Variously described as a fiend, a monster, a charming seductress who was felled by the righteous might of Perseus, son of Zeus, Medusa is perhaps the most misunderstood of mythological women. Described by male historians, poets and epic writers such as Hesiod and Ovid, there are many aspects of her imagined life which find resonance in the struggles of the outsider, the cursed and those used in the service of another's vision of the world around them. This fascinating collection brings together new stories and ancient origins, offering a wider perspective on the whole life of the powerful, wonderful Medusa.

Introductory essay by Liv Albert, and foreword by Miriam Robbins Dexter. The modern authors whose stories feature in this book are: Alicia K. Anderson, Mel Attica, Casey Banks, Danai Christopoulou, Grace P. Fong, Rhys Hughes, Tom Johnstone, Amanda Cecelia Lang, Megan Mahoney, Tracie McBride, Zenobia Neil, Gabriella Ramalho, Oneness Sankara, Zach Shephard, Liv Strom, Theresa Tyree and Leah Warren.