Opening Pandora's Box: Phrases We Borrowed From the Classics and the Stories Behind Them (I Used to Know That ...) - Softcover

Addis, Ferdie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1782430237 ISBN 13: 9781782430230

Publisher: Michael O'Mara, 2013

Synopsis

We regularly employ classically-derived expressions in our everyday language, yet many of us have little understanding of the origin of these common phrases. Now, an incomplete classical education need no longer be your Achilles heel.

Opening Pandora's Box offers a light-hearted yet fascinating look at the stories behind the expressions. For example, did you know that the phrase 'the face that launched a thousand ships' originates from the story of the kidnapping of Helen of Troy, but the actual line comes from a poem by Christopher Marlowe?

Opening Pandora's Box provides a useful introduction to classical mythology as well as giving an insight into our language.

About this title

About the Author

Ferdie Addis read Classics at Oxford University, before embarking on a career as a journalist and author. He has written The Good Samaritan Bites the Dust (2011), I Have a Dream (2011) and Opening Pandora's Box (2010) for Michael O'Mara Books. He lives in London.

From the Back Cover

Are you as rich as Croesus?
Or do you work like a Trojan in spartan conditions?

Classically derived expressions are commonly used in our everyday language, yet many of us have little understanding of the Greek and Roman history and legends that inspired them. This book contains the stories behind such phrases as 'Achilles' heel', 'Midas touch' and 'halcyon days'.

'Entertaining and informative, this book provides a fascinating and useful introduction to classical mythology, history and culture' - The Oldie

Edition details

• Publisher: Michael O'Mara
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1782430237
• ISBN 13: 9781782430230
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192