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Bullfinch's Mythology:...
Bullfinch's Mythology: The Age of Fable
THE religions of ancient Greece and Rome are extinct. The so-called divinities of Olympus have not a single worshipper among living men. They belong now not to the department of theology, but to those of literature and taste. There they still hold their place, and will continue to hold it, for they are too closely connected with the finest productions of poetry and art, bo...more
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(first published 1855)
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I thought the Age of Fable would be better than Edith Hamilton's "Mythology". Not that her book was anything to write home about.. but at least I was able to absorb more about subject of Mythology than I was with Bulfinche's summary. He seemed to gloss over the legends, but it felt like it took me ages to finish this book. Another thing that threw me off was his preference in using the Latin/Roman version of the names which I initially learned in Greek. A quarter into the book I was too lazy to...more
Jul 23, 2012
Courtney
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
compilation-only,
american-authors,
chick-lit,
childrens-classics,
cozy-cup-of-tea,
drama,
english-authors,
european-authors,
fantasy-and-magic,
french-authors,
full-of-light-and-whimsy,
odyssey-of-the-mind,
once-upon-a-time,
gothic-macabre,
greek-authors,
library,
literature-modern,
literature-world,
mysticism-and-metaphysics,
mythology-folklore-fairytales,
poetry,
romance,
short-stories,
unknown-or-anonymous-authors,
y-ancient-to-medieval-period,
z-19th-century,
step-back-in-time,
compilations-florilegium,
author-omnibus
Bulfinch, Thomas
Bulfinch's Mythology
In compilation only.
1) Introduction
2) Prometheus and Pandora
3) Apollo and Daphne; Pyramus and Thisbe; Cephalus and Procris
4) Juno and her Rivals, Io and Callisto; Diana and Actaeon; Latona and the Rustics
5) Phaeton
6) Midas; Baucis and Philemon
7) Proserpine; Claucus and Scylla
8) Pygmalion; Dryope; Venus and Adonis; Apollo and Hyacinthus
9) Ceyx and Halcyone
10) Vertumnus and Pomona; Iphis and Anaxarete
11) Cupid and Psyche
12) Cadmus; The Myrmidons
13) Nisus and Scy...more
Bulfinch's Mythology
In compilation only.
1) Introduction
2) Prometheus and Pandora
3) Apollo and Daphne; Pyramus and Thisbe; Cephalus and Procris
4) Juno and her Rivals, Io and Callisto; Diana and Actaeon; Latona and the Rustics
5) Phaeton
6) Midas; Baucis and Philemon
7) Proserpine; Claucus and Scylla
8) Pygmalion; Dryope; Venus and Adonis; Apollo and Hyacinthus
9) Ceyx and Halcyone
10) Vertumnus and Pomona; Iphis and Anaxarete
11) Cupid and Psyche
12) Cadmus; The Myrmidons
13) Nisus and Scy...more
Bulfinch likes the word 'propritious'...at least that's the word that stuck out the most to me as I listened to the narrator. Also 'thither'--such an old word that it seemed really forced, even with the knowledge that the book was written Back in the Day.
However, as far as getting across the stories of the myths of Ancient Greece, and The Northern (read: Norse) Mythologies, he does a fairly accurate--and sometimes painfully detailed--job. All of the old favorites are there, though I did get conf...more
However, as far as getting across the stories of the myths of Ancient Greece, and The Northern (read: Norse) Mythologies, he does a fairly accurate--and sometimes painfully detailed--job. All of the old favorites are there, though I did get conf...more
Feb 18, 2011
Lisa
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fairy-tale-folklore,
mythology
Bulfinch's Mythology is like the bible of everything mythological and legendary, covering characters as far ranging as The Pygmies (thirteen inch tall dwarfs who lived near the source of the Nile, or some say in India) and King Arthur. I'm not sure if the edition I have is the same depicted here, as my Kindle version seemed to have umpty million more pages than the 300 and some listed in the hardback/paperback versions here on Goodreads.
One of the many things I enjoyed about the book was cross-r...more
One of the many things I enjoyed about the book was cross-r...more
Bulfinch's "The Age of Fable" is a compendium of mythology, and more complete than I would have ever imagined. But it read more like an encyclopedic description of the various gods rather than the telling of the original stories. That is, it was more a description of the original stories rather than the original legends themselves.
In describing the various gods, Bulfinch made frequent references to various works of classical literature and poetry which include references to the Greek and Roman...more
In describing the various gods, Bulfinch made frequent references to various works of classical literature and poetry which include references to the Greek and Roman...more
This has been my upstairs bathroom reading for probably a year. It has been enjoyable to refresh one's memory on various mythological stories and fables and learn a few new things.
The book is very dated. It eliminates (and announces this at the beginning) anything that is morally problematic for the author and the intended audience. Pretty much all the gay stuff disappeared then.
The book also presents itself as an aid in understanding modern poetic allusions to the ancient myths. On the one hand...more
The book is very dated. It eliminates (and announces this at the beginning) anything that is morally problematic for the author and the intended audience. Pretty much all the gay stuff disappeared then.
The book also presents itself as an aid in understanding modern poetic allusions to the ancient myths. On the one hand...more
Bulfinch's Mythology, Thomas Bulfinch
The book serves as an excellent reference and beginner's guide to mythology. It has guided me through multiple courses in college, from beginner's level Latin, to graduate level philosophy and political science. I highly suggest the Kindle version. It is for free and easy to quote through the computer program, which is also for free. The search function on both the computer program and the Kindle itself is also very helpful, and will get you all of the inform...more
The book serves as an excellent reference and beginner's guide to mythology. It has guided me through multiple courses in college, from beginner's level Latin, to graduate level philosophy and political science. I highly suggest the Kindle version. It is for free and easy to quote through the computer program, which is also for free. The search function on both the computer program and the Kindle itself is also very helpful, and will get you all of the inform...more
Really informative on a fascinating subject that I want to hit even deeper. Christians rightly critique our Lord's enemies. But Our Lord and his followers did not do that by simply throwing out or avoiding, but walking straight up to the line and subverting.
There was a common grace and the grace God gave the Greeks was depth. Bulfinch spends most of his time with the geeks, but gives some time to the Egyptians, Norse and Druids. Anyone who has enjoyed literature in the Western world should read...more
There was a common grace and the grace God gave the Greeks was depth. Bulfinch spends most of his time with the geeks, but gives some time to the Egyptians, Norse and Druids. Anyone who has enjoyed literature in the Western world should read...more
I found this book (actually, it was the whole Bulfinch's Mythology, but I never brought myself to plow through Charlemagne and King Arthur, so I can't honestly review all three sections) at my grandparents' house when I was, um, maybe nine--I've been a Greek geek for about as long as I've known how to read. My little heart nearly exploded when Grandpa said I could have it. (Of course, I realize now that he probably hasn't ever missed it, but I still remember that wide-eyed joy of possession when...more
Review em português aqui.
The Age of Fable, by Thomas Bulfinch, is a work that aims to, in the authors words (translated from the portuguese by me), "popularize mythology and expand the pleasure of reading". If he succeeds in this, I don't know, but I believe it's possible to extend the pleasure of reading.
Bulfinch explains, in a very succinct and direct way, the story of many entities (such as Jupiter, Achilles, Odysseus, Aeneas, and others) and relevant events (such as the Trojan War, for examp...more
The Age of Fable, by Thomas Bulfinch, is a work that aims to, in the authors words (translated from the portuguese by me), "popularize mythology and expand the pleasure of reading". If he succeeds in this, I don't know, but I believe it's possible to extend the pleasure of reading.
Bulfinch explains, in a very succinct and direct way, the story of many entities (such as Jupiter, Achilles, Odysseus, Aeneas, and others) and relevant events (such as the Trojan War, for examp...more
I picked up this compendium of mythology and couldn't set it down. It was split into 2 books so I have just read the first half of it. It tells all the stories from Greek mythology in the first book, and from what I understand covers other myths from other countries in the second book. The main thing I got out of this book is there is truly no new thing under the sun. After reading story after story I realized that so many famous works of literature were based on or were variations of these many...more
Thomas Bulfinch's The Age of Fable, though slightly dated, was written for the average reader and still speaks to a modern audience interested in myth and legend. Together with his Age of Chivalry and Legends of Charlemagne (the latter of which I highly recommend as the tales are less known in the wider western world), it forms an interesting and effective cannon for those seeking tales of gods, knights and peers. Recommended for all readers.
Currently reading an old edition. Copyright 1898 by David McKay. Revised by REV.J. Loughran Scott. Certainly much of the racier material is left out, nonetheless, this is an excellent introduction or refresher. I love that Bullfinch has used many poets, from the Romantic period, to reinforce the mythology.
I've read a LOT of Greek/Roman mythology books in my time, and this was probably the most painful. In the Prologue, it was stated that he wrote The Age of Fable to help non-Classic scholars understand the merits of the mythos because so much of it was referred to in other literature.
Bulfinch spent so much time quoting those other authors that the myths were broken up and disjointed. He also conflated the Greek and Roman myths, only using the Roman names, even in specifically Greek stories. I'm...more
Bulfinch spent so much time quoting those other authors that the myths were broken up and disjointed. He also conflated the Greek and Roman myths, only using the Roman names, even in specifically Greek stories. I'm...more
I picked this one up to put in the bathroom. Because I like to read about Greek and Roman Gods while I'm sitting on the Porcelain God :)
I was obsessed with this book as a child; checking it out from the library countless times. I couldn't get enough of these ancient stories of Gods and Goddesses. This is a great book to get acquainted with the main characters is Greek and Roman mythology. Especially useful if your studying ancient history.
I was obsessed with this book as a child; checking it out from the library countless times. I couldn't get enough of these ancient stories of Gods and Goddesses. This is a great book to get acquainted with the main characters is Greek and Roman mythology. Especially useful if your studying ancient history.
Read in grade school and was captivated by the fabulous characters, exotic settings, and bizarre things they did. It provided me with an invaluable background to understanding allusions to the Greek myths, gods, and goddesses in novels, poetry, nonfiction, etc.
I really like the way this book tells the story of the gods, nymphs, demi-gods and etc. and then picks out related pieces of poetry or verse that either complements or is allegories the writers previous discussion. I've been enjoying this along my train ride.
more of a 4.5. the quintessential book on mythology, the stories are organized in a logical fashion and are retold in an accurate and interesting way. it's like getting textbook-like knowledge from something with a way better format.
Couldn't find the exact edition I have, went with date.
This is a good intro to the classical myths of Greek and Roman lenage. It's possible some of this may be familiar to some and some will be new. Nice book.
This is a good intro to the classical myths of Greek and Roman lenage. It's possible some of this may be familiar to some and some will be new. Nice book.
I have had this book present in my home for many years. I use it frequently as a reference book to help me recall gods and tales which have become "rusty" in my mind. As always, these fables are fascinating.
I forget which Goodreads friend reminded me of this. Thank you. It's great fun to revisit myths that I absorbed as a child. And thanks to the folks at Gutenberg. Isn't technology wonderful?
Haven't read this edition, but the one I have is pretty good. The best part is when he says about Pygmalion, "his art was so perfect that it concealed itself".
This is a great exploration of the ancient myths and their correlation to modern literature. Some of the chapters were great theses about how these fables are used, others were the fables themselves, and some referenced the correlations between the religions. The detail was wonderful. This tickled my nerd nerves as a history major and literature lover.
A bit drier than it remember it from my childhood, but a pleasantly thorough walk through Greco-Roman mythology, with the tiniest pass through other mythologies at the very end. (Gotta love those 19-century Brits, who group Hinduism and Buddhism with Norse mythology and Druidism... Oops!)
First read this in junior high. Read over and over. Will pick up and read bits and pieces.
Any book that has to do with mythology always entertains me. One of the classics in the field too.
A good review of mythology which does help one understand some literary references.
It was the standard for a long time, but I think now it is Edith Hamilton's Mythology.
Comprehensive collection of Greek myths, also including Eastern, Norse and Druid.
fascinating exploration of roots and entanglements of mythology and religion
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Apr 29, 2010 05:59pm
updated Apr 29, 2010 07:15pm