Classical Myth (3rd Edition) - Softcover

Powell, Barry B.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0130884421 ISBN 13: 9780130884428

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 2000

Synopsis

This lively and easy-to-read book emphasizes the historical development of myth, and applies a wide range of theoretical approaches in attempting to understand it. Original translations of ancient mythical texts helps place them in their anthropological, historical, religious, sociological, and economic contexts. Chapter topics explore classical myth; myths of creation, Olympian Gods, fertility, death; and Greek legends. The book also contains numerous art works that show how the ancients visualized their own myths. For anyone who knows nothing about this subject matter and wants to learn how to recognize mythological motifs in art, literature, science—and providing you know the right people—in everyday conversation.

About this title

From the Publisher

Comprehensive and scholarly, yet lively and easy to read, this attractively designed and class-tested survey of classical Greek and Roman mythology presents synopses of the major stories. It is highlighted by fresh translations of ancient authors, generous illustrations (ancient and modern) of classical myths and legends, and commentary that emphasizes the anthropological, historical, religious, sociological, and economic contexts in which the myths were told.

From the Back Cover

This best-selling text presents the myths and legends of the ancient Greeks and Romans in the contexts — political, social, religious, and economic — from which they first emerged. It features modern translations from the works of Homer, Hesiod, Sophocles, Euripides, Vergil, Ovid, and other ancient writers, together with analyses and interpretations of the myths preserved in these works. Information on ancient Near Eastern parallels and sources is also provided. Numerous illustrations allow readers to see how the Greek and Roman artists visualized mythic figures and events. Short sidebar essays throughout the book show how specific classical myths were appropriated and transformed by later writers, artists, filmmakers, and philosophers. The third edition includes a new chapter on the mythic hero, a revised and expanded chapter on the cultural context of Greek myth, and a new presentation of the Olympian deities.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0130884421
• ISBN 13: 9780130884428
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 683