Reviewed by Stephanie Pesce, Adjunct Professor, English, Middlesex Community College on 5/24/21 It is not suitable for a primary textbook, given the lack of ancient sources, historical background, and theoretical discussion. This text could be a good source of background material for an introductory course in Greek mythology or English literature, with entries giving helpful overviews of complex topics and of narratives like the Iliad and Odyssey. Although the text does include some instances of the killing of children (Iphigenia, Medea’s children), it omits others (Polyxena, Astyanax, the children of Thyestes). Much of the story of Oedipus is omitted, and a search for the word “incest” turned up no results. This text does not omit the rapes of mortals and lesser beings (usually female) by gods (usually male), but it downplays those stories through a lack of detail and separate treatment. Greek mythology presents some difficult topics. ![]() The entries are written in clear, grammatical prose. The interface for the online / ebook version works well. For this reason, I would not recommend using this text in a print version. It might be difficult to locate a subtopic (e.g., "Daphne" or "satyr") without the electronic search function. The text’s alphabetical organization of topics is easy to follow, and I had no difficulty located subtopics using the online / e-book's search function. The e-book's organization works very well. Users will need the entire text to be available to them. It isn't a flaw that most of the entries are linked to other entries, as that is the nature of Greek mythology - the various gods, heroes, and themes discussed in the text are interrelated, making the cross-references necessary. These topics could be presented in any order the instructor wishes. ![]() The text uses an encyclopedia format, organizing its mythical topics into alphabetical order. ![]() This could be a good jumping off point for a class discussion. Greek heroes do not always have a heroic journey motivated by a “noble cause” – and the text’s entry on Heracles, the most important Greek hero, is a good example. The text is consistent, though the useful entry on the story pattern of the Greek hero may be over-influenced by Joseph Campbell. The entries are written in clear, simple prose. The overviews of ancient myth will not date. However, most civic worship of Dionysus occurred through the usual practice of animal sacrifice. For example, the text might leave the reader with the impression that that Dionysus’ worshippers always performed their sacrifices in a unique way, by tearing animals limb from limb. I understand the impulse to simplify the historical aspects of ancient religion and culture, but sometimes this book goes too far. The text acknowledges that it does not attempt a serious overview of theoretical or scholarly approaches to myth. The text includes a map of Greece and Asia Minor (only), and a good selection of illustrations. There are no citations explaining which version comes from which source, and very few references to any ancient sources. Its entries do a good job of presenting an easy-to-read overview of a well-known version of each covered topic, with occasional references to alternate versions. It mostly omits any reference to distinctively Roman gods, practices, and stories. One notable omission is the full story of Oedipus. ![]() This book covers much of the material for a basic Greek mythology course: the Olympian gods, the major Greek heroes, and the most commonly presented Greek epics (Iliad, Odyssey, Argonautica). Reviewed by Sarah Herbert, Adjunct Lecturer, University of Mary Washington on 6/10/22 Well, the title is 'classical' - for me, I would have liked more references to international myths and themes.Īm so glad I learned about this book! I'll use it next semester! Was quite easy to find a particular myth or hero. Wouldn't be my first pick as a main textbook - I would have had 'orgins' first, for example. Once we agree that it is useful as a dictionary or encyclopedia, it did fine. Was quite easy to 'thumb through' or 'search.' I might have suggested subtitles? and shorter paragraphs. Arranged in a bit of an encyclopedia - alphabetic - order, it will make a great reference text for me.Ĭlassic mythology doesn't much lend itself to updates! A section on the influence of Greek & Roman on later art and literature could be timely.Įxcellent sections on individuals and individual myths. I would have liked more on a) origins b) the influence of Greek & Roman on later art? literature? c) Homer & Ovidĭid well. Reviewed by Peter Laws, Instructor, Radford University on 11/1/23
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