ebooks Hercules: A Heroic Life by Alastair Blanshard in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Heroic Life - A WinnerBy Maggie MaeThis little known text is a treasure. Blanshard's style and wit open up new and exciting ways to relate to the timeless tale. His reference to the art and literature draw the reader to seek more information. The organization of the text makes it very accessible. Although not a critical analysis the outstanding chapter on Alcestis makes the text stand on its own.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not much actually about Hercules in this bookBy MizStorgeI was looking for a book that related the legends of Hercules in depth; this is not that book. The author has gone to great lengths to avoid focusing on Hercules. He says in the Introduction; “It’s too easy to get lost in the details; and lose track of the ideas;” and goes on to write a book that gets lost in the details and loses track of the subject. We learn about French Revolutionaries; adultery in ancient Greece; the incidence of decorative art in Pompeii; 20th century Italian filmmakers; the origins of bodybuilding; and cover a lot of paintings and sculptures but; amid all this obfuscation; the actual life of Hercules isn’t addressed all that well. With full blank pages at the end of many of the chapters; it's as if the author didn't really want to write a book about Hercules; and tried to think up other ways to fill the 160+ page count.Part of the problem is with the title: Blanshard just doesn’t see Hercules’ life as being heroic. He calls Hercules; “A dangerous; violent outsider with the blood of his first wife and children on his hands;” (p 123 Granta Books paperback edition) and believes that; “He gains fame because he can kill;” (p 88 Granta Books paperback edition). There’s little time spent trying to understand why the ancient Greeks and Romans saw Hercules as the greatest hero who had ever lived; except for comments like; “The Greeks enjoyed the spectacle of the powerful experiencing reverses;” (p 66 Granta Books paperback edition).The author misses the point that listeners to the tales of Hercules recognized their own lives in the struggles of heroes and demigods: Challenges are only conquered by those who don’t give up. People are glad to have someone else fix their problems; but victories aren’t always rewarded with gratitude. More is expected of those who succeed. Few pity the strong or successful when luck abandons them. Everyone wants a big; strong guy on their side when there’s a threat; but once the danger’s over they’re scared to keep him around. Friendship and love are priceless. Fame lasts only as long as memory.If you want to learn about the legends of Hercules; I recommend reading Philip Matszyk’s Hercules: The First Superhero instead.