Gods and Other Odd Creatures - Softcover

Rose Williams

9780977980819: Gods and Other Odd Creatures

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0977980812 ISBN 13: 9780977980819

Publisher: Cicada Sun, 2007

Classical mythology need not be approached with the deadly seriousness associated with the modern religions. Greco-Roman deities were jealous and despotic, and their increasingly sophisticated devotees approached them warily and often with a sense of irony. Their jaded attitudes, however, in no way lessened the impact of the gods, their festivals, and their holy places upon the daily lives of ancient peoples. This little book emphasizes both the amused and tolerant attitude toward the gods and the great importance given to their place in ancient society. Whatever a man may think of his gods, he likes his holidays.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Rose Williams is a lifelong student and teacher of the classics, with degrees from Baylor University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and advanced studies at the University of Dallas, the University of Texas in Arlington, the Bodleian Library at Oxford, England, and the University of Pisa. She is the author of more than twenty books in Latin and English

Review:

I like the way Williams retold these timeless tales. So what if she blows a little of the marble dust off these ancient deities? It does them good and serves them right. --Dr. Neill Payne

I loved Gods and Other Odd Creatures and laughed out loud at the wonderful little turns of phrase. It displays an amazing breadth of learning and a distinctive brand of wit and humour. --Lindsay Cooper, Australia

Long-time veteran Latin teacher Rose Williams believes that the Greek and Roman deities were anything but dull. The Greeks and the Romans were not afraid to make a little fun of their deities and neither is Rose Williams. Her scintillating wit and clever parlance enliven this survey of the classical gods, temples, and festivals. ..At the same time the book is jam-packed with information. Like Williams other books, Gods and Other Odd Creatures is enjoyable to read, while covering some subject matter that could be deadly dull in less capable hands. A unique feature of Gods and Other Odd Creatures is how Williams has organized it, so that readers can compare the Greeks twelve Olympians with the twelve Roman Dii Consentes. (She) never loses sight of the fact that these are the mythologies of two different cultures which appear identical at first glance, but need to be understood in the context of their own societies. --Sharon Kazmierski, Classical Outlook

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.