Venus and Aphrodite

A Biography of Desire

By: Bettany Hughes

Narrated by: Bettany Hughes

A cultural history of the goddess of love, from a New York Times bestselling and award-winning historian.
Aphrodite was said to have been born from the sea, rising out of a froth of white foam. But long before the Ancient Greeks conceived of this voluptuous blonde, she existed as an early spirit of fertility on the shores of Cyprus -- and thousands of years before that, as a ferocious warrior-goddess in the Middle East. Proving that this fabled figure is so much more than an avatar of commercialized romance, historian Bettany Hughes reveals the remarkable lifestory of one of antiquity's most potent myths.
Venus and Aphrodite brings together ancient art, mythology, and archaeological revelations to tell the story of human desire. From Mesopotamia to modern-day London, from Botticelli to Beyoncé, Hughes explains why this immortal goddess continues to entrance us today -- and how we trivialize her power at our peril.

Critic reviews

"A marvellous biography of a goddess that delves beneath her passive modern image."—BBC History Magazine

"Informative and entertaining."—Publishers Weekly

"An intriguing tale that tracks the gorgeous and omnipresent Venus of western civilisation back 6,000 years ... engrossing."—The Spectator

"In this lively, wide-ranging book, Hughes paints a portrait of a darker Venus, a violent, vengeful 'shape-shifting' Venus, with salt in her hair and surf at her feet."—The Times

"This is a thoroughly enjoyable history of Venus, the goddess of love, and her many manifestations throughout history. From antiquity through modern day, historian Hughes artfully weaves together elements of myth, history, religion, philosophy, literature, art, and pop culture to demonstrate this deity's centuries-long impact... Fun and fascinating..."—Booklist

"Quick paced, insightful, and often times humorous, this newest work by Hughes is an approachable look at the ancient legacy of the goddess, Aphrodite-Venus. The author provides an impressive exploration of over 4,000 years of human history, as well as the relationship between the goddess and the collective human psyche."—Library Journal

Amazing read/listen

At 30 I’m finally reading into mythology, and as confusing and all encompassing it can be, Hughes makes it easily digestible. I have a new outlook on the goddess Aphrodite, a very liberating one. 10/10 would recommend!

THE place to start on Aphrodite!!

whether you're just a fan of greek mythology or work with her in some aspect, this was a FANTASTIC exploration of Aphrodite's origins and delves beyond the "goddess of love and sex" archetype we're used to, and properly explores the various facets of her character. couldn't be happier with this one!

This story was wonderful!

If you want to learn more about Venus or Aphrodite this book is the one for you!

The information within the texts and pictures

Loved the in depth detail from start to finish. Beautiful book if you want to learn more about Aphrodite’s history throughout the years

Wonderful book by an equally wonderful author

Bethany Hughes is an amazing author, historian, and professor. She has an energetic enthusiasm and passion for the historical and mythological content in this novel. Definitely a recommended listen! My husband and I could not love her documentaries and books more!!!