The Philosopher, the Dog and the Wedding by Barbara Stok Review

Barbara Stok is back with a new biographical comic, this time on Hipparchia, one of the first female philosophers, who lived 2300 years ago in Ancient Greece. Stok’s story centres around a young Hipparchia who is preparing to be married off to a wealthy Athenian family - until her intelligence, curiosity and love of learning get in the way of her potential future, particularly once she meets the Cynic philosopher Crates. What will Hipparchia’s fate be?

I’d never heard of Hipparchia prior to this book so I found this to be an informative read, and I remain a huge fan of Stok’s ever-appealing art. That said, the story is a fairly unremarkable one given that it’s something I’ve seen told many times before in pop culture: an historical piece where women are second-class citizens, and an independently-minded woman upends social norms, etc. etc.

Because almost nothing is known about Hipparchia, Stok has artistic licence to tell her tale but she’s also clearly done her research - there are pages of notes at the end of the book explaining the historical sources of the details seen throughout. She’s also written the story in a contemporary style that makes it more entertaining and accessible for modern audiences. The charming way she writes Hipparchia too makes the character completely endearing.

I was unfamiliar with the philosophy school of the Cynics (turns out they were a major influence on the Stoics - Crates was Zeno’s teacher, who went on to found Stoicism) and had never heard of Crates before, but, maybe ironically for a book about philosophy, the actual philosophy explored in the story is underwhelming. It’s about scorning common opinion, valuing truth over the morals of the masses and finding happiness within rather than outwardly in possessions and what others think of you. I agree with it all but it’s unlikely to knock anyone’s socks off as these messages have suffused pop culture for centuries - though it is apt to Stok’s narrative, and these values are as relevant to consider today as they were back then too.

I find Stok’s colourful art to be wonderful. It looks simple and childish but it’s so effective. I especially liked the background details of the pages showing you what life in Ancient Greece was like and some of the splash pages are truly enchanting.

It may not have the most original or compelling story but the book is also never boring, either in portraying the time period, exploring the life of the protagonist, or simply displaying the delightful visuals. The Philosopher, the Dog and the Wedding is worth a look if you’re a fan of the author or interested in Ancient Greek philosophy, and I’d also highly recommend Barbara Stok’s excellent other biographical comic, Vincent, about the artist Van Gogh.