SKU: 80836263579

Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths

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Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek MythsNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Funny, sharp explications of what these sometimes not very nice women were up to, and how they sometimes made idiots of . . . but read on!" Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale The national bestselling author of A Thousand Ships returns with a fascinating, eye opening take on the remarkable women at the heart of classical stories Greek mythology from Helen of Troy to Pandora and the Amazons to Medea. In the world

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Funny, sharp explications of what these sometimes not-very-nice women were up to, and how they sometimes made idiots of . . . but read on!"--Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale

The national bestselling author of A Thousand Ships returns with a fascinating, eye-opening take on the remarkable women at the heart of classical stories Greek mythology from Helen of Troy to Pandora and the Amazons to Medea.

In the world of ancient Greece, the tellers of myths--historically men--have routinely sidelined the female characters. When they do take a larger role, women are often portrayed as monstrous, vengeful or just plain evil--like Pandora, the woman of eternal scorn and damnation whose curiosity is tasked with causing all the world's suffering and wickedness when she opened that forbidden box. But, as Natalie Haynes reveals, in ancient Greek myths there was no box. It was a jar . . . which is far more likely to tip over.

In Pandora's Jar, the broadcaster, writer, stand-up comedian, and passionate classicist turns the tables on classical mythology, putting the women of the Greek myths on an equal footing with the men. With wit, humor, and savvy, Haynes revolutionizes our understanding of epic poems, stories, and plays in this engaging feminist retelling, resurrecting them from a woman's perspective and tracing the origins of their mythic female characters. She looks at women such as Jocasta, Oedipus' mother-turned-lover-and-wife (turned Freudian sticking point), at once the cleverest person in the story and yet often unnoticed. She considers Helen of Troy, whose marriage to Paris "caused" the Trojan war--a somewhat uneven response to her decision to leave her husband for another man. She demonstrates how the vilified Medea was like an ancient Beyonce--getting her revenge on the man who hurt and betrayed her, if by extreme measures. And she turns her eye to Medusa, the original monstered woman, whose stare turned men to stone, but who wasn't always a monster, and had her hair turned to snakes as punishment for being raped.

Pandora's Jar brings nuance and care to the millennia-old myths and legends and asks the question: Why are we so quick to villainize these women of Greek myth in the first place--and so eager to accept the stories we've been told?

  • Mythology Retold: Discover why Pandora didn't have a box but a jar (far more likely to tip over), and how that simple mistranslation changed our view of the world's first woman.
  • Feminist History: Explore how the stories of powerful figures were reshaped by the men who told them, turning characters like the monstrous Medusa into victims punished for being assaulted.
  • Unique Angles on Classic Tales: See the women of myth in a new light, from the vilified Medea--reimagined as an ancient Beyoncé getting revenge--to Helen of Troy, whose choice of husband resulted in a somewhat uneven response.
  • Accessible Classical Studies: Join a passionate classicist and comedian as she reveals the cleverness of Jocasta, the nuance of Clytemnestra, and the truth behind the formidable women we thought we knew.
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SKU: 80836263579

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4.3 ★★★★★
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Ky Mogg
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Solid, grippy, and they don’t roll away!
Style: 10 Pound, Pair
I bought these because I’m finally trying to build a consistent home workout routine and didn't want to drop a fortune on name-brand weights. I’ve been using this 10lb pair for about a month now for everything from overhead presses to lunges, and honestly, they’re exactly what I was looking for. The Pros: • That Neoprene Grip: The coating is fantastic. Even when my hands get pretty sweaty halfway through a workout, I don’t feel like I’m going to drop them. It’s a much "softer" feel than cold metal or hard plastic. • The Hex Shape: This is a small detail that makes a huge difference. Since the ends are hexagonal, they don't roll across the floor when I set them down between sets. They also stay put if I’m using them for "renegade rows" or floor work. • Compact Size: They aren’t bulky. I can easily shove them under my bed or in the corner of the closet when I’m done. • No Weird Odor: I was worried they might smell like a tire factory (which happens with some rubber-coated weights), but these had almost no scent right out of the box. The Cons: • Handle Diameter: The handles are a little on the thicker side. I have medium-sized hands and it’s fine, but if you have very small hands, they might feel a bit chunky to wrap your fingers all the way around. • Color Scuffs: The navy blue looks great, but if you clank them together or drop them on concrete, the coating can scuff or show dust pretty easily. The Verdict: If you just need a reliable set of weights for HIIT, Pilates, or general strength training, these are a no-brainer. You're basically getting gym-quality equipment for a fraction of the price. I’ll probably be back for the 15lb set in a few months!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2026
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Matt
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Simple, Comfortable, and Exactly What You Expect
Style: Rack with 3 Pairs (5, 10, and 15 Pound)
These are pretty much exactly what you want from a set of dumbbells — simple, functional, and no nonsense. The neoprene coating gives them a comfortable grip and keeps them from feeling slick in your hands, especially during longer workouts or if your hands get sweaty. The coating also helps keep them from banging up floors or making as much noise compared to bare metal weights, which is nice if you’re working out at home. Weight accuracy seems fine for general fitness use, and they’ve worked great for things like accessory movements, shoulder work, lighter presses, rehab-style exercises, and general muscle toning. The shape also helps keep them from rolling around everywhere when set down. They’re not fancy, and they’re not trying to be — they’re just dependable dumbbells that do what they’re supposed to do at a fair price. If you want straightforward hand weights for home workouts without overthinking it, these are a solid buy.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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ChaCha
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Reliable, Comfortable Dumbbells I Actually Use Every Day
Style: 12 Pound, Pair, Style: 12 Pound, Pair
I’ve been using the Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights daily, and they’ve honestly been perfect for my routine. Whether I’m doing a quick morning workout or adding resistance to a longer session, these have held up really well. The neoprene coating makes a big difference—it provides a comfortable, non-slip grip, even during longer workouts or when my hands get a little sweaty. They’re also easy to clean and don’t have that strong rubber smell some weights can have. I really appreciate the hex shape too. They stay put when I set them down (no rolling across the floor), which makes switching between exercises quick and frustration-free. The weight feels evenly distributed and well-balanced, so movements feel controlled and smooth. Overall, these are simple, no-frills dumbbells that just work. If you’re looking for reliable hand weights for everyday use—whether you’re a beginner or just need something dependable for home workouts—these are a great choice.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
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Rayven Z
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great quality and perfect for home workouts!
Style: Rack with 3 Pairs (3, 5, and 8 Pound)
I’m really happy with this dumbbell set. The weights are clearly labeled (3 lb, 5 lb, and 8 lb), which makes it super convenient to switch between exercises. The neoprene coating feels comfortable in hand and provides a good grip, even during longer workouts. The storage stand is a big plus—it keeps everything organized and saves space, which is perfect for a small home gym. The colors are also nice and make it easy to quickly grab the weight you need. Overall, this is a great set for beginners or anyone looking to add light strength training to their routine. Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
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DCat
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
I’m A PT AND USING THEM IN MY CLINIC. PLS READ HONEST AND THOROUGH REVIEW.
Style: 15 Pound, Pair
I have been a PHYSICAL THERAPIST FOR 30 YEARS and I BOUGHT THESE FOR MY CLINIC. THESE WEIGHTS ARE COVERED IN A GRIPPING MATERIAL, NEOPRENE, MAKING IT COMFORTABLE and EASIER TO USE, ALLOWS YOU TO NOT LOSE YOUR GRIP, and IT IMPROVES THE SAFETY OF THE USER. I WILL BE BUYING THE 12&20 lb sets! THE VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY IS WONDERFUL!! AMAZON BASICS REALLY CAME THROUGH. It DID NOT INCLUDE AN INSTRUCTION GUIDE TO USE WEIGHTS SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY. STELLAR FORM IS ALWAYS ESSENTIAL. MY WEIGHTS WENT UP TO 10 POUNDS, SO I DEFINITELY NEEDED ADDITIONAL WEIGHTS for those who can SAFELY TRANSITION . I MAINLY WORK AS A MANUAL THERAPIST …USING ONLY MY HANDS, AND MY BRAIN. TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT ACCORDINGLY. (**ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN TO PT KNOWS THIS KIND OF ONE ON ONE TREATMENT IS UNHEARD OF**) I IMPLEMENTED MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, TRIGGER POINT THERAPY, DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, AND APPROPRIATE STRETCHING AND EXERCISE . ONCE PATIENTS WERE ABLE, I INITIATED THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE. I WAS GETTING SO MANY REFERRALS THAT I MOVED FROM MY SMALL SPACE AND GOT A LARGER SPACE THAT LOOKS LIKE A TYPICAL PT CLINIC. I STILL EMPLOY ONE ON ONE TREATMENT, NO JUGGLING SEVERAL PATIENTS IN AN HOUR. I HAVE HIRED HELP TO ASSIST PATIENTS WITH EXERCISE AND STRETCHING. I PURCHASED TWO ADDITIONAL SETS ITHE SET IT I DID TO FIRST CHECK THEM OUT. I ADORE THESE AND HAVE SINCE ORDERED OTHER SETS. I LOVE TO WORKOUT AND I NEEDED TO USE THESE WEIGHTS MYSELF!! THERE ARE ALSO PATIENTS OF MINE WHO WILL PROGRESS TO THESE AS WELL. I AM SUPER IMPRESSED WITH THESE WEIGHTS AND CANNOT WAIT TO RECEIVE MY TWO OTHER SETS!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. EVEN IF YOU SWEAT, YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO HOLD ONTO THESE WEIGHTS COMFORTABLY AND SAFELY. SAFETY IS KEY, ALWAYS. I WAS EXTREMELY DELIGHTED THAT THEY ARE SOLD AS A SET BECAUSE MANY ARE SOLD SEPARATELY. THEY FIT PROPERLY ON A UNIVERSAL WEIGHT STAND, SO THEY ARE VERY EASY TO STORE. I CANT WAIT TO GET MY OTHER SETS! IT IS REALLY SAFE AND COMFORTABLE TO USE THESE WEIGHTS. THEY DID NOT GIVE OFF AN ODD ODOR, which is A HUGE PLUS because SOME OTHER BRANDS SMELL HEAVILY OF PLASTIC OR A CHEMICAL TYPE ODOR. THERE WAS NO ODOR AT ALL. THIS IS A HUGE PLUS. I AM COMFORTABLE SAYING THAT THESE WEIGHTS WILL LAST A LONG TIME BECAUSE OF HOW WELL THEY ARE MADE. YOU CANNOT BEAT THE PRICE EITHER!! THESE ARE ABSOLUTELY APPROPRIATE FOR PROFESSIONAL USE, AND, THEY ARE MEANT FOR PERSONAL USE AS WELL. SOMETIMES YOU JUST CANNOT GET TO THE GYM SO THIS IS WHERE THEY ARE KEY. HAND WEIGHTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO EXERCISE EACH MUSCLE OF THE TORSO AND ARMS. THERE ARE SOME EXCELLENT WEIGHT CHARTS OUT THERE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THAT. IF YOU ARE GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY, THEN YOUR THERAPIST CAN INSTRUCT YOU AND KEEP YOU IN GOOD FORM. YOU COULD POSSIBLY HURT YOURSELF IF YOU WORKOUT INCORRECTLY. AS FAR AS THE LOWER EXTREMITIES, YOU CAN DO GROSS MOTOR EXERCISES BY HOLDING THESE WEIGHTS TO GET YOUR LEG MUSCLES BY DOING SQUATS, WALKING LUNGES, TOE RAISES, AND MORE. I DONT BELIEVE THAT MANY PEOPLE REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH YOU CAN DO FULL BODY EXERCISES WITH JUST TWO HAND WEIGHTS. IN CONCLUSION , THESE ARE EXCELLENT WEIGHTS THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND TO MY PATIENTS OR FRIENDS. THIS IS A HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT THAT WONT BREAK YOUR PIGGY BANK. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND VERY HIGHLY!. BUY WITHOUT RESERVATION!! A+++
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025

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