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Golden Age of Myth & Legend
For over a hundred years Thomas Bulfinch's masterpiece on ancient myth and legend has been consulted by scholars and lay readers alike. The timeless stories of the gods and goddesses of Greece, Rome and Northern mythology are brought to life, and throughout the book Bulfinch shows, by extensive and resonant quotation, how these images have enormously enriched the development of English literature, from Byron to Shakespeare, from Keats and Milton to Wordsworth and Tennyson. In addition, there is a chapter on Eastern religion and myth, together with maps of the ancient world, a list of proverbial expressions, a 24-page glossary and index, and an index to the poetical quotations.
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 10 reviews
May 25, 2021
At first glance, Thomas Bulfinch's classic compendium of Greek mythology, written around the time of the Crimean War, looks like a sweeping and romantic tome. A flick through its musty old pages makes its prose look rich and ornate, and you want to delve into it. Unfortunately, once you do, you realise that it is a very dry reference book.
The storytelling is perfunctory, summarising some of the greatest stories of human civilization with scarcely any narrative flair or sense of drama. The poetic quotations used to illustrate various classical motifs are poorly-chosen, or at least are ones that have not aged well. The use of Roman names instead of Greek (Jupiter instead of Zeus, Saturn instead of Cronos, etc.) also jars, as we have since become used to the much more convenient and evocative Greek originals. A weak attempt at comparative mythology, looking at Indian and Norse gods and heroes towards the end of the book, reads like an afterthought. There are also some peculiar mistakes that would not pass in a modern, proof-read book; the Minotaur, for example, is described as "a monster with a bull's body and a human head" (pg. 188), which sounds more amusing than terrifying, or at least terrifying for the wrong reasons.
That said, the book has a noble purpose, arguing quite reasonably that "without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated" (pg. ix). This is truer of Bulfinch's time than our own, of course, because mythology unlocks many of the rich allusions in Milton, Shakespeare, Keats, Byron and Wordsworth, and we have no such writers of 'elegant literature' today. The book, for all its flaws, is a useful key to a treasure chest of allusion and heritage that we seem to have decided is not worth all that much nowadays. That's a mark against us, though, not Bulfinch's book. Even if the book has aged poorly, the myths themselves are timeless.
The storytelling is perfunctory, summarising some of the greatest stories of human civilization with scarcely any narrative flair or sense of drama. The poetic quotations used to illustrate various classical motifs are poorly-chosen, or at least are ones that have not aged well. The use of Roman names instead of Greek (Jupiter instead of Zeus, Saturn instead of Cronos, etc.) also jars, as we have since become used to the much more convenient and evocative Greek originals. A weak attempt at comparative mythology, looking at Indian and Norse gods and heroes towards the end of the book, reads like an afterthought. There are also some peculiar mistakes that would not pass in a modern, proof-read book; the Minotaur, for example, is described as "a monster with a bull's body and a human head" (pg. 188), which sounds more amusing than terrifying, or at least terrifying for the wrong reasons.
That said, the book has a noble purpose, arguing quite reasonably that "without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated" (pg. ix). This is truer of Bulfinch's time than our own, of course, because mythology unlocks many of the rich allusions in Milton, Shakespeare, Keats, Byron and Wordsworth, and we have no such writers of 'elegant literature' today. The book, for all its flaws, is a useful key to a treasure chest of allusion and heritage that we seem to have decided is not worth all that much nowadays. That's a mark against us, though, not Bulfinch's book. Even if the book has aged poorly, the myths themselves are timeless.
March 10, 2018
Empecé a leerlo temiendo que fuera pesado o tedioso pero me llevé una sorpresa. Es un libro básico que aborda principalmente una selección de mitos griegos y romanos, dejando para el final, y de manera breve, mencion de mitos de otras culturas como por ejemplo la nórdica. El relato de los mitos es enriquecido además por comentarios que ayudan a entender el significado que puede estar oculto por una metafora, también se suman pasajes de distintos poetas que usaron los mitos en sus obras. Como ya aclara la contratapa de este volumen es un contenido para aquellas personas que no conozcan demasiado a fondo los mitos, más bien sirve para entrar en contacto o hacer un repaso del Olimpo.
July 15, 2011
I haven't read anything about mythology in ages and because I'm working on something which relies heavily on myth, I thought it couldn't hurt to do a bit of research. I'm not sure how to evaluate this book simply because in terms of writing, it's very...text-like? There was no real coherence for me. I felt like I was reading something slapped together without rhyme or reason.
However, I did learn a few interesting things and it helped me to remember some myths I'd completely forgotten and the references to literature were helpful too. I now have a list of books I'd like to pick up to study further.
If you're looking for a straightforward "guide" to mythology, this isn't the book you want. If you're looking to learn the basics, as in you've never really read much about it, then it might be useful.
However, I did learn a few interesting things and it helped me to remember some myths I'd completely forgotten and the references to literature were helpful too. I now have a list of books I'd like to pick up to study further.
If you're looking for a straightforward "guide" to mythology, this isn't the book you want. If you're looking to learn the basics, as in you've never really read much about it, then it might be useful.
June 26, 2011
This was a fun read. I recognized many of the stories and gods of ancient mythology, while others I had never heard of. I recognized the origins of certain words and phrases in my own language, such as "dead-Pan silence" or the word meander, which was the name of a Greek river. I also didn't know until reading this that Tolkien's concept of dwarves and elves, and even the name "Middle Earth" are straight out of Norse mythology.
December 27, 2013
Dated, but interestingly dated: as well as recounting myths from ancient Greece and other cultures, Bulfinch inadvertently gives us an insight into the Victorian perspective on these myths, and how the Victorians related them to Christianity, seances, etc. Clearly written and moderately interesting throughout.
May 10, 2009
Sort of boring, but great for learning the Greek and Roman mythologies.
July 2, 2023
General Overview
A very readable collection of some of the oldest and greatest stories of our world. Thomas Bulfinch work is a fantastic entrance point for reference material into such stories.
Style
With short chapters and pithy analysis, Mr Bulfinch's writing is clean, and well wrought. Flowing prose aid it throughout, and really sold it to me as a great work.
Referential throughout, I didn't find the order or pace of the book failing at any stage.
Substance
A collection of stories from across the ages is found within the pages of this book. From the classics of Greek mythology, to the shrouded mists of Norse and Celtic legends, a lot of ground and history is covered.
Delving into some of the stories of monsters, some common across mythos' was also a delight.
Final Thoughts
A short review of what is a great collection. Perfect for fans of such legends, or for those wanting to delve into them for the first time.
A very readable collection of some of the oldest and greatest stories of our world. Thomas Bulfinch work is a fantastic entrance point for reference material into such stories.
Style
With short chapters and pithy analysis, Mr Bulfinch's writing is clean, and well wrought. Flowing prose aid it throughout, and really sold it to me as a great work.
Referential throughout, I didn't find the order or pace of the book failing at any stage.
Substance
A collection of stories from across the ages is found within the pages of this book. From the classics of Greek mythology, to the shrouded mists of Norse and Celtic legends, a lot of ground and history is covered.
Delving into some of the stories of monsters, some common across mythos' was also a delight.
Final Thoughts
A short review of what is a great collection. Perfect for fans of such legends, or for those wanting to delve into them for the first time.
April 26, 2010
Like taking a master class in Greco-Roman mythology from the comfort of your own home. Concise, well organized--the absolute best of this kind of book. The only downfall is the feels-very-tacked-on-at-the-last-minute final section(s) exploring comparative mythology across the world. Absolutely a must-have for serious scholars (and I don't know how I managed to live without it on my shelf this long).
May 21, 2010
I love this book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 10 reviews