I now have nine books but don't forget my Put it in Your Pocket Series of booklets on the Greek myths, legends and Gods. Click HERE to see the islands, sacred sites etc covered by this series.
Behind the Masks
(In the footsteps of the early Greek dramatists)
Orpington Publishers
What fun it was to visit the places where the great fifth century B.C. dramatists lived and worked. Also to discover what influenced and inspired their writing, and to travel to the locations in which their dramas were set.
The journeys were memorable, and reading the work of those great dramatists with their powerful use of language was inspiring.
(In the footsteps of the early Greek dramatists)
Orpington Publishers
What fun it was to visit the places where the great fifth century B.C. dramatists lived and worked. Also to discover what influenced and inspired their writing, and to travel to the locations in which their dramas were set.
The journeys were memorable, and reading the work of those great dramatists with their powerful use of language was inspiring.
Gods & Heroes
(on the trail of the Iliad & the Odyssey)
Orpington Publishers
It has been an exciting time but also rather sad because it has been so enjoyable writing and researching the book. Those who have come to love Harry (my long suffering husband) will be surprised to hear he was unusually enthusiastic. He loved the battle scenes in the Iliad and was fired up by the wild adventures faced by Odysseus in the Odyssey in which the Olympian gods intervened to help or hinder those they favoured or were angered by. I am hoping that this new book will inspire people to read Homer, since his two epic poems are the first ever literary masterpieces of the western world - or that they will be interested enough to see the places for themselves that I've written about.
(on the trail of the Iliad & the Odyssey)
Orpington Publishers
It has been an exciting time but also rather sad because it has been so enjoyable writing and researching the book. Those who have come to love Harry (my long suffering husband) will be surprised to hear he was unusually enthusiastic. He loved the battle scenes in the Iliad and was fired up by the wild adventures faced by Odysseus in the Odyssey in which the Olympian gods intervened to help or hinder those they favoured or were angered by. I am hoping that this new book will inspire people to read Homer, since his two epic poems are the first ever literary masterpieces of the western world - or that they will be interested enough to see the places for themselves that I've written about.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. Have you always loved Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey?
A. Absolutely not. I didn't start taking an interest in Greece till I was sixty. Things like Greek literature, philosophy and mythology gradually unfolded before me like a great panorama.
Maybe unconsciously I inherited the interest from my father who won prizes at school in ancient Greek and Latin. I only wish he was alive to see my fascination with it now.
Q. Did Troy meet with your expectations?
A. The archaeological site itself was not exactly inspiring but we had an incredibly helpful guide. The scenery around Troy was much as Homer described it: the Trojan plain, Besik bay and the Scamander river - not forgetting Mt. Ida where the Judgement of Paris took place.
Q. Which of the palaces of the Greek kings did you find the most impressive?
A. They all had their own unique outstanding feature: the Lion gate at Mycenae where King Agamemnon reigned; the Menelaon where the beautiful Helen and her husband are buried; Mt. Pelion where Achilles grew up and was taught by the wise Centaur Chiron. And certainly Odysseus' island of Ithaca was memorably beautiful.
Q. Do you visit all the places you write about?
A. Yes, always. It's essential to get the 'feel' of a place, and to see the landscape which must have had some influence on whoever lived there.
Q. How did you set about selecting your quotations from Homer?
A. I think some inspirational outside force was driving me. I loved reading, highlighting, selecting and editing. It was important not to over quote, but to let Homer's words illustrate the major events of the Trojan War. It was great fun to do, and I think I've achieved what I set out to do. The feedback from the public has been very encouraging.
Q. Have you always loved Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey?
A. Absolutely not. I didn't start taking an interest in Greece till I was sixty. Things like Greek literature, philosophy and mythology gradually unfolded before me like a great panorama.
Maybe unconsciously I inherited the interest from my father who won prizes at school in ancient Greek and Latin. I only wish he was alive to see my fascination with it now.
Q. Did Troy meet with your expectations?
A. The archaeological site itself was not exactly inspiring but we had an incredibly helpful guide. The scenery around Troy was much as Homer described it: the Trojan plain, Besik bay and the Scamander river - not forgetting Mt. Ida where the Judgement of Paris took place.
Q. Which of the palaces of the Greek kings did you find the most impressive?
A. They all had their own unique outstanding feature: the Lion gate at Mycenae where King Agamemnon reigned; the Menelaon where the beautiful Helen and her husband are buried; Mt. Pelion where Achilles grew up and was taught by the wise Centaur Chiron. And certainly Odysseus' island of Ithaca was memorably beautiful.
Q. Do you visit all the places you write about?
A. Yes, always. It's essential to get the 'feel' of a place, and to see the landscape which must have had some influence on whoever lived there.
Q. How did you set about selecting your quotations from Homer?
A. I think some inspirational outside force was driving me. I loved reading, highlighting, selecting and editing. It was important not to over quote, but to let Homer's words illustrate the major events of the Trojan War. It was great fun to do, and I think I've achieved what I set out to do. The feedback from the public has been very encouraging.
Lap of the Gods
(travels in Crete and the Aegean islands)
Orpington Publishers
Lap of the Gods is an entertaining and humorous read.
In this book I explore the ancient Greek myths and legends of twelve Aegean islands, describing the landscape and the individuality of each and the characters I meet. I trace the lives of such famous island figures as Hippocrates, Pythagoras, Homer, and Sappho who all excelled under the guidance of the Olympian gods. As in my earlier books I am interested in how and why Christianity took over from the pagan gods, and am
continually hoping for enlightenment. I am accompanied as always by my husband, the stalwart Harry, as we visit temple sites, early Byzantine churches, attend festivals, and climb to sacred mountain caves. The book is intended to be both informative and amusing.
(travels in Crete and the Aegean islands)
Orpington Publishers
Lap of the Gods is an entertaining and humorous read.
In this book I explore the ancient Greek myths and legends of twelve Aegean islands, describing the landscape and the individuality of each and the characters I meet. I trace the lives of such famous island figures as Hippocrates, Pythagoras, Homer, and Sappho who all excelled under the guidance of the Olympian gods. As in my earlier books I am interested in how and why Christianity took over from the pagan gods, and am
continually hoping for enlightenment. I am accompanied as always by my husband, the stalwart Harry, as we visit temple sites, early Byzantine churches, attend festivals, and climb to sacred mountain caves. The book is intended to be both informative and amusing.
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Which island did you like best?
A. That is a difficult question to answer. No two islands are alike, each one having something distinctive which makes it unique. The wild terrain of Crete, for example, or the luminous light found on Delos, or the dramatic scenery of Santorini. If I say I was bewitched by Chios because it is believed that Homer lived there, I immediately have to admit to loving Rhodes for its different hues of blues and soaring temple columns. Equally I fell for Patmos with its great monastery, and so on.
Q. I always get the feeling that Harry is holding back and is an unwilling participant on these journeys. Is this true?
A. Harry is a home bird and likes a quiet routine life. In retrospect he loves these trips, and dines off the adventures we've had. He is far more talkative about where we've been than I am.
Q. Do you have another book in mind?
A. Yes, "Gods and Heroes". It means we will have to visit Troy, and also the homes on mainland Greece of the Greek warriors such as Mycenea and Sparta - Sparta is where Helen of Troy came from. Rather surprisingly, Harry is quite keen on the idea.
Holy Fire! (travels in the Holy Land)
My curiosity regarding religious beliefs took me and my somewhat reluctant-to-travel husband, Harry, to the Holy land...
I examine the various religions in Palestine down the centuries, which each in turn have caused conflict and bloodshed - Judaism, Paganism, Christianity and Islam. It's intended to be both an entertaining and amusing read and certainly poses many questions.
My curiosity regarding religious beliefs took me and my somewhat reluctant-to-travel husband, Harry, to the Holy land...
I examine the various religions in Palestine down the centuries, which each in turn have caused conflict and bloodshed - Judaism, Paganism, Christianity and Islam. It's intended to be both an entertaining and amusing read and certainly poses many questions.
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. What first made you want to visit the Holy Land?
A. I think it was because Jerusalem was where all three monotheistic religions (and paganism also) came into conflict with one another.
Q. You are always questioning religion, would you like to get rid of religion altogether like Richard Dawkins?
A. No, because there is a religious spark in all of us which is part of our humanity. I am very aware of the need for religion but I object to dogma.
Q. Were you worried about writing a book that could be seen as controversial regarding the political problems of the region?
A. No, I wasn't, but Harry had misgivings. As I say, in my Prologue, I've tried to be even-handed in what I've written.
Q. What one place would you like to have visited which you didn't see?
A. The fifth century A.D. Monastery of St. George of Choziba in the Judaean wilderness at Wadi Qelt. It is a wild and desolate area and the monastery is perched on a rocky ledge overlooking the gorge.. We only looked down on it from high above and it looked amazing. The area is the site for Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan.
Q. What first made you want to visit the Holy Land?
A. I think it was because Jerusalem was where all three monotheistic religions (and paganism also) came into conflict with one another.
Q. You are always questioning religion, would you like to get rid of religion altogether like Richard Dawkins?
A. No, because there is a religious spark in all of us which is part of our humanity. I am very aware of the need for religion but I object to dogma.
Q. Were you worried about writing a book that could be seen as controversial regarding the political problems of the region?
A. No, I wasn't, but Harry had misgivings. As I say, in my Prologue, I've tried to be even-handed in what I've written.
Q. What one place would you like to have visited which you didn't see?
A. The fifth century A.D. Monastery of St. George of Choziba in the Judaean wilderness at Wadi Qelt. It is a wild and desolate area and the monastery is perched on a rocky ledge overlooking the gorge.. We only looked down on it from high above and it looked amazing. The area is the site for Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan.
YE GODS! (travels in Greece)
Harry and I visit the sacred sites of classical Greece. The book is a light and humorous exploration down the centuries, dipping into past legends and mysteries from the pagan gods to the Greek Orthodox Church.
"Jill Dudley has a keen eye, an exploring mind and an obvious delight in writing - all of which make this book a pleasure to read." Peter France
"Very entertaining. I often laugh out loud while reading - but also very thought provoking." Debbie Thrower
"There is much to commend about the double act put on by this older british couple as they proceed in leisurely pursuit of the gods through cities and towns to mountains and islands... This is a quirky, worthwhile and intelligent book written by an enthusiast." Athens News
Harry and I visit the sacred sites of classical Greece. The book is a light and humorous exploration down the centuries, dipping into past legends and mysteries from the pagan gods to the Greek Orthodox Church.
"Jill Dudley has a keen eye, an exploring mind and an obvious delight in writing - all of which make this book a pleasure to read." Peter France
"Very entertaining. I often laugh out loud while reading - but also very thought provoking." Debbie Thrower
"There is much to commend about the double act put on by this older british couple as they proceed in leisurely pursuit of the gods through cities and towns to mountains and islands... This is a quirky, worthwhile and intelligent book written by an enthusiast." Athens News
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. When did you first travel to Greece?
A. In 1989.
Q. What made you first interested in Greece?
A. I am really not sure. I do know, though, that I occasionally came across words in Greek which I couldn't understand, and that annoyed me. The only solution was to learn the language. During the weekly, further educational evening classes I attended at Exeter University, many fellow students talked about their travels in Greece, and spoke knowledgeably about the Greek classics. As a result I steeped myself in Greek literature too and became addicted to the country's ancient past.
Q. Was the language difficult?
A. Yes. But it was a challenge, and I loved finding English words which had their roots in Greek.
Q. Is Harry always with you on your travels?
A. No, not always. But he has become an integral part of my travel-writing, and I instinctively know how he would react and what he would say. But, then, Harry is not my real husband's name. He is a sort of caricature I have created to suit the purpose of the book.
Q. Which is?
A. To argue impossible-to-believe Christian doctrine with. He is so firmly entrenched in his own beliefs that I can say what I think without giving offence.
HOLY SMOKE! (travels in Turkey and Egypt)
Here I set out to explore the pagan past and early Christianity, as well as Judaism and Islam. Facts and legends abound as I travel to Istanbul, down Anatolia to the Aegean and around Egypt.
"Jill Dudley has done it again! In Holy Smoke! she takes us on a lively canter through exotic locations and lifts the lid on why Christians, Moslems and Jews see the world and each other as they do. This is insight and entertainment." Peter France
"It is Jill's stance as 'agnostic but quite religious' that marks out her travel writing as something special... Holy Smoke! is another winning work, with her sceptical forays again entertainingly set off against her husband Harry, who takes Christianity on trust."
Western Daily Press
Here I set out to explore the pagan past and early Christianity, as well as Judaism and Islam. Facts and legends abound as I travel to Istanbul, down Anatolia to the Aegean and around Egypt.
"Jill Dudley has done it again! In Holy Smoke! she takes us on a lively canter through exotic locations and lifts the lid on why Christians, Moslems and Jews see the world and each other as they do. This is insight and entertainment." Peter France
"It is Jill's stance as 'agnostic but quite religious' that marks out her travel writing as something special... Holy Smoke! is another winning work, with her sceptical forays again entertainingly set off against her husband Harry, who takes Christianity on trust."
Western Daily Press
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. Did you learn Arabic for this book?
A. Yes. You must remember I was born in Baghdad, and since my teenage years I've always wanted to learn the language. When I became interested in Islam it seemed natural to learn Arabic, or at least attempt to.
Q. Was it very difficult?
A. Very!
Q. Which country did you like best, Turkey or Egypt?
A. They were both so different. I loved both. I found Istanbul and Cappadocia amazing, and I was fascinated by the Sinai desert and the camel rides, and also the Nile trip.
Q. Was Harry with you on all these journeys?
A. No, not always. But I am not going to tell you when he wasn't.
YE GODS! II (more travels in Greece)
I continue to explore the ancient sanctuaries of Greece. Ye Gods! II follows naturally on from my first book Ye Gods!
"Jill Dudley resumes her quirky pilgrimage to the roots of pagan and Christian legends,,, Again, somewhat bemused hubby Harry, who takes conventional religion on trust, is the foil for Jill's frank philosophising as they visit ancient temple sites, monasteries and early Byzantine churches... Jill's piquant observations on the response to the religious impulse by both ancient and modern civilizations continue to stimulate and amuse." Western daily Press
"British traveller Jill Dudley visits ancient Greek temples to explore the links between paganism and Christianity... A well informed sceptic she embarks on her quest...looking into the evidence that remains, both physical and textual...She reflects on the notion of prophecy at the ancient oracle of Zeus at Dodona...explores Delphi and Olympia, wonders what it must have been like when St. Paul arrived in the den of iniquity that was ancient Corinth...For anyone visiting these ancient sites Ye Gods! II makes for a good, albeit unconventional, guidebook that offers a lively account of each site's mix of myth, religion and history...Key to its success is Dudley as narrator. She is direct, intelligent, endlessly curious and often witty. And as she points out, when she has an idea or an opinion (and she has many) she finds it difficult to remain silent." Athens News
I continue to explore the ancient sanctuaries of Greece. Ye Gods! II follows naturally on from my first book Ye Gods!
"Jill Dudley resumes her quirky pilgrimage to the roots of pagan and Christian legends,,, Again, somewhat bemused hubby Harry, who takes conventional religion on trust, is the foil for Jill's frank philosophising as they visit ancient temple sites, monasteries and early Byzantine churches... Jill's piquant observations on the response to the religious impulse by both ancient and modern civilizations continue to stimulate and amuse." Western daily Press
"British traveller Jill Dudley visits ancient Greek temples to explore the links between paganism and Christianity... A well informed sceptic she embarks on her quest...looking into the evidence that remains, both physical and textual...She reflects on the notion of prophecy at the ancient oracle of Zeus at Dodona...explores Delphi and Olympia, wonders what it must have been like when St. Paul arrived in the den of iniquity that was ancient Corinth...For anyone visiting these ancient sites Ye Gods! II makes for a good, albeit unconventional, guidebook that offers a lively account of each site's mix of myth, religion and history...Key to its success is Dudley as narrator. She is direct, intelligent, endlessly curious and often witty. And as she points out, when she has an idea or an opinion (and she has many) she finds it difficult to remain silent." Athens News
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. Are you ever disappointed by a sanctuary site and its ruins?
A. No, never. Each one has a story to tell and represents a god or a goddess. The ancients never built a temple at random, but chose a site known to have sacred qualities and energies.
Q. Do you have a favourite one?
A. I was going to say Delphi, but almost immediately I have thought of the Parthenon, and then the beautiful island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo. Each sanctuary has its own unique appeal.
Q. Do you think you are a pagan at heart?
A. Not at all. But I can see the advantage of honouring many gods, each one overseeing a certain aspect of human life.
Q. Would you call yourself an atheist?
A. No. I am curiously religious but only as an observer of religions. I cannot anchor myself into any one faith, least of all Christianity and its emphasis on sin and redemption.
GODS in BRITAIN (An Island Odyssey from pagan to Christian)
Anyone wanting to be entertained while learning about Britain's ancient past should read this book.
Here I travel from England to Scotland, from Cornwall to Wales to find out about ancient beliefs and legends.
As with my earlier books I continue to explore how, and even why, early Christianity took over from the pagan past, gathering myths and legends on the way.
"A fascinating search through our shifting notions of God down the ages." Rowland Molony
Anyone wanting to be entertained while learning about Britain's ancient past should read this book.
Here I travel from England to Scotland, from Cornwall to Wales to find out about ancient beliefs and legends.
As with my earlier books I continue to explore how, and even why, early Christianity took over from the pagan past, gathering myths and legends on the way.
"A fascinating search through our shifting notions of God down the ages." Rowland Molony
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. What triggered your interest in the pagan gods of Britain?
A. I was excited when I discovered that St. Paul's cathedral had been built on the site of an old temple of the Roman goddess Diana and that there had been a temple of Apollo where Westminster Abbey now stands.
Q. Why did you choose the locations you did?
A. Because there was something of religious or historical significance there, such as the Druids at Stonehenge, or the Roman gods at Hadrian's wall.
Q. Did you enjoy writing about Britain?
A. Very much. It was wonderful travelling around your own country to places you had never visited before. Harry really enjoyed it.
Q. Did you yourself go to every place? Or did you get your information off the internet?
A. I always travel to the places I intend writing about. It would be impossible for me to capture the exact 'feel' of a site unless I'd visited it. Also the unexpected happens while travelling, and you meet interesting people.
Mortals and Immortals (a satirical fantasy and true-in-parts memoir)
True in parts memoir? Yes certainly! Without having had 18 years of farming and my travels to Greece I could never have written this satire.
The Goddess Muck, a small and loveable immortal who watches over farmers in the south-west, finds herself welcoming the supreme Olympian God, Lord Zeus, who comes to Britain with his wife to see how much improved the people are after two thousand years of Christianity. The Goddess Muck enlists the help of her three friends Mammon, Folly and Must-be-done (alias Duty) who show Lord Zeus the fine British institutions. The Olympian is impressed by what he sees, but certain goings-on alarm the Goddess Muck who is unable to conceal the scandalous behaviour of her two favourites, a young farmer and his wife.
"This masterpiece of satire is Jill Dudley at her best"
True in parts memoir? Yes certainly! Without having had 18 years of farming and my travels to Greece I could never have written this satire.
The Goddess Muck, a small and loveable immortal who watches over farmers in the south-west, finds herself welcoming the supreme Olympian God, Lord Zeus, who comes to Britain with his wife to see how much improved the people are after two thousand years of Christianity. The Goddess Muck enlists the help of her three friends Mammon, Folly and Must-be-done (alias Duty) who show Lord Zeus the fine British institutions. The Olympian is impressed by what he sees, but certain goings-on alarm the Goddess Muck who is unable to conceal the scandalous behaviour of her two favourites, a young farmer and his wife.
"This masterpiece of satire is Jill Dudley at her best"
Click on photos to enlarge & for info.
Frequently asked Questions
Q. How did you come to write Mortals and Immortals?
A. I was told I should write a book about farming since we had had a dairy farm for eighteen years. I didn't want to write a straight forward account which I felt would be intolerably dull, but something eccentric, something which could reveal the daily slog of farming but in a light and humorous way. At the time I had been studying the authors of satire down the centuries which revealed harsh truths in a comical manner. Having studied the ancient Greeks and their gods, I thought I could get them involved as visitors to Britain.
Q. What made you think of the Goddess Muck as a character?
A. Well, a farming life means muck. It also depends on a certain amount of luck. What Harry and I would call our guardian angel keeping us from fatal accidents. Somehow the idea of the Goddess Muck watching over us came into my mind and stuck with me.
Q. And Folly. Mammon and Duty?
A. Well they are all an important aspect of life.
Q. Did you find the book easy to write?
A. No. It took me years before I was satisfied.
Q. How did you think up the entertainments for Lord Zeus? The Battle of the Cowshed, for instance, or your Opera?
A. Oh, I had great fun writing them. I have what I call my 'inspirational' moments. They usually come when I'm relaxing in a hot bath. It suddenly occurred to me that it was words that controlled human beings, and that is how people's lives are shaped - by words. Then music I thought was a powerful means of expressing drama - hence my Opera with the farmer and his wife caught up in their various struggles and obligations.
Q. Are you planning another similar book?
A. No, I could never write another like it. And to write a straightforward novel would bore me, and would certainly bore the reader. Well, it would never get published.