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The Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind Its Lost Secrets Paperback – Illustrated, January 30, 2007
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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 Prizewinning journalist William J. Broad follows a crew of enterprising researchers as they sift through the evidence of history, geology, and archaeology to revealas far as science is ablethe source of her visions.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 30, 2007
- Grade level12 and up
- Reading age18 years and up
- Dimensions8.44 x 5.54 x 0.78 inches
- ISBN-100143038591
- ISBN-13978-0143038597
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Editorial Reviews
Review
An absorbing historical tale. (Entertainment Weekly)
About the Author
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
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,038,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #327 in Ancient Greek History (Books)
- #430 in Archaeology (Books)
- #1,882 in History of Religions
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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.
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Customers find the book readable, describing it as delightful and fascinating, with one customer noting it reads like a leisure novel.
"This is an interesting book...." Read more
"Terrific book. Very informative and easy to read." Read more
"Great book!..." Read more
"...That in itself was worth the read...." Read more
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.
"Good and interesting" Read more
"Terrific book. Very informative and easy to read." Read more
"...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
"...the history of the legends and mythology, as well as read a modern scientific endeavor story about how geology and chemistry can still make an..." Read more
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.
"...It looks in-depth at geology, history, and bio-chemistry theories regarding the oracle from the point of view of someone whom has hands-on..." Read more
"...The rich history of this story from beginning to end kept me turning the pages. I devoured all of it...." Read more
"...read this book and learn so much of the history of the legends and mythology, as well as read a modern scientific endeavor story about how geology..." Read more
"...Here is the historical, archaeological, metaphysical, and scientific study of one of ancient histories greatest mysteries...the "Oracle of Delphi"...." Read more
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.
"Terrific book. Very informative and easy to read." 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
"The book itself is wonderfully written, but the spine was broken upon arrival. 5 star writing" Read more
"...but it also provides interesting historical context, and has a well-written chapter that considers relevant epistemological issues..." Read more
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
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014William 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
- Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2008After coming back from Greece and having visited the site of Delphi's Temple of Apollo and Temple of Athena, it was so fascinating to read this book and learn so much of the history of the legends and mythology, as well as read a modern scientific endeavor story about how geology and chemistry can still make an impact in the understanding of what was suggested to have happened there. I wish I had read this book before going to Greece!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2010"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!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2006William Broad has written an absolutely delightful book that will fascinate anyone with any interest in the Ancient Greeks. There are many tools (a timeline and a glossary) for people who don't know much about the subject, but there's also a great deal of excellent material for folks who have been studying this subject for years.
What Broad proves is that the ancient accounts of the shrine at Delphi need to taken seriously...not because Apollo really resided there, but because an important natural phenomenon gave a select group of women the opportunity to teach ethics, guide kings, and even free some slaves.
I was able to visit Delphi a decade ago and I can assure you that the guide painted a truly depressing picture about the most important shrine in all of Greece. The old account was that crazy old women were compelled to utter gibberish and then a group of male priests would say whatever they felt like. This was something the Greeks took seriously?
The book is well-written and filled with details that make for an engaging narrative.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2023The book itself is wonderfully written, but the spine was broken upon arrival.
5 star writing
Top reviews from other countries
- ReaderReviewed in Canada on September 7, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
AAAAAAAAAA++++++++
- Elizabeth Ashley -The Secret HealerReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars A balanced masterpiece
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 HenleyReviewed in Canada on September 6, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
If you like historic mysteries this is an interesting and informative read. Recommended.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Learn something new
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 CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2014
3.0 out of 5 stars misguided
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.