Classicist, broadcaster, creator of the hit podcast ‘Stands up for the Classics’, and author of several books delving into Greek myth, Natalie Haynes, returns with a new book, set to publish early next year. Irresistible Monsters: Creatures in Greek Myth, is a new non-fiction work that turns readers’ attention from the gods and goddesses to the monsters, beasts and creatures that fill the stories of Greek mythology.
The bestselling author could already fill an entire bookshelf with her works. Her fiction titles include: Stone Blind, a retelling and reclaiming of Medusa’s story; No Friend to This House, a retelling and reclaiming of Jason and Medea’s tale; A Thousand Ships, a retelling of the story of the Trojan War focussing on the women involved which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction; The Amber Fury, a mystery inspired by Greek tragedy; and The Children of Jocasta, a retelling of Oedipus and Antigone shining a light on the often overlooked women in the story.
While her non-fiction includes: Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth, Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths, and The Ancient Guide to Modern Life. Irresistible Monsters: Creatures in Greek Myth will join the roster of non-fiction published by Natalie Haynes.
The publisher of Irresistible Monsters explains that the work will span “From snaky Echidna – mother of monsters – to the fearsome Minotaur, the strange and terrible creatures of Greek myths have been grabbing our attention for thousands of years. In Irresistible Monsters, bestselling author, broadcaster and passionate classicist Natalie Haynes turns her inimitable gaze on the inhuman, and reveals that even the things we thought we knew aren’t necessarily so: a Cyclops doesn’t always have one eye, and Cerberus doesn’t start out with three heads.
“Along the way, she examines how we think about monsters: what makes a monster, and why do we need them? Do they subvert the world as we know it, or subtly reinforce our expectations? Is a monster human or animal, mortal or divine? And how do you defeat a multi-headed snake when it has a giant crab as its henchman?”
Irresistible Monsters: Creatures in Greek Myth by Natalie Haynes publishes in the UK on 4th March 2027. Pre-orders are already open with a special edition being offered by independent bookshops.
