Sunday 28 April 2019

On Dirk's painting table: Egyptian levy spear - posted 28 April 2019

On the painting table: Egyptian Levy Spearmen 6thC BCE
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Russell Briant What manufacturer?


Saturday 27 April 2019

Seeking a recommendation because I was disappointed. 

As I child I was enchanted by the legend of Jason and the Argonauts. I was six or seven and we listened to it as a serial broadcast on radio for schools (it was back in the day at a little primary school with only four classrooms). 

I picked up the rather nicely illustrated version in this post for about $15. It even includes lovely black and white illustrations from “Look and Learn” comic (who remembers that?), as well as stills from movies, classical sculpture, other sources and pictures drawn for the book. 

Sadly, the editing is poor. The story is chopped up badly, important explanations have been left out, and the ending tragedy is reduced to just two paragraphs. 

So, my request. Can you recommend an accessible, modern retelling of the legend that is neither over simplified nor reads as if written by a 19th century classicist trying to display their perceived superiority?
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From “Look and Learn”


Tim Severin’s crew rowing a replica Argo.


Jason and the bulls


From a 2nd century AD Roman sarcophagus
Ion A Dowman Try Euripides 'Medea'. Admittedly it is mainly from the end of Jason's life, and Euripides often offered the point of view of the female characters. But you will get some of the story in flashback.

I've just read the Wikipedia article on Medea, and it's not bad, actually.
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  • Vincent Cholewa Ion A Dowman thank you. One of the frustrations of the Osprey is Jason’s betrayal of Medea is glossed over in a few sentences.