The Greek Treasure: A Biographical Novel of Henry and Sophia Schliemann

by Irving Stone

Book Overview

A magnificent biographical novel of Henry and Sophia Schlieman- the epic of a man and woman, their shining love for each other, and how, together, they broke through every barrier to turn an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385073097
• ISBN13: 9780385073097
• Release Date: August 1975
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 479 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A great & underappreciated book!

Schliemann's story is fascinating and deserves to be read! Stone weaves this historical novel with great respect and honesty, recounting the brilliance and flaws of this heroic man. This is an excellent book with an in-depth look at Greek culture coinciding with the life of a self-made millionaire and self-educated archeologist & linguist. Schliemann literally changed the way we look at Greek history in the face of almost impossible opposition! Reviewed by David Lundberg, author of Olympic Wandering: Time Travel Through Greece

"Achilles of the nimble feet looked at him grimly..."

"and replied: 'Hector, you must be mad to talk to me about a pact. Lions do not come to terms with men, nor does the wolf see eye to eye with the lamb-they are ENEMIES TO THE END. It is the same with you and me. Friendship between us is impossible, and there will be no truce of any kind till one of us has fallen and glutted the stubborn god of battles with his blood. So summon any courage you may have. THIS is the time to show your spearmanship and daring."-From Homer's Iliad Henry Schliemann, like Alexander the Great, knew the Iliad by heart, the ancient story of the Trojan War immortalized by Homer. He was convinced he knew he could find the city thus proving its historicity. The Greek academics didn't believe him, he didn't believe them. To find Troy was his dream of a lifetime. He manages to marry a young Greek girl, 20 years or so younger than himself, and soon thereafter, their lifetime of digging begins. I loved this book. In reading this historical novel of Irving Stone, you'll learn a little about modern (1900) and ancient Greek culture. I remember getting a little bored reading the last half of it, but digs are usually that way most times until you unearth something spectacular. The most interesting point to me was in a note of Stone's at the end, explaining that the treasure of Priam, kept in the Berlin Museum, disappeared somehow when the Russians marched toward Berlin late in WWII. Hmm.

my review

I read this book many, many years ago. It was actually the first Irving Stone book I ever read. I still remember how much I enjoyed reading it, and I can still remember the story. Brilliantly written. You seem to be living among the characters. Irving Stone has the gift to write, all based in real-life facts. Again, a must read for any history-novel lover.

An Unforgettable True Story of Discovering Troy

Approximately 15 years ago I bought this book aout Heinrich Schlieman, and his discovery of the ancient lost city of Troy. He studied Homer, and believed the city did exist. In his late 40's he met a very young Greek girl in Athens. He asked her father for her hand in marriage, and her father agreed.The museum in Athens holds not only the treasures he unearthed at Troy, but he found the mask of Agamemnon, and other treasures (the Lion's Gate) showering Sophia with these treasures. I loaned this book, and never received it back. I have looked for it for years. I cannot believe this wonderful book has not been reprinted and available. It is Irving Stone at his best.

a tender and inspiring love story

Stone was able to put into this book the unusal and unconventional story of Schliemann and his young Greek bride in a way that you cheer them on and you feel their disappointments. It is entertaining as well as inspiring. It also brings up that age old question, "Was there a Troy?" and convinces you there was.