Review by Booklist Review
The story of the Minotaur is really the story of Theseus, and after an explanation of the beast's origins (a tastefully described scene wherein Poseidon's magnificent white bull spent time with Minos' wife, Pasiphae), the bulk of the book follows the great hero's journey from Athens to the Labyrinth of Crete. Roberts maintains a coherent narrative even as he pauses to consider the variations and contradictions that typify Greek mythology, all well sourced in chapter notes. It's a fairly text-heavy treatment, so this entry in the Monsters of Myth series might be best for readers with an established interest in mythology. They can get an in-depth look at one of the more iconic tales and gain a foothold in related myths starring Daedelus, Ariadne, Heracles, et al. The book finishes with a thoughtful discussion of the historical and cultural roots and legacy of the Minotaur myth, noting that one shouldn't put too much stock into the veracity of the legend but rather use it as a starting point for understanding Minoan civilization, which is itself a fittingly labyrinthine task.--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.