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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology
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. Rowlings Harry Potter novels, and the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? .
Features a 50-page whos 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 , HBOs animated Odyssey , and the Disney Channels Hercules
Features a 50-page whos 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 , HBOs animated Odyssey , and the Disney Channels Hercules
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1998
156 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 13, 2020
A good summary of classical mythology. Nice for reading a chapter a day to keep reinforcing the stories and myths while I'm onto other books.
September 17, 2013
I've always been intrigued (and confused) about Mythology. I could never remember which Gods were Greeks, Romans or Titans. This book helped to define who's who while detailing various exploits and adventures of the Gods and the mortals with whom they interacted (and whose lives they destroyed!) Written in simple English with a humorous bent to make reading 432 pages enjoyable while being informative. Though if you value your sanity, don't attempt to read it cover to cover in one sitting or your brain might actually explode.
One thing I realized was that I knew and understood more than I thought about Greek Mythology. Must be all those Sherrilyn Kenyon books I've read! The Roman's were a complete mystery until I realized they just copied everything the Greeks did. I've heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but those Romans took it a little too far.
After reading this book, I'm amazed that the Gods survived at all with all the infighting, incest, wars, rape, treachery, etc. And it's no wonder I'm confused. It took the author 50 pages (listed like a dictionary) to spell out who's who in classical mythology. Yes I did say 50 pages!
I'm glad I read it and I did make a cheat sheet so I should be good to go for any future questions.
One thing I realized was that I knew and understood more than I thought about Greek Mythology. Must be all those Sherrilyn Kenyon books I've read! The Roman's were a complete mystery until I realized they just copied everything the Greeks did. I've heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but those Romans took it a little too far.
After reading this book, I'm amazed that the Gods survived at all with all the infighting, incest, wars, rape, treachery, etc. And it's no wonder I'm confused. It took the author 50 pages (listed like a dictionary) to spell out who's who in classical mythology. Yes I did say 50 pages!
I'm glad I read it and I did make a cheat sheet so I should be good to go for any future questions.
November 17, 2015
A really great intro to classic mythology. Unlike the "dummies" version, there's not condescension in the tone on the writing. Just an honest, entertaining, easy to understand guide.
May 5, 2019
Good overview for brushing up on my mythology.
Read
December 6, 2019It helped
June 13, 2020
Beautifully written. Fun to read. The perfect read for every person who is interested in classic mythology.
May 17, 2024
Pros:
- Informative.
- A lot of good stories.
- Learned about the stories "behind the myth", such as why the likes of Sisyphus, Tantalus & Prometheus were punished. For example: I knew that Prometheus was punished for giving Man fire, but I didn't know why he gave Man fire after it was withheld from Man by Zeus.
Cons:
- While informative, some of the backgrounds of the stories made for dull reading, were repetitious or were too in-depth.
- Two incorrect "summaries" of 2 Hercules movies.
- First: "Hercules Unchained", the book stated "...this movie pitted the big lug against the giant Antaeus, who threatened the city of Thebes...". At the beginning of the movie, there is a brief fight between Herc & Antaeus, and that is as far as it goes with that. What the movie is about is Hercules attempts to stop a war between 2 brothers over the sharing of the throne of Thebes, but he gets sidetracked when he gets amnesia & is sent to a land ruled by a queen who seduces men & then turns them into trophy statues when she gets bored with them.
- Second: Hercules and the Captive Women, the book states "...Hercules rescued his son from the Queen of Atlantis". The movie is about Hercules assisting the King of Thebes to counter an unknown threat to Greece (the threat being from Atlantis). Herc's son is part of the voyage, but the King of Thebes is the one who needs rescued.
Overall opinion: While it was okay, it was still a little hard to get through in places. So, I feel 3 Stars is all I can muster for this.
- Informative.
- A lot of good stories.
- Learned about the stories "behind the myth", such as why the likes of Sisyphus, Tantalus & Prometheus were punished. For example: I knew that Prometheus was punished for giving Man fire, but I didn't know why he gave Man fire after it was withheld from Man by Zeus.
Cons:
- While informative, some of the backgrounds of the stories made for dull reading, were repetitious or were too in-depth.
- Two incorrect "summaries" of 2 Hercules movies.
- First: "Hercules Unchained", the book stated "...this movie pitted the big lug against the giant Antaeus, who threatened the city of Thebes...". At the beginning of the movie, there is a brief fight between Herc & Antaeus, and that is as far as it goes with that. What the movie is about is Hercules attempts to stop a war between 2 brothers over the sharing of the throne of Thebes, but he gets sidetracked when he gets amnesia & is sent to a land ruled by a queen who seduces men & then turns them into trophy statues when she gets bored with them.
- Second: Hercules and the Captive Women, the book states "...Hercules rescued his son from the Queen of Atlantis". The movie is about Hercules assisting the King of Thebes to counter an unknown threat to Greece (the threat being from Atlantis). Herc's son is part of the voyage, but the King of Thebes is the one who needs rescued.
Overall opinion: While it was okay, it was still a little hard to get through in places. So, I feel 3 Stars is all I can muster for this.
November 21, 2008
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read any works of Homer or just want to have a better understanding of mythology. Homer's works are so filled with references and the first time I tried to read it, I was totally confused. After reading this the world of Mythology really opens up and things start to make sense.
Don't underestimate it because it's a Idiot's Guide, its brilliantly set out and easy to follow, with short paragraphs, extra titbits and other background information and explanations. I also enjoyed seeing where Classical Mythology still has influence on our everyday lives and also where Greek and Roman myth connect.
Another bonus are the cross-references and lists of all the different names and places in the back if you want to check on something while reading Homer.
Don't underestimate it because it's a Idiot's Guide, its brilliantly set out and easy to follow, with short paragraphs, extra titbits and other background information and explanations. I also enjoyed seeing where Classical Mythology still has influence on our everyday lives and also where Greek and Roman myth connect.
Another bonus are the cross-references and lists of all the different names and places in the back if you want to check on something while reading Homer.
March 15, 2008
Well set out and very comprehensive
December 3, 2009
I especially liked the pronuncation guide in the back.
April 17, 2013
It's good for what it is...very basic, though.
January 28, 2016
Very informative book. Great start learning the Greek myths and stories. Recommended
January 30, 2016
Good intro to the main Greek/Roman gods
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews