Myths of the Ancient Greeks

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: A concise thoughtful introduction to Greek Mythology. The Author provides the most popular version of the Greek myths, but also informs readers on the details that ancient sources disagree. The book is very readable. If you were like me and have little knowledge of Greek mythology, this book will increase your knowledge tremendously. The introduction of the book also offers a window to how mythology has been studied and analyzed over time.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: A concise thoughtful introduction to Greek Mythology. The Author provides the most popular version of the Greek myths, but also informs readers on the details that ancient sources disagree. The book is very readable. If you were like me and have little knowledge of Greek mythology, this book will increase your knowledge tremendously. The introduction of the book also offers a window to how mythology has been studied and analyzed over time.

Rating:
Summary: Concise yet Thorough
Review: Have you ever wondered what the Greek perspective was on the beginnings of the earth (Gaia)? How did Zeus come to reign over Mount Olympos with Hera, his sister, by his side? What were, according to the ancient Greeks, the origins of humans? And what exactly is Pandora's box anyway? Richard Martin divulges all of this and more in this excellent, all-encompassing text on Greek myth.

The introduction speaks of where Greek myth comes from, mentioning, of course, Hesiod's Theogony, Homer, and the like. The early chapters introduce us to Chaos (whether it be a mere entity or a personification), Gaia, Eros, Ouranos, and the Titans, before leading into the Olympians. There are also chapters on Greek heroes, such as Herakles, Theseus, Perseus, and Jason. Tales from Athens and Thebes are also covered quite extensively. The final chapter speaks of the war at Troy. The chronology this material is presented in flows quite well, making it easy to read straight through, though it can also be read in small scattered segments if need be.

I bought this book as a supplemental study aid for a course I recently took in Greek and Roman mythology, ended up reading it cover to cover, and I found that I actually turned to it more often than the course textbook. I found it easier to read than the course textbook, even though it covered the same basic information (with very few minor exceptions). Each myth or legend reads more like a short story than a blasé academic diatribe, making the material much more easily digestible and interesting. Martin also adds in a little bit of background information that helps to put many of the myths and legends into context, which can be intriguing at times. Martin also includes a few maps and family trees, which are a great quick reference. Another plus is that this is much cheaper than a textbook! Overall this is a great reference for both the classics student or professor, as well as the casual reader with an interest in ancient myth. Highly recommended!