Product Description
The birth of Aphrodite, the Trojan Horse, Zeus disguised as a swan. These and other classical myths and legends are usually encountered separately, but together they make up a coherent, multigenerational saga of epic battles, bizarre metamorphoses, immortal heroes, and all-too-human gods--a fantastic world recognizably real to its audience. Classical Mythology offers newcomers and long-time enthusiasts new ways to navigate the world of Greek and Roman myths, beginning by exploring the landscapes where the myths are set. It then provides a richly detailed timeline of mythic episodes from the origin of the cosmos to the end of the Heroic Age--plus an illustrated mythological dictionary listing significant characters, places, events, objects, and concepts. Whether you wish to explore the world that gave rise to ancient mythology or research a specific piece of the whole, this handbook is the best introduction available to an extraordinary cast of characters (gods, nymphs, satyrs, monsters, heroes) and the natural and supernatural stages upon which their fates are played out. Features DT A detailed timeline serves as a convenient "episode guide" chronicling events described in classical mythology DT A comprehensive A-Z section offers a quick way to identify the gods, mortals, events, and objects that are key to specific myths and legends ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Classical Mythology
This well-done book on classical mythology is a great read and well worth the price.Comparable topic books can easily run four times the amount.It's worth every cent.

False Promises lead to great disappointment.
There are good and bad things to say about William Hansen's Classical Mythology: A Guide to the Mythical World of the Greeks and Romans.

Let me start with the many good things: 1) It's approach, by classifying myths and folktales into specific patterns, is educative and interesting.2) It is well-written and comprehensive.3) Most of the information inside is accurate.4) It is easy and enjoyable to read.5) Most importantly, in my opinion, it corrects four of the common mistakes found in many books on Classical Mythology - Gaia was not the daughter of Khaos in Hesiod, but the second being born from creation; Khaos was not chaotic (as in English), but open space or air; Apollon (yes Apollon) was not a sun god originally, though he later might have been worshipped as such.The sun god is Helios; and Artemis was never worshipped as a moon goddess. This honor belongs to Helios' sister, Selene.

Unfortunately, the good points about this book do not outweigh my major complaint. This might not be Hansen's fault, actually.The back cover states clearly under "Features" that the book contains "A detailed timeline [which] serves as a convenient 'episode guide' chronicling events described in classical mythology." I have read the book and then flipped through it page by page, just in case, to find said "timeline" with absolutley NO luck.It is not there (at least not in my copy). As I am a student of myth, I have already read all of the stories and myths. I actually purchased this book BECAUSE of the promised timeline. So, in the end, money I spent for a timeline yielded nothing.

Another issue I had is with a few instances of incorrect information.The book presents itself as educative. As a college instructor and avid reader, I have encountered many errors in recounting myths in my time.When an educative book contains an error I cannot help but to feel frustrated because I know that this will just perpetuate the error. I only have two complaints about this.1) Hansen seems to not realise that Okeanos (Ocean) was a fresh-water deity, we misuse the term.He refers to the daughters of Okeanos, the Okeanids, as sea nymphs.2) More importantly, I believe for the sake of myth in his section on the Titans is very inaccurate. Hansen seems to claim that all of the Titans fought against the Olympians during the great war between the two.However, neither the female Titans (or Titanides) nor Okeonos was involved.He even uses Themis as an example of a Titan who does not match the Olympian prowess . . . but the point is moot since she did not fight them anyway.In fact, Themis was Zeus' second wife and by her he fathered the Horae (Season.) Themis actually was said to live with the Olympians as she represented divine order.He also fathered the Muses by Mnemosyne.The other Titanides (his mother Rheia, Theia, Phoibe, and Tethys) were never said to participate in the war.Okeonos likewise did not, and, in fact, Zeus rewarded him for not taking up the Titans cause.Hansen also claims that Zeus punished the Titans forever in Tartaros, but Zeus actually was said to have allowed at least Kronos freedom as Kronos rules over the Isle of the Blessed.

For those who do not care about the timeline I mention, this book might have more stars.But, this was the sole reason for which I purchased the book.So, I can only give the book 3 stars.It gets 3, as opposed to 2, because I was so happy to read Hansen say that Gaia was the second being after creation and not, as often mistaken, the child of Khaos. ... Read more

Product Description
Bulfinch's Mythology is a collection of the works of Thomas Bulfinch.

This editon contains all three volumes.

It is a classic work of mythology. Includes an extensive glossary and detailed table of contents. The original book contains hundreds of pages full of essential information for anyone interested in the study of mythology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Must-Have for Every Home Library
This is a reference work that belongs in every home, especially if you have kids.The width & breadth of stories contained here will astound even those who think they are well-versed in mythology.Everything from the Greek & Roman gods to King Arthur is included in this book, along w/lesser known stories that are just as interesting in their own right.While it may be too sophisticated for elementary readers, it is just right for 11-13 y.o. kids to jump into to supplement their Harry Potter or Star Wars passions. Even curious adults will find something they didn't know before.Makes a great gift for all ages!!

Very In-Depth
This book does cover the well-known myths of several different cultures, and it does well on that, but no book can cover every myth of every time period, and in the end I suppose that's what everyone wants.

For the most part if you're looking for Greek or Celtic myths this is a book you have to have, any other society's myths and you'd probably be better off with a different, more concentrated book, not something with such a wide-spread focus.

Overall a wonderful book, completely worth it's cost.

Excellent new edition
This new edition of the classic Bulfinch's Mythology is excellent.It has retained all of Bulfinch's old texts and introductions to myths and their histories, but it has also added some new introductory material.This material, much having to do with Bulfinch's own life and education helps to bring light into the context for which Bulfinch was writing.For example, did you know that Bulfinch originally began writing mythology pieces for magazine entertainment?There is also much information in the new introductions about Bulfinch's education and the place that he held (or rather, didn't hold) within Boston's then extremely rigid social strata.The editor also provides an interesting look at why Bulfinch told the myths in the way he did and compares the sources that Bulfinch used to those of his contemporaries (Hawthorne, for example).It really is very interesting reading.

Of course, this edition of Bulfinch's mythology still contains all of the wonderful myths that our society has come to know through this book, along with Bulfinch's original introductions to each chapter.

The book is large and heavy, therefore not a great traveling companion.Still, it more than makes up for it with content.If you keep this book out on your shelf and read a small bit of myth every day, you will never be bored or lack for reading material again.

The definitive source for myth...
Bulfinch's Mythology is, simply put, the best.I cannot think of another book I simply enjoyed reading more.It deals with classical myth, the tales of Charlemagne and Arthur, some Celtic myths... it is an invaluablecompanion to someone who is studying cultural history, or just as aneminently readable book.It serves as an admirable companion to Frazer's"The Golden Bough", giving some context to much of his writing. ... Read more

Product Description
Photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age-appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge.

Greek Myths retells some of the most beloved stories from Greek Mythology, from Pandora's Box to the Labors of Heracles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Informative Reader, great for elementary students
A fact-filled, informative primer for young readers. Perfect for kids just starting to read who already know a little about Greek mythology. The illustrations are not the finest; they're actually quite disturbing. Faces are fuzzy and inexpressive, although I did like that the gods were depicted with racial ambiguity and didn't look all blonde and blue-eyed like they do in so many of the other books. The amateurish drawings are made up for, though, in the ample inclusion of actual photographs, maps and images of artifacts that lend to the historicity of the book. Gives a basic intro to ancient Greece then skims over some of the classic stories in a few pages each: Family of Greek gods, Pandora's jar, Labors of Heracles, Theseus and the Minotaur, The fall of Icarus, the Adventures of Perseus,the Foolishness of Midas, and Orpheus and Eurydice. Some gruesome illustrations, and a few frightening ones (a nasty Cerberus, scary Gorgons, Pegasus rising from a beheaded Medusa). If your child is sensitive to such images or unfamiliar with these stories, you might want to give warning or choose a less graphic book, but this one is fairly tame as far as Greek myths go. My five-year-old loves it. Also worth noting: the edition I received did not have the cover pictured here. It has an illustration of Zeus (who looks a hundred years old) looking down over some of the other gods - pictured with their totem objects - on his throne at Mount Olympus. ... Read more

Product Description
MYCENAEAN CENTERS AND MYTHOLOGICAL CENTERS and THE MYCENAEAN ORIGIN OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY ... Read more

Product Description
The biography of all the gods of ancient Greece. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A beautifully written version of the classic myths...
This little book has had a profound influence on me. I first got it in 3rd/4th grade and still have it on my bookshelf as an adult. It was the book that introduced me to a lifetime love of mythology. The writing is accessible yet surprisingly sophisticated for a children's book, with wit and empathy woven throughout.

The content should be required reading for all middle school students
The culture of Western Europe and the United States is replete with references to the stories of their gods told by the ancient Greeks. If you read it carefully enough, it is possible to see hints of their fickle and violent nature in the Christian Old Testament. The Greek gods were very assertive in their interventions in human affairs, demanding worship and directly punishing the humans who displeased them.
Since Greek mythology is so fundamental to western culture, learning about it must be a fundamental component of every person's education. This book is a good primer of Greek mythology written for the middle school student. The first section is a series of brief explanations of the main gods starting with Zeus and going through Aphrodite. The second and final section covers more secondary personalities such as Prometheus, Pandora and Eros. It is one of those books whose content should be read by all students.

The content should be required reading for all middle school students
The culture of Western Europe and the United States is replete with references to the stories of their gods told by the ancient Greeks. If you read it carefully enough, it is possible to see hints of their fickle and violent nature in the Christian Old Testament. The Greek gods were very assertive in their interventions in human affairs, demanding worship and directly punishing the humans who displeased them.
Since Greek mythology is so fundamental to western culture, learning about it must be a fundamental component of every person's education. This book is a good primer of Greek mythology written for the middle school student. The first section is a series of brief explanations of the main gods starting with Zeus and going through Aphrodite. The second and final section covers more secondary personalities such as Prometheus, Pandora and Eros. It is one of those books whose content should be read by all students.

A good introduction to the mythology that was the seed of so much of Western thought
While the Greek gods were powerful, they possessed all of the human frailties, albeit in magnified form. They were jealous, fickle, sometimes easily angered, occasionally kind, but always aware of their might and quick to use it. Their characteristics were an attempt by simple people who experienced the difficulties of life as they struggled with nature to make a connection between humans and nature. While we may look on their beliefs as superstitions, it is easy to see the similarities between what the Greeks thought their gods were and the descriptions of god in the old testament Christian bible.
This book contains some of the best and classic legends regarding the behavior of the Greek gods. Written at the level of the middle school or early high school student, it is an introduction to the mythology that was the generator of so much of what became the thought stream of western civilization. I strongly recommend this as required reading; I consider knowledge of Greek mythology to be an indicator of being well educated.

The Greek Gods
This book wasthe best I have ever read on The Greek Gods it is one of my all time favorites. Very good!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Famous for his superhuman strength, Hercules is the most popular hero in Greek mythology. The son of Zeus--king of the gods--and a mortal mother, Hercules faces the wrath of Zeus's wife Hera, who resents her illegitimate stepson and vows to bring him misery. With her magical powers, she tricks Hercules into performing a series of twelve seemingly impossible labors, each one a test of his strength, courage, cunning, and fighting skill. Is Hercules strong enough to foil her scheme? For this exciting retelling of the twelve labors, author Paul Storrie consulted the classic work The Age of Fable (1859), by American Thomas Bulfinch, and Edith Hamilton's Mythology (1942), both of which are considered the best resources about on ancient myths and legends. Artist Steve Kurth also relied on historical research to accurately bring to life the world of ancient Greece. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

My son loves these!
I've bought this one as a gift, but we own many of these.I love this series because it introduces my son to classic myths, but in a medium he loves.As a first grader, he is still gaining his confidence as a reader, but he loves these for the great graphics.As his reading level has improved, he has been making his way through the text.His repeated reading of these books tells me he is getting a lot of pleasure out of these,And I'm happy, because it is a comic I can love too.

Good
In spite of its great graphics, I wasn't as impressed with this story as with the others in this collection because more space was needed for a good graphic retelling of Hercules' twelve labors. It seems that the storyteller and illustrator are giving us a brief survey of Hercules' adventures. Good examples are the King Arhthur editions or Odysseus' story. Nevertheless, it was OK. You still have the story of courage and it lends itself well to a discussion on character traits, motives, and goals, as well as mythology. ... Read more

Product Description
Explores the uses Greeks made of myth and the uses to which we can put myth in recovering the richness of their culture. Sheds light on many aspects of Greek history and culture - including war, religion and sexuality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Helps you understand our own time, too
The author argues in case ofter case how Greek myth was used to justify a certain political situation, so as to gain acceptance for otherwise immoral situations of dominance, to take one example. This is a very different way of approaching myths than, e.g., geomythology, or psychoanalysis. There is no single origin for all myths, but understanding different mechanisms for how they originate and are manipulated and promoted, can be a tremendous help in understanding both ancient and modern myths. Warning: The book may make you understand that some things that you thought of as fact in reality are modern myths, and that these same principles are active today. He does not discuss these issues, but once your senses are on the alert, you may look at the daily flow of information in a new way. I know I did.

good social and political understanding
Dowden provides the reader with a good social and political basis and evaluation of mythology in the ancient world, focusing on the ancients themselves instead of falling into the trap of modern theory and belief. If one is working on anything involving classical myth, I highly recommendreading this book at some point.You'll disagree at times, but it willmake you think. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Informative, a must have in any potential historical essay.
This book may be the single most incredible work of genius of the modern ages. Its contents border on the incredulous to the scientific and are essential to anyone reviewing the past and its treasure of anecdotes andstories. Sir William displays the true patience of genius necessary in anywork of so tremendous an undertaking and his eye for detail along withhistorical dating and verification of sources are unmatched in anycomparable text. For the avid enthusiast who is reading for knowledge thetruths are paintakingly written with just the right amount of detail totantalize the reader while letting the reader visualize the text in itsbroadest scope. For the scientist, no book of this type will ever show thehistorical narrative as these volumes so richly do. I highly recommend thatthis work be a prerequisite of any study in the fields of History andArchaelogy.

Informative, a must have in any potential historical essay.
This book may be the single most incredible work of genius of the modern ages. Its contents border on the incredulous to the scientific and are essential to anyone reviewing the past and its treasure of anecdotes andstories. Sir William displays the true patience of genius necessary in anywork of so tremendous an undertaking and his eye for detail along withhistorical dating and verification of sources are unmatched in anycomparable text. For the avid enthusiast who is reading for knowledge thetruths are paintakingly written with just the right amount of detail totantalize the reader while letting the reader visualize the text in itsbroadest scope. For the scientist, no book of this type will ever show thehistorical narrative as these volumes so richly do. I highly recommend thatthis work be a prerequisite of any study in the fields of History andArchaelogy. ... Read more

Product Description
The ancient Greeks worshiped a complex group of deities, weaving their characters into timeless tales of love, heroism, and intrigue. Plays, poems, paintings, and sculptures commemorating these tales have survived for centuries. Even as world religions and scientific knowledge have evolved, bringing with them new beliefs and understanding of the world, the ancient Greek tales continue to provide a basic foundation for Western thought and sharp insight to the human psyche. Athena appeared in many Greek myths, having major roles in Homer s Iliad and Odyssey and in ancient plays dealing with justice and democracy. Born from Zeushead, she was a contradictory figure in many ways. She was the goddess of war and a protector of civilization. She was capable of being a good friend to humans, yet she could also be fiercely vindictive and hand out punishment to men and women alike without a second thought. Temples were raised to her throughout Greece, including the famous Parthenon. The city of Athens, a military power and cultural center, embodied the goddess for whom it was named. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the historical development of Greco-Roman mythology, its heroes, and its influence on the history of Western civilization. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Heyy
I think this book was okay it wasn't always that exciting to me. i really maybe didnt like this book.

Splendid Work
Don Nardo has published numerous books about the ancient world, and all of the ones I have seen are excellent.This one is no exception.From the strikingly attractive cover to Nardo's well-worded retellings of the myths, to his expert commentary, to the fulsome bibliography, this volume is a must for junior high and high school students seeking a rounded education in the history of Western culture and literature.Taechers will no doubt use this book with confidence and constructive results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

myths for minors
This book is nice for the younger crowd (early elementary). The drawings are entertaining and the text is appropriate for children. The selection of myths was also pleasing, to include many that were interesting to my children. Pandora, Arachne, Tasks of Heracles, Jason and the Golden Fleece, Perseus, Odysseus, and Theseus are just some. My little ones eagerly enjoyed reading selections each day that we studied the book. ... Read more

Product Description
This elementary history of Greece is intended for supplementary reading or as a first history text-book for young pupils. It is therefore made up principally of stories about persons; for, while history proper is largely beyond the comprehension of children, they are able at an early age to understand and enjoy anecdotes of people, especially of those in the childhood of civilization. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

book
This is a most horrible production for a book.It is not even a real book.It is just some typewritten photocopied pages bound together as an excuse for a book.The photocopied pages are so faint...as if the printer was out of ink...so I could hardly discern what was written.Needless to say I had to return the 'item'...because I can't really call it a book.

be warned
Just a few things to consider when looking at this particular edition....
the text is the same as the other edition (you know, the one the "look inside" feature uses), but be aware that this particular cheaper volume does not have any of the maps or illustrations. It is ONLY text.Also, the font looks like an old fashioned typewriter - it's not one of the newer, more commonly used fonts for books.Had I known this to be the case, I would have spent the extra few dollars for the Yesterday's Classics version.The "look inside" feature DID indicate it was from the Yesterday's Classics one, so I don't fault Amazon for that at all.It still would have been nice to know, however, that this edition had no illustrations.

A Great Introduction to Greek History for Children
H.A. Guerber published "The Story of the Greeks" in 1896.Her works are currently being re-issued by a number of different publishing companies.Her new found popularity is taking place because her works are free of copyright restrictions and they meet the needs of parents who are homeschooling their children.I'm lucky that my children are able to attend a very good school and I do not have to homeschool them.Nevertheless, I share the homeschooler's fascination with classical education.It is important that children learn the concrete details of history and geography starting at an early age.

"The Story of the Greeks" tracks the history of Greece from mythic times through to the absorption of Greece into the Roman Empire. H.A. Guerber wrote this book for children and she does an able job of shaping a narrative suited for children.I read this book to my six year old son and we both enjoyed it.All the important events and characters have been introduced and we will get to know them better in other children's books.After we finish up on the Greeks, we will move onto the Romans and I will purchase her book on the story of the Romans. Recommended.

A great way to learn Greek history!
Skip the boring, tedious textbooks! Guerber brings history facts to life in story book fashion. I am convinced that children would enjoy learning history in school if they could read from books like this rather than from textbooks. My 6th grade home-schooler read this a few chapters at a time while we were studying Ancient Greece. He always wanted to keep reading farther than what I had assigned him for that day. I highly recommend this book for 5th through 8th graders. We also enjoyed "The Story of the Romans" by the same author.
... Read more

Product Description
Medea betrayed her father and left her homeland for thelove of Jason. Then when he abandoned her, she murdered herchildren. But did she? And what of Clytemnestra, the connivingadulteress? For ten years she plotted the murder of her husbandAgamemnon, King of Mycenae and Conqueror of Troy. How would she havetold her story?

The Greek myths as we know them were told for men by men. Yet theywere the culmination of a long oral tradition in which both men andwomen shared. Using extant ancient literary sources as her guide,including the works of Homer, Aeschylus, Euripedes and Apollodorus,Jane Cahill reconstructs the stories as they might have been told towomen by women. These are stories of wronged women, inspired women,determined women, tender women. Medusa tells how it is to know thatone look at her face will turn a man to stone, to be hated and fearedfor all time. Jocasta, Queen of Thebes, confesses her love for theyoung man who came to save her city from the Sphinx - her son,Oedipus.

Each story is accompanied by extensive notes which discuss the ancientsources, explain relevant Greek concepts and customs, and serve as aguide to further reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Roman/Greek mythology
Wow, this is an excellant book.
It is an A-Z of the ancient Gods.Especially for those looking to learn more.
It really seems to cover much more than a basic mythology book, although I did not study this in college, I am glad I have this in my home library!

Gods,Heros,Mythology.
A wonderful book on Mythology, readable,just like a fiction book.It has wonderful pictures in it as well as the explantion of the Gods,and Titans are just lovely.It is a wonderful book on reference as well as a must have for ancient history and mythology lovers.Particular is the details and explanation of Heracles, with all his labours. ... Read more

Product Description

Learn more about Greek and Roman Mythology with this comprehensive and fully illustrated book. FREE first chapter in the trial version.

Customer Reviews (3)

An outstanding nightly read
Greek and Roman Mythology ebook is an excellent source for understanding and appreciating the legends and myths of ancient Greece and Rome. Well researched, the ebook reviews the fables in clear, simple prose. While I have not finished reading the ebook yet, I am throughly enjoying it. An outstanding nightly read. Just a few stories at a time will suffice, and you will delight in the endeavor for many a month. An excellent source for students, writers, scholars, or the casual reader interested in classic mythology. Highly recommended.

Don't buy this.
This is just a collection of rip-off from Wikipedia. This is NOT a book. Isn't worth the money.

anthology of classical mythology
Greek and Roman Mythology - FREE first chapter in the trial version

The ebook thoroughly covers Greek and Roman myths. The quality of the ebook is excellent, and it is useful as a text to be read for entertainment or education. I fully recommend it.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mythologyyyyyyy
I love Mythology. Specifically Norse in this case.
This book, just had it all. Every god and goddess I cared to read about. It was compact enough to fit in my hand bag, (yes my hand bag is bigger than most...and yes I carry mythological encyclopedias a round....how embarressment. :p ) For any one interested in the ancient myths from norse, classical, or celtic, this book is a one stop wonder. if it doesn't have the info you need or want, it has enough to point you in the right direction. There's also info in this book, that for whatever reason I never found else where, such as on internet sites or text book.
Very in depth, easy to follow. a great read and a great purchase.

A valuable resource for any library...
Greek, Norse, and Celtic Mythology are covered pretty thoroughly within these pages.The section on the celtic hero Cuchulain is one of the most in depth articles on him I have encountered.

This is an excellent resource.

Other versions have been released by Cotterell that cover Asian and Oriental mythology as well. ... Read more

Book Description
From the myths and legends of the ancient world to the verfied historical records of modern times, these inspiring volumes provide a window onto the past, enabling the reader to understand previous eras and the men and women who created them.

Though much is known of the history of ancient Greece and Rome, the related mythologies of these two highly advanced societies tell us much about the beliefs and illusions that informed the thoughts and actions of their people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect Present!
I bought this book as a present for my boyfriend. I had checked on Amazon for a book on Roman/Greek mythology and for some reason this book didn't stand out to me, which is why I have decided to write a review. I saw it in a local bookshop and wanted to say to anyone else looking for a present on such a book that it is a recommended buy. There is five chapters to it - Early Greek Gods, The Olympians, Attendant Gods, The Heroes and Roman Mythology.

This hardback book is not too daunting a size with about 123 pages to it's name but it has over 100 images which really adds to it. There's still plenty of room for text as the book is 12" long. Bear in mind though that this book would act better as an introduction to the area rather than an addition to the library of someone who already has passed that introductory stage.

Greek and Roman Mythology
This was not at all what I was expecting...I thought that I would be getting a book with just text about Greek and Roman mythology.What I found instead was a picture/coffee table book.It was a pleasant surprisemade even more pleasant by the fact that the text was not disappointing. Since I do not know much about mythology, this book is a great start for meand perhaps others wanting to more about the mythology that permeatesliterature and art.The pictures, art and drawings within are fun to lookat, if not sometimes misplaced, like instead of Artemis near the text thatspeaks of her, there is another drawing of a young male god. ... Read more