Women of Classical Mythology: A Biographical Dictionary

By Robert E. Bell

Book Overview

The first and only comprehensive biographical dictionary devoted to mythological women.

Divinities, humans, female monsters and animals, hermaphrodites, and transsexuals are all here. Women of Classical Mythology offers unprecedented access to information on women largely neglected in reference works on Greek and Roman myth and gives a fresh look at the better-known figures. Each of the 2,600 entries places its subject both in the overall context of classical myth, and in the frame of reference of her better-known counterparts.

For each figure there is a description of her particular contribution to folklore, and a list of the various poems, tragedies, epics, and other types of stories in which she plays a central role. In addition, the handy special index, "The Men in Their Lives," allows readers to locate a particular woman known primarily through her relations. The female characters in classical mythology often provide clues to genealogical, chronological, and historical puzzles. This book will be welcomed by classical scholars for the insights and relationships it reveals.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874365813
• ISBN13: 9780874365818
• Release Date: June 1991
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Length: 462 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 7.4" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Wish more stars were possible

Very comprehensive and very readable. I love this book so much, and in ten years have never tired of it. I desperately wish he would write one for men. It's an excellent reference, and I wish every reference book I had were written in the same style.

Impressive Book

This is one of the most exhaustively researched reference books I've ever seen; it includes totally obscure references I've never heard of before, and I'm not a neophyte in the subject. But besides being erudite, it is also witty and entertaining, surely a rare combination in a work of scholarship. Highly recommended.

Great Source for Classical Feminine Names

Arranged in dictionary format, this book not only includes an exhaustive collection of entries covering every conceivable female from classical mythology (even the bitches among Actaeon's hounds are listed by name), there is also a cross-reference section titled "The Men in Their Lives" which contains those males from mythology who had anything at all to do with any of the females covered in this book. Each entry on each mythological female not only provides a detailed description of her, but also contains citations of ancient source material. An outstanding reference source for those interested in legendary females of the classical world.

Extremely Helpful!

This is the most helpful and comprehensive classical mythology dictionary I have found! Robert E. Bell should write one for the men. If you have a deep lasting love of classical mythology, or even if you just want to learn more, this is the book to buy.

Great Book!

My friend bought this book showed me(because he knows I love mythology) and I loved it. It is FULL OF INFORMATION of every female character of the classical mythology and their actions. I really loved this book after reading it, so now I am buying it for my personal collection.