
The Mask of Apollo : A Virago Modern Classic
by Mary Renault
Title:
The Mask of Apollo : A Virago Modern Classic
Author:
Mary Renault
Series (if any):
Virago Modern Classics
Format:
Paperback
Number of pages:
416 pages
Publisher:
Hachette UK Distribution
ISBN-13:
9780349018591
EAN:
9780349018591
Classifications:
Modern and Contemporary (Post c 1945)
Weight (g):
446
Dimensions (mm):
127 x 198 x 28
Publication Country:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Condition:
New
Description
THE ANCIENT GREEK STAGE BROUGHT THRILLINGLY TO LIFE BY THE QUEEN OF HISTORICAL FICTION'Mary Renault has made the classical era alive' GORE VIDAL'Her books have stood the test of time' INDEPENDENTThe artist flows into the mask the poet offers him; only so will the god possess him. Greece, fourth century BC. The golden age of theatre may be over, but Nikeratos still lives and breathes the stage. Finding work with a group of travelling actors, he discovers amongst their dusty props an old, discarded mask of Apollo.When a violent attack threatens the company mid-performance, the actors must go on: once the show ends, they know their lives are at stake. Seized by inspiration, Niko dons the golden mask and feels the powerful words of Apollo coursing through him - spurring the defenders to victory.But Greece is racked by political struggles, and as his fame grows Niko finds himself caught in the crossfire, a pawn in a game of tyrants. And all the while, the mask gains power - becoming his conscience, keeper of his secrets and, ultimately, the maker of his gravest choice. 'To Mary Renault, we are all Ancient Greeks, and that is the secret of her novels' brilliance' CHARLOTTE MENDELSON'Renault has few peers in the art of reconstructing and making utterly convincing the people and places of classical times . . . a superbly controlled performance' NEW YORK TIMES'An important and wonderful writer . . . she set a course into serious-minded, psychologically intense historical fiction that today seems more important than ever' GUARDIAN






























