This look at one of the ""Monsters of Mythology"" promises much and delivers plenty. In a narrative that has both substance and panache, Evslin guides readers through the maze of mythological hearsay surrounding the Sphinx--a figure with the head of a woman, the body of a cat, and wings. He gives the fight between this creature and Hecate a Saturday-night wrestling-style animation and depicts Persephone's plight in Hades as a mother's plans gone wrong. The title character plays various (usually minor) roles in all this. Illustrated, like others in the series, with museum prints and photographs. For the sophisticated reader or for those with a solid background in this lore. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

The story of the Sphinx is told in Evslin's usual half-humorous, half-serious conversational style, embellished with imaginary details. Illustrated with fascinatingly apt works of art from various periods, the book is an interesting departure from standard mythological tales. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.