BOOKS \ A modern twist on some of the oldest stories ever told

Stephen Fry’s Greek mythology series (Mythos, Heroes, Troy, and Odyssey) are a lively retelling of some of the oldest stories ever told in a tone that makes them feel both accessible and meaningful to a modern reader without flattening their depth. Fry shapes material that is old, complex, and full of contradicting family relationships into an overarching narrative that feels conversational, modern, and fun. I wish someone would also do this for some of the stoic literature. 

Striking this balance is exactly the kind of challenge science communicators face today. Once, scientific authority was conveyed mainly through formality and distance. Now, trust is built through clarity, personal openness, and even a bit of humor. Fry explains without lecturing, clarifies without simplifying into cliché, and occasionally even pauses to share the meaning of words or context in a way that feels like being let in on a clever secret rather than being taught a lesson. One of these footnotes in Mythos even inspired me to name our children after two Greek titans: Helie and Atlan. Fry respects the source material, but he doesn’t hide behind reverence. He tells the story in a voice that invites readers in.

In a time when scientific knowledge can seem equally obscure or inaccessible to broad audiences, these books are a reminder that storytelling is not just about entertainment, but rather about bridging the gap. Whether explaining the birth of the cosmos through Gaia and Ouranos, or explaining a new circular polymer recycling method, the task at hand is similar: take something complex, show why it matters to your reader, and tell it like it’s worth paying attention to. And maybe, if you succeed, someone will name their children after something you write.