Classical Mythology

By Michael Sham, Robert J. Lenardon, Mark P.O. Morford, et al.

Book Overview

Building on the best-selling tradition of previous editions, Classical Mythology, Ninth Edition, is the most comprehensive survey of classical mythology available--and the first full-color textbook of its kind. Featuring the authors' clear and extensive translations of original sources, it brings to life the myths and legends of Greece and Rome in a lucid and engaging style. The text contains a wide variety of faithfully translated passages from Greek and Latin sources, including Homer, Hesiod, all the Homeric Hymns, Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Herodotus, Plato, Lucian, Lucretius, Vergil, Ovid, and Seneca.

Acclaimed authors Mark P.O. Morford and Robert J. Lenardon--joined by new coauthor Michael N. Sham--incorporate a dynamic combination of poetic narratives and enlightening commentary to make the myths come alive for students. Offering historical and cultural background on the myths (including evidence from art and archaeology) they also provide ample interpretative material and examine the enduring survival of classical mythology and its influence in the fields of art, literature, music, dance, and film.

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

* Stunning full-color art program: 174 photos & illustrations (many new), 22 figures, and 8 maps (3 new, 5 improved)--with lucid explanatory captions, now in full color throughout
* Enhanced pedagogy: New chapter-opening quotations; improved timelines, maps, and genealogies; expanded and updated select bibliographies; and prominent web icons in the margins that provide a more seamless integration between the text and the companion website
* New and updated content: New material and discussions, including an examination of the stages of development in feminist interpretation and an appendix offering an analysis of Greek Religion that covers the relationship of mythology to religion, civic and mystery religions, hero cults, priests and priestesses, and the ritual of sacrifice

SUPPLEMENTS:

Revised Companion Website at www.classicalmythology.org offering a wealth resources for both students and instructors, including analyses and summaries of the myths covered in the text; representations of myth in art; information on comparative myths; interactive maps; audio glossaries; student activities; and PowerPoint-based lecture slides

Instructor's Manual and Test Bank in print or on CD, available to adopters

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195397703
• ISBN13: 9780195397703
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 864 Pages
• Weight: 3.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 9.8" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Everything I wanted

This was exactly what I was expecting. Very happy with my purchase

Excellent source

This book is the standard text for several of the Classical Mythology sections at my college. It is an excellent source for both basic and detailed information on Classical myths. Primary texts are quoted, and all parts of the book are easy to read. There is a select bibliography for each chapter. Has a glossary of words that may not be familiar to reader, as well as a glossary/index of all the gods and goddesses with a short summary of who they are at the back of the book for quick reference. Some color picture sections, as well as black and white pictures throughout. Highly recommended as a reference if you are unable to take a class on the subject.

thru a distant lens

This well honed 8th edition is an entrancing and beautiful description of the mythology of ancient Greece and Rome. The emphasis is Greece, naturally, since the Romans based so much of their beliefs on the Greeks. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed. But the book is not some simple entry level exposition, like some freshman texts. Instead, Morford goes into a fair amount of detail about what we know. He refers and quotes liberally from surviving manuscripts. So that, even though these are given in English, we get some flavour of looking thru a distant lens at how others saw their gods. Plus, he has kept up with the latest archeological discoveries and their interpretations. Reminding the reader that our knowledge of those times is still incomplete and changing. The many photos and illustrations also help in giving flesh to the text. Some are of the European perceptions from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Several colour plates are quite lovely. We are looking at the subject through at least two viewpoints. Ours and those.

An excellent resource

I have quite a bit of experience in the study of Classical civilization, and I have yet to find a better source for information on Greek and Roman mythology. I think this book is a necessity for anyone wishing to learn more about ancient religion or to anyone who needs a reliable reference for this subject.

Great introduction to the topic

Everyone should own a copy of this book. It is the best sophisitcated introduction to classical mythology that is out there, and is filled with useful illustrations.

Great Beginner Book

Morford and Lenardon set out to write a pretty comprehensive mythology text for those just starting a study of the subject and I think they've done a fantastic job. The most recent edition features tons of artwork and brings recent research in classical mythology and archaeology into the discussion. Also, the book is written in a highly engaging style that draws the reader in. You tend to forget you're reading a textbook. My only complaint was that I didn't feel some gods and goddesses were really covered. However, they were usually minor characters in Greek myth, so don't let that deter you from this book. It's worth the price!