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The Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind Its Lost Secrets Paperback – Illustrated, January 30, 2007

4.3 out of 5 stars 148 ratings

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A gripping modern-day detective story about the scientific quest to understand the Oracle of Delphi

Like Walking the Bible, this fascinating book turns a modern eye on an enduring legend. The Oracle of Delphi was one of the most influential figures in ancient Greece. Human mistress of the god Apollo, she had the power to enter into ecstatic communion with him and deliver his prophesies to men. Thousands of years later, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist William J. Broad follows a crew of enterprising researchers as they sift through the evidence of history, geology, and archaeology to reveal—as far as science is able—the source of her visions.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Enlightening and compelling . . . Drawing on everything from Plutarch to petroleum research, [Broad] ‘decrypts’ a fascinating story. (The Dallas Morning News)

An absorbing historical tale. (
Entertainment Weekly)

About the Author

William J. Broad is a senior writer at The New York Times and with colleagues there has twice won the Pulitzer Prize as well as an Emmy. For three decades, he has covered topics ranging from biology and geology to astronomy and nuclear arms. He is the author or coauthor of six books, most recently Germs: Biological Weapons and America's Secret War, a number-one New York Times bestseller. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and his work featured in The Best American Science Writing 2005. He holds a master's degree in the history of science from the University of Wisconsin and lives with his wife and three children in Larchmont, New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Publishing Group
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 30, 2007
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143038591
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143038597
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.44 x 5.54 x 0.78 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 148 ratings

About the author

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William J. Broad
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William J. Broad is a best-selling author and a senior writer at The New York Times. In more than thirty years as a science journalist, he has written hundreds of front-page articles and won every major journalistic award in print and film. His reporting shows unusual depth and breadth - everything from exploding stars and the secret life of marine mammals to the spread of nuclear arms and why the Titanic sank so fast. The Best American Science Writing, a yearly anthology, has twice featured his work.

He joined The Times in 1983 and before that worked in Washington for Science, the magazine of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Broad has won two Pulitzer Prizes with Times colleagues, as well as an Emmy and a DuPont. He won the Pulitzers for coverage of the space shuttle Challenger disaster and the feasibility of antimissile arms. In 2002, he won the Emmy (PBS Nova) for a documentary that detailed the threat of germ terrorism. He was a Pulitzer finalist in 2005 for articles written with Times colleague David E. Sanger on nuclear proliferation. In 2007, he shared a DuPont Award (The Discovery Channel) from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism for the television documentary, "Nuclear Jihad: Can Terrorists Get the Bomb?"

Broad is the author or co-author of eight books, most recently The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards (Simon & Schuster, 2012), a New York Times bestseller. His books have been translated into dozens of languages. His other titles include Germs: Biological Weapons and America's Secret War (Simon & Schuster, 2001), a number-one New York Times bestseller; The Universe Below: Discovering the Secrets of the Deep Sea (Simon & Schuster, 1997); Teller's War: The Top-Secret Story Behind the Star Wars Deception (Simon & Schuster, 1992); and Betrayers of the Truth: Fraud and Deceit in the Halls of Science (Simon & Schuster, 1982).

Broad's reporting has taken him to Paris and Vienna, Brazil and Ecuador, Kiev and Kazakhstan. In December 1991, he was among the last Westerners to see the Soviet hammer and sickle flying over the Kremlin.

Broad's media appearances include Larry King Live, The Charlie Rose Show, The Discovery Channel, Nova, The History Channel, and National Public Radio. His speaking engagements have ranged from the U.S. Navy in Washington, to the Knickerbocker Club in New York, to the Monterey Aquarium in California. He has also given talks at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City.

Broad earned a masters degree in the History of Science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has three adult children and lives with his wife in the New York metropolitan area.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
148 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read, with one review noting it reads like a leisure novel. Moreover, the book provides interesting historical context and covers the history of the archaeology, while one customer particularly appreciates its great academic breakdown of various theories. Additionally, customers find the writing quality compelling, and one mentions it's very hard to put down.

24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, describing it as delightful and fascinating, with one customer noting it reads like a leisure novel.

"...That in itself was worth the read...." Read more

"...A thoroughly engrossing read. We spend too much time scoffing at things this far removed from our present. I say Well Done, boys." Read more

"...(Hamlet). A great book to read...a great book to have, and... "a must" for the serious student of history and archaeology!" Read more

"This is an interesting book...." Read more

23 customers mention "Knowledge level"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's knowledge level, describing it as a fascinating topic with engaging science content, and one customer notes it provides a great academic breakdown of various theories.

"...It is much more than science; it is the belief that all things are possible. Life does not need to be explained down to the tiniest molecule...." Read more

"...context, and has a well-written chapter that considers relevant epistemological issues..." Read more

"...Here is the historical, archaeological, metaphysical, and scientific study of one of ancient histories greatest mysteries...the "Oracle of Delphi"...." Read more

"...In the end, I felt it was a great academic breakdown of the various theories surrounding the Delphi temple...." Read more

15 customers mention "History"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical content, which provides interesting context and covers the archaeology of Delphi. One customer notes how it captures the fascination of Ancient Greek culture, while another highlights its chronological narrative.

"...The rich history of this story from beginning to end kept me turning the pages. I devoured all of it...." Read more

"...the same story in detail, which it does, but it also provides interesting historical context, and has a well-written chapter that considers relevant..." Read more

"...and (pardon me), digging, to, as far as I am concerned, validate the ancient tales of Delphi. A thoroughly engrossing read...." Read more

"...Here is the historical, archaeological, metaphysical, and scientific study of one of ancient histories greatest mysteries...the "Oracle of Delphi"...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing of the book compelling and easy to read, with one customer noting it's a must-read for Ancient Greek enthusiasts.

"...but it also provides interesting historical context, and has a well-written chapter that considers relevant epistemological issues..." Read more

"...This was something the Greeks took seriously? The book is well-written and filled with details that make for an engaging narrative." Read more

"This is very well written. The writer makes history read exciting . The Oracle is more than you think. The excavation was as interesting as can be...." Read more

"The book itself is wonderfully written, but the spine was broken upon arrival. 5 star writing" Read more

3 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning it's very hard to put down.

"...channelling, prohecy and intuitive abilities. I got the book as I love Colliers rendition of the Priestess of Delphi.The book give the..." Read more

"...It is magnificently written and is very hard to put down...." Read more

"Very tedious..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    William J. Broad’s visionary account of the Oracle of Delphi challenged and reset the wrongful preprograming of the human species into a patriarchal society when entering into the realm of Earth.
    Our planet; Mother Earth, living organism, and yes, Gaia/goddess was born with her own free will and original plan to ensure her own spiritual growth and ascension. Her original plan, in essence, was intended to embellish the matriarch. Her ladies in waiting if you wish, were the seers, sibyls, and oracles, who were to keep her original plan moving forward as her voice. It was the sweet breath of Mother Earth herself, not Apollo that was guiding the Oracles of Delphi.
    It was man that intervened as the stronger of the sex’s and began their systematic overthrow of women’s reign. The Oracle of Delphi was not immune to this slowly spreading disease over Mother Earth. The Oracles, having begun as the true voice of Gaia had to endure twelve centuries of survivorship by appeasing the will of the priests. It was male desire to disassociate himself from nature and gain his stance as Supreme Being; that caused the silenced voices of Delphi.
    William J. Broad takes us on a journey of self-discovery hinting to the truth to our forbidden and hidden history. It is much more than science; it is the belief that all things are possible. Life does not need to be explained down to the tiniest molecule. There is always something greater. I could not explain these things as eloquently as Broad, since I am a right-brained visionary, and look beyond science.
    The rich history of this story from beginning to end kept me turning the pages. I devoured all of it. I learned much and had no idea the many things that were inspired by the need to scientifically explain the prophetic administrations of the Pythia. That in itself was worth the read.
    I have always been fascinated by the Pythia since the very first time I saw Colliers painting of the Oracle of Delphi. This book came to me as part of a succession of synchronicities. I knew the answer to the riddle of the Oracle as soon as I heard that familiar crack of the spine as I opened this book. The world indeed cannot be explained by science alone. Denice Garrou, author of Dragonhorse and the Seeker of the Forgotten Knowledge
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I looked for books about the Oracle after watching a History Channel documentary about the scientific search for a fault and evidence of intoxicating gasses beneath the temple of Apollo (I show it to my philosophy students).

    I expected this book to tell the same story in detail, which it does, but it also provides interesting historical context, and has a well-written chapter that considers relevant epistemological issues (philosophical issues about knowledge, how it is gained, what counts as legitimate knowledge, etc.).

    I gave it four stars because I wished it were longer, and just provided more of the same kinds of content.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Have always been interested in the Oracle(s). It took a geologist and an archaeologist working together on something they were both into, simply because they were into the subject, to do a lot of legwork and (pardon me), digging, to, as far as I am concerned, validate the ancient tales of Delphi. A thoroughly engrossing read. We spend too much time scoffing at things this far removed from our present. I say Well Done, boys.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    "The Oracle" by William J. Broad is, in two words: extraordinarily fascinating!"

    Here is the historical, archaeological, metaphysical, and scientific study of one of ancient histories greatest mysteries...the "Oracle of Delphi". The Oracle's prophesy affected not just such great men as Socrates, Plato, and Alexander the Great but, entire nations of the known world. Their divinations helped to change history.

    Were these "Sybil's" real, or were they merely... fraudulent charlatans?

    From ancient texts to historical archaeological digs, modern geological sciences, and then back to the realm of the ancients...author William J. Broad gives a superb accounting of the "Pythia" and "her" history. What was the means of the Oracle's great prophetic abilities? Was it merely the mysterious mist of intoxicating fumes that put her into euphoric trance like states, or... was there more to the story?

    Several great scientists help to unravel this great mystery of time, including geologist, Jelle Zeilinga DE Boer (a Dutch citizen, and former WWII Japanese prisoner of war), and ironically, author... John R. Hale author of; "Lords of the Sea" (the book I just finished reading!).

    The investigation into Delphi, its surrounding geological structures, and affect upon the ancient Oracle is unique and mind-boggling. However, despite some of the modern findings, the author and those involved in the pursuit of truth are still searching for the real key of the Oracle's success...Spiritual belief.

    A fascinating topic, a masterful work of academic study, and an open acknowledgement of the fact that: "There are more things in heaven, and earth, Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy." (Hamlet).

    A great book to read...a great book to have, and... "a must" for the serious student of history and archaeology!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I was super excited to dive into this book. In the end, I felt it was a great academic breakdown of the various theories surrounding the Delphi temple.

    What I feel is missing is the *essence* or spirit of the Oracles. Perhaps there is a lack of information about the ‘spiritual’ aspects of the temple - but I believe there are ways to bring such a thing alive.

    It felt like a very masculine experience and telling of a very potently feminine mythology and history - even though I do believe the temple was run by men, and the women served a male deity.

    I still gained knowledge and appreciate any teaching that I receive ... but I hoped to touch the heartbeat of the Oracles.

    This book is factual. It’s not going to stir your soul.
    15 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on September 7, 2017
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    AAAAAAAAAA++++++++
  • Elizabeth Ashley -The Secret Healer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A balanced masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In a world where we want everything explained, Broad left no details hanging yet managed to retain the magic. He brought the characters to life and with them resurrected the priestess. A masterpiece in how to write. Thank you for your careful efforts. Loved this book.
  • george Henley
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 6, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    If you like historic mysteries this is an interesting and informative read. Recommended.
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Learn something new
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Interesting "detective story" about the combination of archeology and geology resulting in new proof about the oracle. At the same time giving a good historical account of Delphi and the oracle as well as parts of Greek history.
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars misguided
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2014
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The early part of the book was an engrossing pursuit of the Delphic oracle. I might almost say rivetting. It was completely spoiled with his last chapter. It was a superficial meandering in mysticism with no clear direction or evidence.
    The book would be a better seller without the final chapter.