Mary Norris, "Greek to Me"

Mary Norris discusses her book, "Greek to Me", at Politics and Prose.

Norris charmed and delighted readers with Between You & Me, her witty memoir about thirty years with The New Yorker’s fabled copy department. Her new book is an enthusiastic and thoroughly engaging paean to all things Greek. Part cultural primer, part travelogue, and part miscellany of fascinating Greek trivia, the book delves into the history of the Greek language and the surprising ways it has influenced English; retells the classical myths in fresh and intriguing ways, pointing out how Athena is a feminist icon; and recounts Norris’s travels through Greece, where she searched for Persephone while sampling ouzo, olives, and the deep blue landscapes. Norris will be in conversation with Deborah Tannen, author most recently of You’re the Only One I Can Tell.

Founded by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade in 1984, Politics and Prose Bookstore is Washington, D.C.'s premier independent bookstore and cultural hub, a gathering place for people interested in reading and discussing books. Politics and Prose offers superior service, unusual book choices, and a haven for book lovers in the store and online. Visit them on the web at

Produced by Tom Warren