Synopses & Reviews
Greek and Roman myths from antiquity have thrilled and challenged readers and buffs for centuries. Did Hercules really exist? Was an individual named Homer the true author of The Iliad and The Odyssey -- and was he in fact blind? Did the Trojan War actually occur? This highly readable, entertaining work makes all of classical literature's characters come alive, with insights into the fascinating origins of the myths; up-to-date theories on who wrote them; the roles of all Greek and Roman gods and heroes; concise summaries of their myths and legends; at-a-glance literary and artistic references (classical plays, poetry, art masterpieces, etc.); and the influence of myths in today's literature, art, and pop culture (film, television, and even music). Includes a glossary, a who's who, suggested readings, and a timeline.
Synopsis
You're no idiot, of course. You can find Greece on a map, know that Kevin Sorbo stars as Hercules on TV, and have heard of Freud's Oedipus theory. But when it comes to classical mythology, you feel like you've been foiled by the gods. Don't curse Zeus yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology has all you need for a working knowledge of the timeless world of Greek and Roman myths. In this complete Idiot's Guide, you get:
Synopsis
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An exploration of timeless legends. First told centuries ago, the ancient myths of the Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate and influence the world today. The expanded edition of this popular guide examines why these legends remain an integral part of human history, citing their literary value, and their presence throughout popular culture in such works as J.K. Rowling\'s Harry Potter novels, and the Coen brothers\' film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.
Features a 50-page \"who\'s who\" glossary of classical mythological charactersfrom both the Greek and Roman versions
An updated look at recent movies and television series\' based on mythology, including Helen of Troy, HBO\'s animated Odyssey, and the Disney Channel\'s Hercules
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About the Author
Kevin Osborn is the author of more than three dozen books, including two
Complete Idiot's Guides.
Dana L. Burgess, Ph.D., is a tenured associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, and classics, at Whitman College. He received both his Ph.D. in Greek and M.A. in Latin from Bryn Mawr College.