Venus and Aphrodite: A Biography of Desire

Bettany Hughes' history of the goddess of love and fertility includes not only the classical divinities named in the title but also their Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Phoenician precursors. It is fascinating how these cultural icons, while superficially similar, varied between cultures and over time. The Semitic goddess Astarte and early Greek Aphrodite, for example, were seen as fierce goddesses of war and conflict, not just the gentle goddess of love and lust with whom we are familiar. The author goes on to show how Aphrodite/Venus influenced the Christian image of the Virgin Mary and continues to have an impact on popular culture. The text is accompanied by excellent illustrations. My only complaint about the book is its brevity--I would have liked more.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how the author was able to demonstrate a very robust amount of expertise on the subject coverage, while strategically crafting her writing so that the every day person with very little expert knowledge on this topic could read this book and learn a lot and enjoy it. If I was a University level instructor on history, I would highly recommend this book for students because of the technical writing. The book is incredibly knowledgeable, but easy to digest. Which is a skill very few intellectuals possess, and I would like to commend the author for. The physical construction of the book was also very well done. The book was not damaged in anyway whatsoever when it arrived. The construction materials were pretty standard and I think this book would make an excellent selection to somebody’s home library if they enjoy the subject coverage.A note on subject coverage. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in ancient Greco-Roman history, and or early societies and mythology. I would also recommend this book for anyone who is looking for an alternative history of these times through a more inclusive and female oriented lens.

This covers a-lot of the history, also tells who was writing what and what the purpose would have most likely been, it can be hard to find good or real information but this is amazing. By this I mean she also was very clear about separating what would have most likely been fictional and what her most likely being. Also has good not so much put in tip for but a lot of good info for honoring, having stories and historical events that describe how you may want to better go about from past experiences.

This author clearly has studied this topic for decades. She went to archeological sites, dug through archives, really knows her stuff. So the question is: why are we getting such a generic and condensed overview of her life’s work? It touches on each theme here and there, but touches briefly and moves right on to the next topic. I haven’t really come away that much more knowledgeable about Aphrodite, what she represents, and what she means for us today.

I never write reviews but I really enjoyed this book. I've been a devotee of Aphrodite and Venus for almost 5 years and was looking for a book focused on Her from an analytical point of view. That's is exactly what I got.This book is a scholarly biography/analysis about Aphrodite/Venus's origins, all the goddess that melded together that eventually came to be Aphrodite/Venus, Her roles and what she represented in different societies and how they changed throughout time, Her survival through the Christianization of Greece and the surrounding lands, and what we can learn from Her today.My only gripe (which is very small) is that the author often conflates Aphrodite and Venus and refers to her many times at Aphrodite-Venus. I didn't mind this, but I know some people do. Other than that, the writing was easy to read and I breezed right through the book (mind you, I'm a very slow reader).Since She's my patroness goddess, this was an interesting read, and you can tell the author really respects Aphrodite/Venus. I highly recommend it!

Masterful! There is so much here that goes beyond what I thought I was getting myself into when I picked this up. I've always been a fan of Bettany Hughes's documentaries, but up until now, I had never read one of her books. Suffice to say, I am now a fan of her writing as well! Thoroughly researched, painstakingly laid out, and masterfully written, Venus and Aphrodite goes beyond simply chronicling the history or life-cycle of the goddess, but shows humanity's relationship with the goddess over the years and what our part in that relationship says about us. Wonderful in voice and filled with energetic language, this book is a must read for all, but I'd certainly recommend it for all readers interested in female empowerment and feminism. One more thing, the "Conclusion" of the book could be one of the most powerful and thought provoking pieces I've ever read. However, you must read the entire book to understand its significance, so flipping to the back and reading simply reading the conclusion will not have the power that it has for the one who follows the journey entire, the twin born journeys of both the goddess and Bettany Hughes herself.

I love this book. Quite informative.

Honestly is more than I thought. She gives history with a poetic twist some times. Super recommended.

Regardless of anyone's qualifications or knowledge about the ancient world this book is a must have for any collection. A very well written and presented piece. A compelling read with some very surprising revelations.

Had to wait a month to receive as was coming from UK but we’ll worth the wait! I love Bettany Hughes & have watched all her television series here in 🇨🇦

This is an incredible concise and yet detailed in the most perfect way, journey of the evolution of the real Aphrodite. When I read this I know the truth of it in my body. Thank you for all the research you have done for us here. And for collating it such a digestible way that allows you to feel the evidence of it all. This has affected my life and will get my work hugely.

I loved this book! Lots of historical information told in a way that makes the book a fun and enjoyable read. Highly recommended!