Sometimes it’s nice to be able to take a break from my regular reading schedule. I stick almost exclusively to genre fiction, but I also like to be able to mix things up from time to time. When the following couple of books popped through my letterbox I realized I could have my cake and eat it. It’s time to take a look at some myths and legends, and learn the fact behind the fiction. Jason and the Argonauts by Neil Smith The voyage of Jason and the Argonauts and their hunt for the Golden Fleece is one of the most enduringly popular of all of the Ancient Greek heroic myths. Accepting the quest in order to regain his kingdom, Jason assembled a crew of legendary heroes, including Hercules, Orpheus, Atalanta, and the twins Castor and Polydeuces. With this band of warriors and demi-gods, Jason set sail in the Argo on a journey across the known world. During their quest, the Argonauts faced numerous challenges including the Harpies, the Clashing Rocks, the Sirens, Talos, the bronze giant, the sleepless dragon that guarded the fleece, and, of course, the fickle will of the gods of Olympus.    Like a lot of people,…