| Title | : | Myths of the Greeks and Romans |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0452011620 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780452011625 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 496 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1962 |
In this insightful and absorbing book, distinguished historian and classical scholar Michael Grant demonstrates the dynamic effect that ancient mythology has had on the creative efforts of succeding centuries. He summarizes all the myths as well as the legends of the lesser gods and heroes, and traces their origins in historical fact or religious myth. He then shows how myths have continued to evolve throughout the ages. The author's brilliant investigations lead from Pericles to Picasso, Homer to Freud, Apuleius to Grimm - and prove that mythological themes have been continuously restated in art, science, and folklore, up to the present day.
Lively and fascinating, this in-depth study is complemented by maps, genealogical tables, and 64 pages of photographs. Included, too, are an appendix on additional myths, chapter notes, and an updated bibliography and index.
Myths of the Greeks and Romans Reviews
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not as good as Edith Hamilton's Mythology, but still well written, just not as well organized. It has some great illustrations, though, and an short story meets non-fiction style of telling the tales. It's not really a read through type of book, but serves better as a go to for information on a particular myth.
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Michael Grant is one of the greatest historians of the classical world. I have read several of his books and this compendium of mythology did not disappoint me. In the essays included here Grant does more than summarize each of the major myths of the Greeks and Romans; he also discusses the influence culture had on them and that they have had on subsequent literature. Thus there are discussions not only of Shakespeare's extensive use of these myths, but also adaptations and interpretations by authors from Milton and Keats to Eliot and Kazantzakis. The result is a treasure trove of information for those interested in literary history and the history of ideas. The inclusion of a generous bibliography and index augments the value of this volume.
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A scholarly study of mythology from Greek and Roman times. Each chapter has a brief synopsis of the myth to be studied and then the story of its origin, development, and impact on future literature. Starts with the oldest, Homer, and moves along chronologically through Euripides and Virgil and Ovid, along with many others.
Interesting work follows how myths developed, from the original oral songlike tradition to written plays where the song is maintained through the use of the Chorus. Eventually the chorus is abandoned but still the singing cadence is maintained by most myths being written in poetic metre.
Informative without being boring. -
Finished this book as part of my ongoing study of Greek and Roman mythology.
Michael Grant retells the myths (both small and great, Greek and Roman) and then provides commentary on how culture and literature influenced their writing, as well as how they influenced the culture and literature that followed them. He does not shy away from eastern influences, nor Biblical influences. And he covers ancient influences, as well as modern art that has been influenced. Further, he discusses these influences as they have occurred in both written and pictorial form.
It was slightly academic at times, which was only problematic because I am ill-informed and ignorant of his subject. Overall, I enjoyed the read. -
Interesting and informative primer/reminder of the main classical myths and themes.
Most of the big tales are here and each is covered in 3 or more parts: outline of the tale; background; influences and imitations etc.
Dry at times but on the whole a good start to my re-immersion in the classics. -
Great reveiw of all the myths that I dimly remember such as Orpheus, Jason, etc.
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An interesting book that covers the Greek and Roman myths in both text and photographs. The photographs include coinage, statues, paintings etc. A good overview.
