Hats off to Andrew Calimach! For the past century writers, poets, mythologists, historians and the public at large have either ignored the sexual overtones of Greek myths and history, or have distorted or attacked this valuable body of information to mold their own prejudices. This can be said for those who overplay the significance of the homoerotic aspect of myths as well as those who debunk it as gay delusions of grandeur. In readdressing nine important and 'well-known' stories with fresh insight and with fine scholarly technique, Calimach gives us as clear an interpretation of these foundations of civilzation as can be found. His introduction to the concept of myths is succinct and illuminating. He wisely threads his tales with a debate (Lucian's 'Different Loves') that places his reassembled fragments of myths as narrative, thus giving a sense of timelessness of reference to his subject. Scholars and psychologists and philosophers and theologians and gender studies veterans have argued their perspectives ad infinitum. Calimach has the good graces to simply piece together all the varying fragments of information about these nine myths and presents this reconstruction for us to interpret. No preaching here, just a request for open minds, for acknowledging the fact that love between males can be documented as timeless.

My only reservations with the texts is in the language of their presentation. Part of the word choices are intended to make the stories more updated in language (much like the new version of the Bible as opposed to the King James version). At times, however, he resorts to slang which can cause an 'aha!' reaction to readers searching to disprove his facts [as in Narcissus: 'what a dish he was', and 'the most gorgeous guy he had ever seen']. These rare phrases are all the more distracting because of the generally eloquent and elegant writing style of the book in general. But this is a small criticism in what is destined to become a permanent volume of all librairies. Excellent reading, a fine work of research, and a much needed resource book for writers, students, historians, and for those who are looking for an enriching and worthwhile book on the Greeks. An excellent read and a satisfying moment of edification.

This is an important, joyfully readable book that fills in the blanks that have been missing for so long. I hope the Lambda Literary Awards and the National Books Awards give it the serious consideration it deserves.

Here are nine classic Greek Mythical tales that have been restored and retold exposing for the first time the love between men in early times. Only these are no ordinary men but the Greek Gods and heroes we thought we all knew. Though I'm not an historian or scholar with a gifted knowledge of Greek Myths or legends, I found this book to be fascinating, exciting, and informative, as well as easy to read. It's a fine collection of male love stories from the early writings of Greek Myths. This is a beautifully designed book, from it's cover to it's dust jacket. It's enhanced with black and white photos included in each chapter, displaying appropriately related classical Greek sculpture and art.

Andrew Calimach says he has carefully restored these stories from the primary sources, completing the missing myths from scattered fragments. Whatever research was required to honestly restore these Greek Myths, we are the fortunate ones for these tales are lovingly translated. There's the tale of Hercules and Hylas; a classic coming of age tale; Achilles and Patroclus, a tale of deep love between two courageous warriors, and my favorite Narcissus, a handsome youth who spurns the love of another... These are just three of the touching tales that Calimach has brought to light in this fine collection.

This is a book that the specialist, academic, or ordinary reader can enjoy. These are fascinating legends with a different focus centering on male love that will keep you reading way past the midnight hour. Hopefully, Andrew Calimach will do more research and bring us more LOVERS' LEGENDS. Truly Captivating!

Joe Hanssen