A Thousand Ships

"I'm going to Troy!"

With these simple words, the poor cowherd Paris lights the fire which will become one of the most famous conflagrations of all time--the legendary Trojan War. When Paris reaches the magnificent city of Troy, he discovers a lifelong secret hidden from him by Troy's king, Priam. From that moment Paris begins a daring journey that will lead him to the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta.

Helen's fateful decision to forsake her homeland and join Paris brings sorrow to thousands--to her husband Menelaus, deserted without cause or explanation--to the young king Odysseus, who faces decades of separation from his wife and infant son--and to the priestess Thetis, whose son, Achilles, must choose between long life at home and glorious death battling before Troy.

Drawn from the myths and legends of centuries, A Thousand Ships presents anew for the twenty-first century the complete prelude to the Trojan War--each sensual touch, every savage blow, the smiles and tears, the lust and betrayal, the entire tapestry of drama and action. Eric Shanower's historically accurate illustrations and compelling dialogue bring new life to this ancient epic.