This volume investigates the validity and implications of the traditional historical narrative that posits a fundamental transition from mythic thought to rational inquiry within ancient Greek civilization. The editor, Richard Buxton, assembles a collection of essays from prominent scholars in the fields of classics, philosophy, and religious history to interrogate the binary opposition between myth and logos. By analyzing the cultural, historical, and intellectual contexts of the period, the contributors challenge the assumption that Greek thought followed a linear progression toward modern rationality.

Experts recognize this collection as a significant contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the origins of Western rationalism. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a rigorous resource for students and scholars of classical antiquity.