Myth and legend book club

These are the extraordinary stories of the real women behind some of the Western world’s greatest legends.

This spring, we turn our focus to Greek myths and legends at our Members’ online book club. Our second event of the season looks at award-winning classicist Emily Hauser’s book, ‘Mythica’, now in paperback.

A riveting new history of the Bronze Age Aegean and a journey through Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’, charted entirely by women – from Helen of Troy, Briseis, Cassandra and Aphrodite to Circe, Athena, Hera, Calypso and Penelope – ‘Mythica’ is a ground-breaking reassessment of the reality behind the often-mythologised women of Greece’s greatest epics.

Art historian Jacqui Ansell joins Emily to bring new life to the women behind the myths and how we might look differently at these legends. Hear from Emily and Jacqui, with opportunities to ask questions and share your thoughts throughout the event.

'Bold and intellectually thrilling . . . blending history and science, rigorous scholarship and dazzling feats of imagination.' Tom Holland, historian and co-host of 'The Rest is History' podcast.

'Mythica’ is available now in our online and Gallery shops.

Discover fresh perspectives on culture, art and artists at our online book club, featuring everything from new non‑fiction to novels and historical fiction.

You’re welcome to join even if you haven’t read the book.

Each session opens with a conversation between the author and an art historian, followed by time for your questions about the book, its themes and any artworks discussed.

Emily Hauser is a British scholar of classics and a historical fiction novelist. She is a lecturer in classics and ancient history at the University of Exeter and has published three novels in her ‘Golden Apple’ trilogy: ‘For the Most Beautiful’ (2016), ‘For the Winner’ (2017) and ‘For the Immortal’ (2018).

Jacqui Ansell is an experienced lecturer who has devised talks and tours based around the National Gallery’s collection for many years. She lectures on art and cultural history for the Wallace Collection, National Portrait Gallery and the Arts Society and was Senior Lecturer at Christie’s Education, writing, presenting and tutoring online courses.

A recording of this event will be made available to all ticket holders in the days following the event.

This recording will be available for two weeks.

Automatic closed captioning is available for this event.

Let the journey continue. We have several events inspired by Greek mythology this season. Please visit each event page for more details and to book your ticket.

Myth and legend book club: The Sweetbitter Song of Penelope and Melantho on Thursday, 18 May 2026 (online)

Odyssey: An epic exploration of the collection on Thursday, 10 July 2026 (Gallery tour)

The Aulos and Odyssey on Monday, 13 July 2026 (Supporters' House Salon)

Myth and legend book club: Mythica: The women behind the Iliad and the Odyssey on Thursday, 16 July 2026, 4–5 pm (online)