From the dawn of recorded history, poets have sought to distinguish themselves by creating large works of outstanding merit. Matt Flumerfelt labored for 26 years to bring Hercules’ story back to life, assembling the relevant material and combining it in an entertaining verse narrative. Students of ancient culture will know what really happened in the original tales, while those looking for a rollicking good read will find plenty to engage their minds and senses. Henry Adams in his autobiography called America “A Hercules in the cradle,” and Hercules’ tale contains...