not sure of what something is (such as the girdle of Aphrodite). It helps establish that different worshippers of Greek myths and different storytellers had different versions, so there’s no one true version. I respect authors who admit when there isn’t a consensus and that they made a personal choice for which version they used but that doesn’t mean it’s the correct one.

I would recommend this to fans of Greek mythology, readers of mythology collections, and those looking expand their knowledge of Greek myths.

Am I a mythology girlie now? I devoured this - I've always found the Greek myths interesting, but Fry's approach made them even more accessible. The illustrations in this edition are beautiful as well. This might be a great gift to give to the mythology lovers in your life!

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

thank you to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for this review.

i didn't think the original Mythos collection could get any better, but i was proven pleasantly wrong by this revamped and illustrated version!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

This has been one of my favorite mythology compilations for many years, and the illustrations in this new edition are just stunning!

The artwork was breathtaking. I have the print edition, the regular one so I jumped to see this one. Beautiful.

Stephen Fry wears a few hats. One of these is author and, in that guise, he has written his version of the Greek myths. Readers are lucky that he has taken on these stories of the gods with all of their powers but also their human flaws.

This is a long (over 500 pages) book that will keep readers entertained for hours. So many stories are included here. Read about Gaia’s Revenge, Hera, Artemis, Cupid, Phaeton, Hyacinthus, Pyramus and Thisbe, Midas… and that is just a very small sample of the characters found in these pages.

This is a new edition of the previously published Mythos. It is lavishly illustrated. Mythos will bring so much pleasure to readers. Think about giving this as a gift to someone who loves Greece, mythology and beautiful editions of books. I am certain it will be welcomed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Having just read The Song of Achilles, the prospect of Mythos: The Illustrated Edition sounded intriguing—and it definitely delivered. Stephen Fry’s retelling of Greek myths is engaging as ever, with his signature humor and insight making the stories both entertaining and enlightening. The illustrations by Jesús Sotés add a whole new dimension to the book, with their striking, modern yet timeless style. Each page feels like a visual feast that enhances the already compelling text. This edition is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves Greek mythology or just appreciates beautiful book design.

**Review of *Mythos* Deluxe Edition by Stephen Fry**

Stephen Fry's *Mythos* has long captivated readers with its sparkling retelling of the Greek myths, and the deluxe edition elevates this already enchanting work to new heights. In this stunning volume, Fry’s brilliant storytelling is complemented by a wealth of vibrant, original illustrations, making it a must-have for both mythology enthusiasts and lovers of exquisite book design.

Fry's approach to the Greek myths is nothing short of revelatory. He brings to life the gods and monsters of ancient Greece with a blend of humor, insight, and reverence that makes these timeless tales accessible and engaging for modern readers. Whether it’s the grandeur of Zeus and his Olympian court, the tragic romance of Eros and Psyche, or the audacious defiance of Prometheus, Fry's retellings are imbued with a fresh vitality that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. His ability to extract both the humor and the profound significance from these myths makes them feel both new and familiar, underscoring their enduring relevance.

The deluxe edition’s presentation is nothing short of breathtaking. The textured cover and dyed page edges add a touch of luxury, while the vivid illustrations throughout the book enhance the reading experience. These artworks capture the dynamism and drama of the myths, offering readers a visual feast that complements Fry’s evocative prose. The combination of Fry’s engaging narrative and the artwork creates a fully immersive experience, drawing readers into the mythical world with all its magic and mayhem.

The layout and design of this edition reflect the care and thoughtfulness that have gone into its creation. Each page is crafted to reflect the grandeur of the myths, making the book not just a reading experience but a collectible treasure. The deluxe edition is perfect for display on a bookshelf, yet it is also a joy to hold and read, making it an excellent choice for both personal enjoyment and gift-giving.

In *Mythos*, Stephen Fry has succeeded in making ancient Greek mythology accessible and entertaining, while the deluxe edition’s presentation makes it a visual and tactile delight. This book is more than a retelling; it’s a celebration of the myths that have shaped Western culture, presented in a form that honors their majesty and allure. For anyone who loves mythology, literature, or beautifully crafted books, this edition is a must-have.

Thank You to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

As a huge fan of Stephen Fry's Mythos, I knew I needed to read a version with illustrations though I wasn't prepared with how breathtaking they would be, adding depth to the lyrical narrative. Thank you for adding such gorgeous imagery to this book, it was a delight to re-read!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in return for a fair and honest review.

The writing in this book is witty and easy to read. Stephen Fry has written the text in a down to earth modern way and the illustrations add a visual element to help draw you into the story. This makes it a bit more accessible to younger readers although as a parent you might want to read the book before giving it to a younger reader as some of the contents of the story are adult in nature. All in all a great book and highly recommended.

Classic Greek myths retold by Stephen Fry in a easy to understand style. Although it was tough for me because of how much text there was on each page without any breaks. It became overwhelming and I had a hard time reading but that is just me.

Definitely a cool read. It was nice to go through all the stories. Some I knew but most I wasn’t aware of so it was a solid read. I liked how the stories connected and flowed well. Also liked the little injections of personality. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes mythology.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

I'm a Stephen Fry fan and I've long been interested in learning more about Greek Mythology, so I eagerly picked this book. I didn't realize, however, that it is a new edition of an existing work. When I mentioned it to my son, he said that he owned all three of the series and loved them. So, I'm late to the party but a new enthusiastic reader.

Stephen Fry's storytelling is imaginative, witty, and intelligent. He doesn't spare the reader the more salacious and violent details of the myths that were often sanitized from our school books, but he does keep his tongue firmly in cheek while sharing them. Footnotes help relate the stories to contemporary life.

The biggest treat in this new edition is that it is fully illustrated with stunning pictures by Jesus Sotes. This makes it an excellent choice for a special gift, and an heirloom edition. Many thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this special ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I don't generally think of the great Greek myths as "charming", but Stephen Fry's presentation certainly meets and exceeds that standard. There is humor, suspense, drama, and wry flair in his telling. The text is neither dry nor overly academic, but Fry's version is thorough and so well organized, themed and presented that the reader is taken on a journey that connects all of the myths into a coherent and logical whole. This is a marvelous work.

Full disclosure, when I picked up Mythos: The Illustrated Edition, it was with the background that this is already one of my most favorite books on the planet. I can’t count how many times I’ve read this book, occasionally picking up the audiobook to re-listen to some of my favorite myths or freshen up on others. So I all but banshee screeched when I saw this new edition announced.

The book itself is a classic - written with Stephen Fry’s beautiful & lyrical style, he delivers the Greek myths in a way that others couldn’t even touch. It’s so thorough but accessible & I have always appreciated his note at the beginning that implores the reader to not get hung up on remembering all the names & facts & to just enjoy the journey.

But this illustrated edition brings Mythos alive in a whole new way. The illustrations by Jesús Sotés are S T U N N I N G. From full-page spreads to perfectly placed accents, the art is minimal but stunning & somehow feels both modern & ancient at the same time. Like you might see it printed on pottery dug out of an excavation site as easily as you’d see it in a book published in 2024.

I will absolutely be picking up a copy of this book when it’s officially released, just so I can look through all the photos whenever I want to.

Thank you NetGalley & Chronicle Books for providing a digital advanced copy of this book for review. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.