Classical Mythology: A Guide to the Mythical World of the Greeks and Romans

Classical Mythology provides a comprehensive guide to Greek and Roman myths and legends,explaining their origins,narrative rules,and key characters. It explores the cosmic realms,physical worlds,and chronological events,and is richly illustrated with ancient art. The second edition includes a revised introduction,updated lexical entries,a further-reading section,and discussions about the reception of classical mythology and the impact of cognitive science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Classical Mythology presents a captivating journey for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, delving into the intricate world of Greek and Roman myths and legends. It begins by providing an insightful introduction to classical mythology, exploring its origins, development, and the methods by which we currently understand it. While classical myths and legends are often treated as distinct entities, they form a cohesive and self-contained system, comprising a rich tapestry of narratives with intricate geographies, histories, and interconnected relationships. This comprehensive book delves into the individual stories and the cosmic realms in which they unfold, introducing the principal characters, including gods, nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, monsters, and humans. It explores their similarities, differences, and the essential interplay between deities and humans. The book meticulously describes the physical worlds that serve as the backdrop for these mythic actions, encompassing terrestrial landscapes, celestial abodes, the realm of the dead, and Tartaros, the cosmic prison for defeated supernatural beings.

The heart of the book revolves around a chronological narration of the principal events of classical mythology, spanning from the creation of the cosmos to the end of the heroic age. This narrative is complemented by a comprehensive mythological dictionary that provides detailed profiles of the most significant characters and themes. The dictionary also delves into key concepts that are fundamental to understanding the workings of classical mythology.

The second edition of this extraordinary guide is adorned with over one hundred captivating images sourced from ancient art, enhancing the reader's visual experience. In addition, the introduction has been thoroughly revised, lexical entries have been expanded, a comprehensive further-reading section has been included, and discussions about reception have been expanded.

Classical Mythology offers a profound and enriching exploration of the rich tapestry of Greek and Roman myths and legends, providing a gateway to a world of timeless wisdom, captivating storytelling, and profound insights into the human condition. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned myth enthusiast, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of these ancient narratives and their enduring impact on our cultural heritage.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197506646
Edition number: 2 Revised edition