Product Description
Building on the best-selling tradition of previous editions, Classical Mythology, Ninth Edition, is the most comprehensive survey of classical mythology available--and the first full-color textbook of its kind. Featuring the authors' clear and extensive translations of original sources, it brings to life the myths and legends of Greece and Rome in a lucid and engaging style. The text contains a wide variety of faithfully translated passages from Greek and Latin sources, including Homer, Hesiod, all the Homeric Hymns, Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Herodotus, Plato, Lucian, Lucretius, Vergil, Ovid, and Seneca.

Acclaimed authors Mark P.O. Morford and Robert J. Lenardon--joined by new coauthor Michael N. Sham--incorporate a dynamic combination of poetic narratives and enlightening commentary to make the myths come alive for students. Offering historical and cultural background on the myths (including evidence from art and archaeology) they also provide ample interpretative material and examine the enduring survival of classical mythology and its influence in the fields of art, literature, music, dance, and film.

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

* Stunning full-color art program: 174 photos & illustrations (many new), 22 figures, and 8 maps (3 new, 5 improved)--with lucid explanatory captions, now in full color throughout
* Enhanced pedagogy: New chapter-opening quotations; improved timelines, maps, and genealogies; expanded and updated select bibliographies; and prominent web icons in the margins that provide a more seamless integration between the text and the companion website
* New and updated content: New material and discussions, including an examination of the stages of development in feminist interpretation and an appendix offering an analysis of Greek Religion that covers the relationship of mythology to religion, civic and mystery religions, hero cults, priests and priestesses, and the ritual of sacrifice

SUPPLEMENTS:

Revised Companion Website at www.classicalmythology.org offering a wealth resources for both students and instructors, including analyses and summaries of the myths covered in the text; representations of myth in art; information on comparative myths; interactive maps; audio glossaries; student activities; and PowerPoint-based lecture slides

Instructor's Manual and Test Bank in print or on CD, available to adopters ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Satisfied Customer
The book was very helpful in my mythology class and arrived the next day.I am very pleased with the timeliness of this arrival

Great Book
Very interesting and well thought out book on Classical Mythology. Provides a scientific discussion on mythology that really helps breakdown the meaning behind many of the myths.

Text Book Purchase
I was pleased with my purchase of a text book. I was especially pleased with the price this seller was offering. Instead of buying through my school bookstore, I saved alot of money without having to sacrifice quality. The seller was also very timely in delivering my order. I recommend this seller.

Communication?
Wrong version of product sent. No biggie, but I tried to communicate to get it straightened out, and it's been two weeks with no email. Wasn't a hard issue to solve. Oh well.

decent, but....
this is a decent textbook on the subject of Classical Myth. The myths of ancient Greece and to a lesser extent, Rome are covered.
There are a good deal of excerpts from the sources such as Homer, Hesiod, Ovid and so forth.The problem with this book, as i see it, is that is assumes too much of the reader. If often dives into the myths without giving a good framework of the myth itself first, an overview.This is a good textbook as long as one either already knows a little or as long as one uses a more basic source along side this one. ... Read more

Product Description
Classical Mythology: Images and Insights grew out of the authors’ many years of teaching Greek and Roman myth to undergraduates at California State University, Sacramento. Unique among textbooks on this topic, our book approaches the study of myth through complete works of Greco-Roman literature, including six complete Greek dramas and generous excerpts from the narratives of Homer, Hesiod, Virgil, and Ovid, and through carefully-chosen examples of Classical works of art, both painting and sculpture. Combining literary masterpieces with the visual arts, this integrative approach offers readers a comprehensive experience with both cognitive and aesthetic appeal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Lush and compelling
Used for a university course, this book is surprisingly quick to read and highly compelling.Greek myth is discussed and explained in vivid detail, while exploring beyond the confines of Greek myth, and looking to the origins of certain characters, comparisons in Egyptian, Sumerian, and Babylonian myth, as well as the potential origins of characters based upon their names, and the relations with the particular pronounciation with an Indo-European and proto-Indo-European language equivalent.The Zeus figure is shown to be a shared archetype in the mythologies of peoples as far north as the Sarmatians and as far east as the Indians.


In sections, the text tells the stories of the myth told by certain playwrights, authors, and poets, along with providing fragments, or full texts of the plays and works in question at the end of the sections/chapters regarding them.You basically don't need to even read the works themselves, but they're there in fully readable translations.


Of my complaints, I have two, neither of them particularly important.


For one, the index is poorly done.It's incredibly difficult to find specific things in this 1000+ page book based off of the index alone.


For two, the pronounciations.I shouldn't expect a strict adherence to Graeco-Roman style pronunciation (Ah-rays for "Ares", He-fai-stoos for "Hephaestus"), but the pronounciations given are atrociously wrong, even with regards to Anglicized pronounciations.Hippolytus, for example, is given to pronounce as "Hip-PAHL-ih-tus", which is a needless struggle for the tongue compared to "Hip-poh-lai-tus", which is also much closer to the true pronounciation.

Others include "dee-ya-nye-ra" for Deianeira, "uh-thee-nuh" for Athene (which is spelled in every instance as "Athene" and not "Athena"), and then suddenly putting the pronounciation for Uranus as "OOR-a-nuhs" which IS the right pronounciation in Latin/Greek.Obviously they weren't looking to have the pronouncation stretch out "Yur-ay-nus"

It was just as the doctor ordered!
I had no issues with this order. It came in plenty of time before summer school started.

School Book
Most of the reading was very fun and informative. Some parts were a little dry.

a myth
The book itself is great.It goes into a lot of the meaning behind the myths.The binding of the book came apart after about 6 weeks.This book was used in a college class and all of the books came apart.The text itself rates 5 stars.

awesome and fast.........
I received the book very very fast. It was super cheap saved well over 50 dollars. I would do bussiness again. ... Read more

Product Description
The ultimate single-volume reference guide to Greek and Roman mythology

An ideal resource for students, teachers, librarians, writers, and readers of great literature, the Meridian Handbook has set the standard for over three decades as the classic guide to the myths of Greece and Rome. From Athena to Zeus, Abantes to Zninthe, the epic heroes and gods who inhabit the pantheon of great literature are covered in fascinating detail. Complete stories and short identifications of characters, events, place names, and constellations are included. For a fuller perspective of the mythological realm, there are maps of the classical world and genealogical charts of the great royal lines. Comprehensive and accessible, the Meridian Handbook is an indispensable aid to understanding and enjoying mythology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Just Quite Simply the Best
Tripp's The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology is an amazing reference. Nice to see it back in print. Not only does it have a storyline summary of each myth, it also has a complete listing of all the sources for the myth in the ancient texts (even paragraph and line numbers), which allows the reader to research the ancient text to get firsthand information. It is absolutely indispensable for any writer. It also has the variations of storyline that occur in many myths. Includes genealogical charts for some of the more important families. I am a writer myself and have been using this book for the last twenty years.

David Sheppard
Novelsmithing: The Structural Foundation Of Plot, Character, And Narration
Oedipus On A Pale Horse: Greek Journey In Search Of A Personal Mythology

Definitive Myth Guide
This is without a doubt the definitive guide to Greek mythology. I have used other sources but none of them even come close to this dictionary. The sheer amount of information per entry, including multiple versions of the myths,is staggering. If the guide has one weakness, it is that it is a little weak on Roman mythology. The information on the Aeneid is not quite as detailed as I would expect it to be, but by no means should that prevent a purchase. If for any reason you need a reference for the Greek myths, this should be the first place you look.

The definitive resource for Greek Mythology
Ed Tripp wrote this book over the span of many years and it shows on every page.Excellent cross-references, alternate names indexed meticulously, superb background on every entry.The only downside is the paperback format - I wore my first copy out long ago!

The Best Guide to Classical Myths
This is the best handbook of Classical Mythology I've ever encountered. It contains hundreds of entries of names (was anyone left out?), all in alphabetical order, of major and minor characters of the Greek and Roman myths. A very full account of each entry is given, including variants of many of the stories. Also included is a pronunciation index for most of the names listed. This is a tremendous resource for students and teachers alike. A great reference work.

Ian Myles Slater on A Fine Book Under Any Title
Edward Tripp's encyclopedic survey of Greek and Roman myths was originally published in hardcover 1970, in the United States by the Thomas Y. Crowell Co. as "Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology," with a simultaneous Canadian edition, and in Britain by Barker as just "The Handbook of ...". It was reissued as a trade paperback under the New American Library's Meridian imprint under title "Meridian Handbook" in 1974, and continued to be reprinted under this title, as the publishing industry was reshuffled, into the 1990s. So far as I can determine, the various editions are identical, so anyone looking for a copy can probably follow availability and price.

It now seems to be out of print, under any of the various titles, which is a shame. It is somewhat more comprehensive and generally easier to use than Kerenyi's admirable "Gods of the Greeks" and "Heroes of the Greeks," and far more reliable than Robert Graves' idiosyncratic and erratic "The Greek Myths." (One can hope for a future reprinting -- perhaps as "Tripp's Handbook..."?).

With its comprehensive coverage, and general preference for literary data over interpretation, Tripp's "Handbook" can serve as either a first-rate introduction or a convenient reference book, depending on a reader's needs and level of knowledge. A "pronouncing index" helpfully distinguishes traditional English pronunciations of names from currently favored approximations of the original Greek and Latin.

Tripp's dictionary-style arrangement of the material is easy to follow, the articles are usefully cross-referenced, and the sources in classical texts are carefully noted. The length of the article usually corresponds well to the prominence of the god or hero, but some relatively minor figures get the space needed to sort out contradictory reports. Most of the relevant classical writers get their own articles as well -- although it is often a good idea to look at the corresponding entry in Lillian Feder's "Handbook of Classical Literature" (also once published as "Crowell's Handbook...," and again as a "Meridian Handbook..." in paperback, and recently reprinted by Da Capo), for more specialized information in a similar format. ... Read more

Product Description
Dating back roughly 3,000 years, the gods of the ancient GreeksÂ--and later, of the RomansÂ--have figured prominently in legendry, poetry, drama, and the visual arts. But todayÂ's readers are often confused when they encounter the myriad names of those deities and try to understand their roles in mythology. This entertaining and mind-expanding book charts 100 of the most prominent characters from Greco-Roman mythology, including the primordial deities, the great gods of Olympus, and the shadowy inhabitants of Hades. Addressing universal themes such as love, jealousy, anger, ambition, deceit, and beauty, the stories told here make fascinating reading while they add significance to countless classical references in our civilizationÂ's literature and art. Author Malcolm Day profiles each god with a short, very readable summary of that personageÂ's acts. He sets each deityÂ's storywithin the larger context of a Â"family treeÂ" that encompasses all major gods. Full-color illustrations showing memorable scenes from classical mythology include reproductions from famous paintings and photos of statuary. Separate chapters are devoted to:

Product Description
Product DescriptionWho's Who in Classical Mythology is an indispensable guide to all the Greek and Roman mythological characters, from major deities such as Athena and Bacchus, to the lesser-known wood nymphs and centaurs. Also included, of course, are the heroic mortals, figures such as Jason, Aeneas, Helen,Achilles, and Odysseus, all brought to life in a fascinating series of portraits drawn from a wide variety of ancient literary sources. Each entry offers a small window into a timeless mythological world, one filled with epic battles, bizarre metamorphoses, and all sorts of hideous and fantasticmonsters. The perfect book for casual browsers and folklore enthusiasts alike, Who's Who in Classical Mythology offers a rich and readable guide to some of the greatest stories ever told.About the AuthorAbout the Authors:Michael Grant is a well-known classical scholar and the author of many books on classical mythology. John Hazel, also a classical scholar, is the editor of an edition of Ovid's poetry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very good reference
I developed a passion for- some might even say obession with- Greek Mythology when I was nine.By the age of 10 I had graduated from Bulfinch's and D'Aulaire's to the big kid reference section.This was one of the references I used pretty often to try and piece together the larger story of the gods, heroes and kings.I remember frequently starting out on one topic and spending the next two hours jumping from one related topic to another- some of the best memories of my childhood.

Although not a story but an encyclopedic guide, this gives a pretty good feel for the history of the period, from the period of the Titans (pre-Achaean history?) to the war in Troy to Rome.Any questions about Theseus, Perseus or Heracles?Come on over!

This guide was published for the first time in 1973, and it shows.The discussion of goddesses and female figures are given a much shorter shrift here than their male counterparts.I don't think anyone would argue that this period didn't define patriarchy, but the stories of Demeter, Persephone and even Hera have been elucidated elsewhere in greater detail, and it would be informative to mention the early mysteries that predate Olympian worship.I also scratch my head at some of the things they removed- they can define Hemera, but not Aether?

The best guide I have ever used- ever- is Who's Who in Greek and Roman Mythology.If you can get your hands on that, buy it.Otherwise, this isn't bad to have.

Drawsbacks on Kindle Version
The book itself is great.It's probably the best in its subject area.But the Kindle version is extremely difficult to navigate.The mythological characters are listed in alphabetical order with no efficient way of finding the character you want.There is no click-able list of A-Z to access the section you want, nor is there a list of just each character's name or any kind of index to get you to the person you want.So if you want to find the entry for, say, Zeus, you can't just click on "Z" or find a list and click on "Zeus."You can search for his name, but it results in 680 results in the book, or over 114 "pages" of search results.You could try randomly typing in location areas trying to find the "Z" section, but that's not easy either.Even a lesser-known character search brings up several hits and it's not easy from the little blurbs to determine which one is the entry you want, so it takes several tries to find exactly what you're looking for.

Also, many of the genealogy charts are impossible to read because they have been shrunken down too much to fit the screen.There is no way to change the font size on the charts.It's a minor thing, but there you go.

This isn't a problem with just this Kindle edition book, but it's a big problem.The book itself I'd give 5 stars, but the Kindle edition only 2 because of its major flaws.

one of the best
This book is one of the best i've ever read on Greek/Roman myth, and i've read many in my life. This book contains entries on characters rarely found anywhere else such as Nox, the Greek personification of night. As such i often use this book as a measuring stick against other books in this area.

Great Reference On-The-Fly
Grant and Hazel have provided a finely grained and authoritative dictionary-style reference that is quite handy for identification of any figure from classical mythology.The book will prove useful for keeping at one's side when reading Homer, Hesiod, Sophocles, Euripides and company.Very helpful appendices include genealogical trees, alphabetical list of classical authors referred to, and clear and informative maps.

Resource Only
Who's Who is an excellent resource, but it is not meant for those who wish to sit down and read Greek myths.The book is set up in an encyclopedic fashion.References to specific Greek mythological figures are easy to locate.However if you are looking for Greek myths in story form, this is not the text for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes both major and minor characters from Greek and Roman mythology, place names, symbols, allusions in literature, etc. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Companion For Anyone Looking Into Greek & Roman Myth
If you love the pioneering work on mythology done by Edith Hamilton, then this book is a necessary companion for you. Although she always covered the figures and places fairly well, obviously it becomes simpler when you have a dictionary beside you as an extra source (and at times the one and only) pointing us all in the right direction. If Greek and Roman mythology have ever stumped you beyond what you thought was repair, I promise that this book has the potential to clear that obscurity up. And look at the used price, you can actually AFFORD it, too! YAY! So if you want to better understand Hamilton, or even Joe Campbell, purchase this buddy. It's well worth the investment! Enjoy!

Exactly what I needed!
This book has one thing most (as far as I can tell) classical mythology references don't have: PRONUNCIATION for every entry. It's clear and complete, with even obscure references, and includes main sources.

At any price, this is an excellent resource.

the neatest mythology resource I own
Whenever I want to know about anyone from Greek or Roman mythology, this is the first book I grab.They're all listed alphabetically & there is a satisfyingly concise description of each.Entries tend to be so short that this book is by no means the only one to read about mythology in, but it's an indispensible place to start.

A Great Reference Book
This is quite possibly the best, inexpensive reference material ever. This is very good. The entries are clear and concise. The names have pronunciation guides and where they are mentioned. It also has entries over the authors who wrote the works. The entries also have cross-references to other entries in the book. The font of the book is clear and there is enough white space to where the words do not seem cluttered. While this may seem not that important, when you are having to look up a character very fast so you can respond to a question, you will be thankful. I have only one problem with this book. Some of the entries on the groups of characters, such as the muses, only reference you to the names of the characters, not what they did together as a group. Even with this, this book is something you can buy and not worry about making a wrong buy.

Great Mini Reference
Its a wonderful mini reference to the Gods and Goddesses of the Greek pantheon. ... Read more

Product Description
An exploration of timeless legends.

First told centuries ago, the ancient myths of the Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate and influence the world today. The expanded edition of this popular guide examines why these legends remain an integral part of human history, citing their literary value, and their presence throughout popular culture in such works as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, and the Coen brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

• Features a 50-page "who’s who" glossary of classical mythological characters—from both the Greek and Roman versions
• An updated look at recent movies and television series’ based on mythology, including Helen of Troy, HBO’s animated Odyssey, and the Disney Channel’s HerculesAmazon.com Review
There are scads of reasons why The Complete Idiot's Guideto Classical Mythology is a great reference text and a worthwhileaddition to your home, but its primary appeal lies in its accessibletone. The legends of mythology are fascinating and fun--they wouldn'thave lasted this long if they weren't high in entertainment value--butthat sometimes gets lost in the drive to be "educated" and the fear ofappearing ignorant. When folks allude to Phaedra, does your braindraw a blank? When conversation turns to the works of Pindar, do youwax noncommittal while waiting for a clue? That kind of trepidationputs a real pall on enjoying the humanity, magic, and humor of classicmyths; taking you past that is what the Idiot's Guide series doesbest. They explore the roots of mythology, introduce the Greek andRoman gods and heroes, and tell a lot of great stories. Anonthreatening introduction for students, it renews a love of a talewell told, revitalizes an interest in reading stories aloud, and dustsoff some lively yarns. And if reading up on Theseus and Heracles makesyou better educated and more conversationally versatile, that's justicing on the cake. --Stephanie Gold ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Wonderful beginner's book
I searched all over the place for a true "beginner's" book for bass guitars. This is the best book I have found. It begins with how to hold the guitar comfortably, and even relates TAB with musical notes. Highly recommended.

Practical reference
This book is easy to follow and understand. Would recommend for anyone just starting out in learning about Greek and Roman mythological figures and events.

very nice
Very nice and useful refrances. I do wish there were more pictures and varieations of the myths. But it dose have everything you want to know about Myhtology.

No pictures?!
Maybe I'm just a dummy for saying this but I would have enjoyed some images.This book is all text and though it can be quirky in its delivery, I would have liked some visual references to go along with the sorted tales.

Fantastic guide for those new to myths, or wanting an easy fun version of events
When I bought this book I had no idea what classical mythology was. I was writing a novel about Hercules though, and needed some mythological help, so I bought the book. Luckily for me, Classical mythology is the myths of ancient Greece and Rome.

This book has perfect, easy to read break-downs of even the most complicated myths. Often funny and always a pleasure to study, I found myself reading this at bedtime instead of a novel. It's almost a perfect work on the Greek Myths.

I had two problems with this book. One, I had no idea of the time line of the myths. Like, Hercules married Creon's daughter, but Creon's sister was married to Oedipus-so did Hercules grow up in a Thebes ruled by Oedipus or was that later on? I had no idea at all. Also a more complete family tree for the gods, sprites, titans and nymphs would have been good, but probably would have had to come in a form like a fold out map.

In short, fabulous book to get started on Greek and Roman myths, though more detailed study may be needed later on for clarification.
... Read more

Product Description
The only complete world mythology textbook available, Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths, Second Edition, integrates original texts with explanations, interpretations, theory, and numerous pedagogical aids to introduce students to a wide range of myths from various critical perspectives. Featuring texts from sources around the world, it includes readings from Greek and Roman classics (by Homer, Hesiod, Ovid, and other writers); Nordic mythology (by Snorri Sturluson); Hindu culture (The Ramayana); Chinese mythology (Nü Kwa; new to this edition) and from such ancient works as The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Bible, and the Mesopotamian story of Enuma Elish (new to this edition). Selections from Native-American sources and folktales and stories from Africa, Germany, and the United States are also included. In addition, authors Eva Thury and Margaret Devinney draw comparisons between classical myths and such contemporary cultural phenomena as The X Files, Star Trek, Mother Goose, and, new to this edition, Harry Potter, Stagecoach, and Firefly. They also incorporate readings by Carl Jung, Claude Levi-Strauss, Victor Turner, and other scholars who consider mythic material from different analytical perspectives. Finally, traditional works by writers like John Milton and John Keats as well as those by contemporary authors like Anne Sexton, John Updike, Angela Carter, and James Joyce are presented as examples of literary texts with mythological roots.

Introduction to Mythology uses an innovative pedagogical structure to help students unravel the complex web of literary allusions often found in mythological texts:

Extensive marginal notes provide cross-references and explanations of terms and culture-specific concepts
A glossary of deities and suggested readings for each chapter offer students additional resources
An improved and refined art program features more than 200 illustrations, photographs, and maps
An illustrated timeline places the readings in relation to each other and to historical and cultural events and artifacts
A Student's Website contains chapter objectives and summaries, key terms, study questions, self-tests, and off-site links of interest
An Instructor's Manual includes key terms, pedagogical suggestions, study questions and projects, and sample objective test questions for each chapter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Textbook that doesn't feel like one.
This text is interesting in that it reads more like an anthology than a textbook. It is mostly composed of selections from the sourcetexts of the various myths, and when the authors do write their own material about the selections and such, their chapters feel more like news articles. This causes reading the book to feel more like reading a book for enjoyment than for being taught. I think this is a very positive thing, since the book feels less pedagogue-ish and yet is still quite informative. The only thing I see missing is family trees of the divine lineages, which would be most useful for studying Norse mythology, to use the most prominent example.

I also found it unfortunate that the sections on Norse Myth use Sturluson's Prose Edda for the source text rather than the Poetic Edda, the more legitimate source. Apparently they did this to show how mythic texts rationalize their contents. In Sturluson's case, he decided to claim that the ancient Icelandic people simply forgot the Christian faith over time, even though the Germanic religion was practiced all over northern Europe for centuries before Christianity ever existed. Gotta love that medieval scholarship.

Disappointing
The myths (fascinating) are clearly presented, with bold-face type stressing important points, but the reading is interrupted by commentaries in the margins.The introductory remarks are often written in such convoluted style that they are more confusing than illuminating. Tiny, unclear photos of related artworks are next to worthless.

Wonderfully written
I may be biased having had Dr. Devinney for a Prof a few times in the past, but this book is so well organized and clear that I recommend it to anyone. I was espically impressed with the structure!

Very pleased
Book arrived in very good condition.Description of item was accurate.Will do business with them again. ... Read more

Product Description
Never HIGHLIGHT a Book Again!Virtually all testable terms, concepts, persons, places, and events are included. Cram101 Textbook Outlines gives all of the outlines, highlights, notes for your textbook with optional online practice tests. Only Cram101 Out ... Read more

Product Description
Romance, betrayal, passion, tragedy, violence, and scandal.

No, it?s not the latest reality TV search for love?it?s classical mythology. For years, people have turned to the ancient Greek and Roman myths for entertaining reading, unbelievable storylines, unique characters, and unparalleled drama. This guide explains the great stories and how they still influence literature, entertainment, and everyday life. From heroes and heroines to monsters and villains, this entertaining guide covers it all. Inside, you will learn how:

• The Greeks defeated the Titans
• Odysseus tricked the Cyclops
• Hercules accomplished the twelve labors
• Peruses slew Medusa
• The Greeks bested the Trojans
• Hades abducted Persephone
• Bellerophon killed the Chimera

Product Description
From Zeus and Europa, to Diana, Pan, and Prometheus, the myths of ancient Greece and Rome seem to exert a timeless power over us. But what do those myths represent, and why are they so enduringly fascinating? Why do they seem to be such a potent way of talking about our selves, our origins, and our desires? This imaginative and stimulating Very Short Introduction goes beyond a simple retelling of the stories to explore the rich history and diverse interpretations of classical mythology. It is a wide-ranging account, examining how classical myths are used and understood in both high art and popular culture, taking the reader from the temples of Crete to skyscrapers in New York, and finding classical myths in a variety of unexpected places: from Arabic poetry and Hollywood films, to psychoanalysis, the Bible, and New Age spiritualism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Disappointing
I've read many of the "Very Short Introduction" series, and generally found them excellent. However, this book was a real disappointment, and it does not do justice to its title or to the series. From the title, I thought I would get the kind of introduction that I've gotten from other books in the series - a general overview of the subject - but in fact this book tells you very little about classical mythology. Instead, you learn the author's opinions on certain interpretations of mythology, as well as her take on some contemporary topics, including gender issues, with a focus on politically correct themes. The author is clearly more interested in expressing her views on these kinds of issues than with giving you any kind of a substantial introductory understanding of what classical mythology is about. If you are interested in the subject of classical mythology because you simply want to gain an understanding of what it is, this is definitely not the introductory book you are looking for. If you want to learn, for example, who some of the most well-known figures in classical mythology are, what their stories consist of, or what the major themes in classical mythology are, you will be especially disappointed with this book.

Not a summary of key myths
Morales gives an interesting take on the way classical myths have been understood, interpreted, and reworked over the centuries and attempts to explain their power in our lives. I appreciated knowing that classical mythology has always been confusing to people and that even in ancient times "mythographers" played a key role in cataloging the traits and stories attributed to the various gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines. It was also enlightening to learn that the writers of the great Greek tragedies took liberties with the material they received in order to achieve dramatic effect and manipulate meanings, a lesson that should make us more forgiving when Hollywood takes liberties with classical texts. Morales is especially convincing in her lambasting of Robert Graves' THE WHITE GODDESS and in her analysis of myth and sexuality. If you're looking for a catalog of who's who in classical mythology, this is not the book for you. If you're looking for a quick but thoughtful exploration of the role and power of myth in lived human experience, you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an A-Z guide to the mythology of the classical world, covering all the principal myths, gods and goddesses, together with the personalities, places, animals, monsters, heavenly bodies and events of classical mythology. Background historical and archaeological information is provided. The outline accounts are supplemented by extensive quotations from the original sources, to help bring the narrative to life and show how literary traditions shaped the development of classical mythology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best modern encyclopaedia of Greek mythology
Although the "Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology" is certainly more popular, Jenny March's "Dictionary" is for my money the best recent encyclopaedia of Greco-Roman myth. I judge this based on the following criteria:

(1) Accuracy. Misinformation should not be presented. This ought to be a given.

(2) Sources. No encyclopaedia is worth anything if it doesn't present its sources. On this criterion the "Meridian Handbook" and March's "Dictionary" are just about even. You just can't look at classical myths without also looking at the context they come from. This is one of March's great strengths: she always, always, always tells you exactly what the ancient sources are for such-and-such a myth. Without that information, it's impossible to track anything down; with it, you have a complete toolset at your disposal.

(3) Depth. This is the area where I think March has a significant edge over the "Meridian Handbook". Where different ancient sources give varying versions of stories, March presents all the information; she never succumbs to the temptation to simplify things down to a single "authoritative" version. (The "Meridian Handbook" isn't *weak* in this area; it just isn't as outstanding as March's "Dictionary".)

As an addendum, the best English-language encyclopaedia of classical myth ever written is actually a much older one: that of William Smith, the "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology", published ca. 1850. It has all the merits of March's encyclopaedia and more, but it is also a very, very large dictionary (three enormous volumes). As a compromise between size and thoroughness, March is supreme.

An excellent dictionary
I've read a number of classical dictionaries over the years, and one thing I especially like about this one is that it doesn't restrict its fairly exhaustive listings strictly to ancient sources. It does sometimes mentionmodern takes on classical myths, like Kazantzakis's The Odyssey: A ModernSequel and T.S. Eliot's Leda and the Swan. A very good dictionary. ... Read more

Product Description
[P]rovides an important segment of world literature that has been virtually inaccessible.&#151Choice ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great selections, great translators
I have unfailingly found J.A. Van Buitenen to be both a true and interesting translator, this volume is no exception.It's a very comprehensive look at the subject matter, treated in such a way that it is accessible to the inexperienced Western reader, while leaving alot of meat left for the more accomplished reader.My one wish is to have a better idea of how the selections relate to the individual Purana books, and how they may be dated in history.

Classical Hindu Mythology
Just read the previous review from Norway which does not make much sense to me.This is a lengthy, detailed and dense translation of a wealth of Hindu myths.To my mind it is neither short (373 pages) nor simple, but difficult for the average reader.It reads like a scholarly textbook that requires study to use.I found it fascinating and worth the effort.But I wonder if the previous reviewer and I have read the same book!

Nice, short, lots of good stuff left out.
The book appears to be well classified, but the style is condensed anddoesn't look much Indian. If it weren't called a source-book, I would havegiven it better grades, thank you. ... Read more

Product Description
An award winner by an expert on ancient Greek culture! Gods and goddesses, personalities and places, history and archeology: this fascinating and superbly authoritative work taps into the richest veins of the classical world--its mythology. It covers all the principal stories, characters (divine, human, and animal), sacred sites, and important events that shaped past civilizations...and our own. Extensive quotations from the original sources and over 100 illustrations enliven more than 400 articles.
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Customer Reviews (3)

The perfect classical mythology guide
I own a lot of classical mythology books, mainly Grecian ones. Out of all those books, I surely love this one. It is very in depth and gives a very extensive background on a subject. It also has recommendations on books to read (like Hesiod's Theogony) for certain characters. I think it's is the ulimate mythology guide!!! There's a map of the Mediterranean and Greece so you will know where places like Rhodes and Ephesus are located. It also has a genealogy of certain lineages including the Gods, and the House of Troy, Athens, Thebes, etc.

Endlessly readable
Jenny March has here created what is surely the definitive book on Greco-Roman mythology. The dictionary is incredibly thorough and well-written; but fiercely accurate without any romanticising gloss or faux-biblical style. The text is interpersed with sometimes haunting images from ancient art - such as the Athenian pottery painting showing Heracles journeying across dark oceans in the golden bowl belonging to Helios.
If you are into Greek and Roman mythology (actually it seems the Romans pinched most of their mythology from the Greeks), then here they are in all their primitive glory, local variant stories and all. I find this book especially good for re-reading, with many entries I have never evenheard of.

Proud to have it on top of my desk
I've been searching for a dictionary of Greek/Roman mythology for some time now. Have come across a number and have snapped up some of them. All were inadequate, until I came across Jenny March's volume. I could almost say my search is over.

Thus far I have _Dictionary of Mythology_ by Bergen Evans, _The Encyclopedia of the Gods_ by Michael Jordan (nah!, can't be the basketball star), and _Who's Who in Classical Mythology_ by Adrian Room. I've enumerated them in order of usefulness. Don't even consider Evans' book. For most of the entries you get less than a paragraph of description. Either he isn't knowledgeable enough or the publisher was trying to save on paper (newsprint for that matter!). On the other hand I have doubts about Jordan's credibility since he makes the mistake of saying that Salus was a god, when in fact she's a goddess. I even perpetuated his error in my paper!

At over 800 pages Dr. March's dictionary is extensive and in depth in its coverage. Complete opposite of the Evans title. For most entries March gives a great synopsis of the tales particular to that character, and even informs the reader when variants of the story exists. In the appendices her book even includes a family tree of the gods. Quite handy as a graphical aid to see which deity came from whom. As a bonus there's a glossary of geographical names and list of Greek and Latin authors.

And to top it off the book is attractive both inside and out. When I first saw it I knew instinctively it had a European flavor, and indeed it is published in England. Cassell has certainly taken time and effort to produce a worthy reference. I find the font they've used for the main text very pleasing, conducive to reading and the subject matter at hand. I take pride in displaying this opus on top of my desk.

Am not too savvy of this subject but the one deity thus far that isn't in March's work is Salus. She's the goddess of health, but somehow she wasn't included by the author. Too little info on this goddess perhaps? ... Read more

Product Description

Divinities, humans, female monsters and animals, hermaphrodites, and transsexuals are all here. Women of Classical Mythology offers unprecedented access to information on women largely neglected in reference works on Greek and Roman myth and gives a fresh look at the better-known figures. Each of the 2,600 entries places its subject both in the overall context of classical myth, and in the frame of reference of her better-known counterparts.

For each figure there is a description of her particular contribution to folklore, and a list of the various poems, tragedies, epics, and other types of stories in which she plays a central role. In addition, the handy special index, "The Men in Their Lives," allows readers to locate a particular woman known primarily through her relations. The female characters in classical mythology often provide clues to genealogical, chronological, and historical puzzles. This book will be welcomed by classical scholars for the insights and relationships it reveals.

Customer Reviews (7)

Wish more stars were possible
Very comprehensive and very readable.I love this book so much, and in ten years have never tired of it.I desperately wish he would write one for men.It's an excellent reference, and I wish every reference book I had were written in the same style.

Impressive Book
This is one of the most exhaustively researched reference books I've ever seen; it includes totally obscure references I've never heard of before, and I'm not a neophyte in the subject. But besides being erudite, it is also witty and entertaining, surely a rare combination in a work of scholarship. Highly recommended.

Great Source for Classical Feminine Names
Arranged in dictionary format, this book not only includes an exhaustive collection of entries covering every conceivable female from classical mythology (even the bitches among Actaeon's hounds are listed by name), there is also a cross-reference section titled "The Men in Their Lives" which contains those males from mythology who had anything at all to do with any of the females covered in this book. Each entry on each mythological female not only provides a detailed description of her, but also contains citations of ancient source material.An outstanding reference source for those interested in legendary females of the classical world.

Useful reference for some less-known female characters
I found this book extremely useful, if a little difficult to sometimes find information in. Simply because it is only the women, it is hard sometimes to follow the thread of stories (such as the Trojan War).

As far as there being errors in it (Tammy's comment), the myths come from so many sources that any one version is bound to have disagreements with it. I feel that Robert Bell does a good job of mentioning alternate theories / myths in this book.

a few errors bring it down
The basic idea -- present mythology from the view/focus of the female characters is intriguing.However, I found some errors in the biographical style entries so I wouldn't recommend the book as the end all ofinformation on women in classical mythology.The style of each entry makesit easy to read and find what you are looking for with each character.Aswith all such "dictionaries" the lack of specific citation canalso be a problem if a reader wants to double check a statement or dofurther research -- but then that is what the "encyclopedia"collections are more geared toward. ... Read more

Product Description
This concise, abridged edition of Pierre Grimal's celebrated "Dictionary of Classical Mythology" brilliantly distils and captures the essence of Greek and Roman mythology. It is the ideal reference tool for anyone with an interest in the Classics or those seeking to explore the many allusions to its mythology that abound in later literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Accessible
This dictionary on Classical Mythology, i.e. Greek and Roman, is incredibly accessible to any level of reader.The information is presented clearly with just enough detail for clarity. A reader does not need to be well versed on a given character or story to gain great insight from this text.

The only reason give this book 4 stars is not because of the material presented, but the materials used to produce the book.Like most books of this type, they are value priced.As a result,the materials can be sub-par.In the copy that I have, the pages are overly thin and the print bled through in some places.

Better than other dictionaries of Classical Mythology
I think P. Grimal's dictionary(hardcovered one) is the best among many encyclopedias or dictionaries of Greek and Roman Mythology .But I can not say this translation is the best , because there are many mistakes and someomitted entries. If you can read French , I recommend to read theoriginal "DICTIONNAIRE DE LA MYTHOLOGIE GREQUE ET ROMAINE"written by P. Grimal himself.Although English-version has these weakpoints, as far as I know , only this book andWilliam Smith's old"Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography & Mythology" areworth to read with Greek alphabet spelling of proper noun et sourses ofClassical texts. ... Read more

Product Description
The Dictionary of Classical Mythology is a unique companion to the ancient Greek and Roman myths and legends. The story of every character, whether human or divine, major or minor, is retold in this book, detailing every version and variation. Naiads, dryads, hamadryads, nymphs, fauns, satyrs and centaurs - the different types of mythological figures are distinguished and fitted into the overall pattern of legendary events and the places where these happened such as Olympus, Arcadia, Troy, Crete and Parnassus are identified and described. Forty genealogical tables explain the complex and often bizarre relationships between interlocking families of gods and people. Wherever appropriate the entries are illustrated with antique paintings, ceramics, coins, sculpture and mosaics. Maps of the Greek and Roman world and photographs of ancient sites provide a guide to the topography of classical mythology. An exhaustive reference section lists every mention of each character in classical literature: this alone makes the book an essential source of reference for scholars. The Dictionary will be an essential companion to the study of Western literature and art, a significant part of which has always been concerned with the ancient myths and legends as a source of both subject matter and allusion. But above all this book is a fascinating and readable guide to the rich and diverse legends and mythologies of the classical world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Greek Myth
I agree with the other reviewers that this is an outstanding compilation, maybe even beyond the needs of the casual reader, but it is not expensive and more than worth the price.

The Dictionary of Classical Mythology (Dictionary of Classical Mythology)
I bought this for my classics class at university and it is fabulous!! The information helps me to learn the background of characters as I am new to this subject and it is great to have a helping hand!
You can get some of these pages online but it is so much easier to flick through it in person, I totally recommend buying this.

This belongs on YOUR bookshelf!
This is a fantastic reference guide.Grimal does a wonderful job of giving you a background on all sorts of mythological creatures, characters and other stuff.He doesn't give just a one or two sentence definition, but rather adjusts the length of the definition to the importance / significance of the subject matter.If you're looking to buy a classical dictionary, you need not look any further than this one!

What a Great Book!
I recently became intersted in Greek and Roman mythology. This is a great book for anyone who wants to get more information on this great subject! If you want an awesome book and the gods and goddesses of the past, then buy this book! ... Read more