Classical Mythology (Brief Insight)

The "A brief insight" series, beautifully printed and bound, offer extended essays on a substantial subject, written by a specialist, but accessible to the undergraduate student or general reader, and serving as an in-depth introduction to the field's main questions and characteristics, using carefully chosen examples as illustration. Morales (U. of California, Santa Barbara) has done a terrific job of revealing the pervasive nature of classical mythology in western consciousness as well as culture, with a discussion of the critical importance of Greek myth to Freud, the often explicit misogyny of the tales, the complex personas of the gods and heroes, and the central importance of context, selection and presentation in portraying the stories in ancient times. Includes an annotated bibliography. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)