Customer Reviews:
The wrong title? .......2007-09-09
Once again I am not overly impressed by the breadth and depth of this piece of the Getty Publications "Art" series. It might have been more properly titled; "Key Figures of Ancient Greco-Roman Legend and Mythology."
Nothing about Celtic, Norse, Germanic or Slavic is included, let alone out of the center of the Greco-Roman's Europe. All of these bits and pieces are instrumental in understanding modern Western civilization and artwork, and it's roots. The simple arrogance of ignoring them in such an all inclusive title is insulting.
The colour plates are the one strong point, and saving grace of this publication. While they are undersized at just under 6" x 8", some plates being as small as 1" x 3", so as to not be able to truly appreciate the masterpieces of art included; the collection is one of the most concise I've seen. I would have prefered this in a coffee table size, to be able to truly appreciate the subtles hues and tones, and complex imagery in the included art.
I am not overly thrilled with the callouts and pointers on top of the artwork. "Hero throws herself from the tower in desperation after Leander's death." and an ugly line across the art to the robed body falling to the rocky reaches below. The style is overtly reminiscent of a seventh grade biology text book, which I would presume is the level this work is written to.
I don't believe it is meant to be presented to a literary adult audience. If you obtain this as an equivilant of Cliffs Notes to Greco-Roman mythology artworks, then it will be spot on. Even with the authors' pompous of evaluation in the introduction of how difficult it is to understand and interpret artwork and legend and the wonderful work in making such a compilation; I still feel somewhat cheated buying it used.
I feel a work such as Celtic Myths and Legendshas more worth on my bookshelf, without the colourful plates and descriptors.
Wonderful!!!.......2004-10-13
This book was wonderfully done and very useful for the appreciation and study of the ancient gods and the works of art depicting them. This book is chuck full of artwork (375 pages). You will not be disappointed! Great to use along side the study of ancient history, as the art is captivating and really brings the gods to life! Good for all ages.
Mythology and the art that celebrates it.......2004-08-23
I first saw this book for sale at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for way more than I could afford. Thank goodness for Amazon. This full-color, art-filled guide to Gods and Heroes (including characters from the epics of Homer) has to be one of my favorite books on the shelf.
Each subject gets at least a short caption explaining the major myths surrounding him or her, then one or more of the world's great paintings protraying an episode from the myth, with short but excellent captions explaining features of the painting and symbols that identify the God or Hero. Of course Art History majors will find this book irresistable -- but I think most people with any kind of interest in art or Greek and Roman mythology will too.
Case in point: I showed this book to an IT guy I work with and he was so impressed by it he immediately went online and ordered two copies, one for himself and one for a young cousin he knew would love it. I know I would've loved to have it as a kid, when I was in that phase where I was deep into Greek mythology and Homeric tales. It also would've made field trips to the museum a lot more interesting too, since half the fun is taking what you've learned and applying it: "That must be Athena. See the spear, and the shield and the helmet. Cool. Hey, that one was in the book!"
Or something like that. I also plan to check out the other books in the series: Old Testament Figures in Art, Gospel Figure in Art and Saints in Art. I'm not as much into Christian iconography, but if those books are half as cool as this one is, I'll really enjoy them. 5 big stars out of 5!
Full-color plates of masterpiece artworks from human history.......2003-07-20
400 full-color plates of masterpiece artworks from human history superbly illuminate the pages of Gods And Heroes In Art, which presents the readers with a brief introduction to (and an informative summary of) the legends behind the deities of Greek and Roman mythology that are often depicted in classical art. Gods And Heroes In Art is visual feast as well as a convenient reference for art and mythology buffs. Also very highly recommended is a companion volume from the J. Paul Getty Museum, Saints In Art (0892367172, $..., 384 pages, 400 color plates).
Book Description
The two Homeric poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, have long been considered masterpieces, and their influence on subsequent Greek and Western literature has been immense. An international team of experts discusses the poems, their background and composition, and subsequent reception to the present day. Each chapter features contemporary critical insights and closes with a guide to further reading on the topic.
Average customer rating:
- The Best Guide to Classical Myths
- Ian Myles Slater on A Fine Book Under Any Title
- The Best Myth Dictionary Out There
- An indespensible reference for anyone reading English lit.
|
The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology (Meridian)
Edward Tripp
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Literary Theory
| History & Criticism
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Mythology
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Folklore & Mythology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Science
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Mythology & Folklore
| Encyclopedias
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Fiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Homeric Hymns; A Verse Translation
-
Four Tragedies and Octavia (Penguin Classics)
-
Works and Days and Theogony
-
Metamorphoses (Oxford World's Classics)
-
Odyssey
ASIN: 0452009278 |
Book Description
The ultimate single-volume reference guide to Greek and Roman mythology
An ideal resource for students, teachers, librarians, writers, and readers of great literature, the Meridian Handbook has set the standard for over three decades as the classic guide to the myths of Greece and Rome. From Athena to Zeus, Abantes to Zninthe, the epic heroes and gods who inhabit the pantheon of great literature are covered in fascinating detail. Complete stories and short identifications of characters, events, place names, and constellations are included. For a fuller perspective of the mythological realm, there are maps of the classical world and genealogical charts of the great royal lines. Comprehensive and accessible, the Meridian Handbook is an indispensable aid to understanding and enjoying mythology.
Customer Reviews:
The Best Guide to Classical Myths .......2005-05-06
This is the best handbook of Classical Mythology I've ever encountered. It contains hundreds of entries of names (was anyone left out?), all in alphabetical order, of major and minor characters of the Greek and Roman myths. A very full account of each entry is given, including variants of many of the stories. Also included is a pronunciation index for most of the names listed. This is a tremendous resource for students and teachers alike. A great reference work.
Ian Myles Slater on A Fine Book Under Any Title.......2003-10-02
Edward Tripp's encyclopedic survey of Greek and Roman myths was originally published in hardcover 1970, in the United States by the Thomas Y. Crowell Co. as "Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology," with a simultaneous Canadian edition, and in Britain by Barker as just "The Handbook of ...". It was reissued as a trade paperback under the New American Library's Meridian imprint under title "Meridian Handbook" in 1974, and continued to be reprinted under this title, as the publishing industry was reshuffled, into the 1990s. So far as I can determine, the various editions are identical, so anyone looking for a copy can probably follow availability and price.
It now seems to be out of print, under any of the various titles, which is a shame. It is somewhat more comprehensive and generally easier to use than Kerenyi's admirable "Gods of the Greeks" and "Heroes of the Greeks," and far more reliable than Robert Graves' idiosyncratic and erratic "The Greek Myths." (One can hope for a future reprinting -- perhaps as "Tripp's Handbook..."?).
With its comprehensive coverage, and general preference for literary data over interpretation, Tripp's "Handbook" can serve as either a first-rate introduction or a convenient reference book, depending on a reader's needs and level of knowledge. A "pronouncing index" helpfully distinguishes traditional English pronunciations of names from currently favored approximations of the original Greek and Latin.
Tripp's dictionary-style arrangement of the material is easy to follow, the articles are usefully cross-referenced, and the sources in classical texts are carefully noted. The length of the article usually corresponds well to the prominence of the god or hero, but some relatively minor figures get the space needed to sort out contradictory reports. Most of the relevant classical writers get their own articles as well -- although it is often a good idea to look at the corresponding entry in Lillian Feder's "Handbook of Classical Literature" (also once published as "Crowell's Handbook...," and again as a "Meridian Handbook..." in paperback, and recently reprinted by Da Capo), for more specialized information in a similar format.
The Best Myth Dictionary Out There.......1999-07-30
The entries in this book are written far more clearer than in Grimal's myth dictionary. In fact I have enjoyed it more than the works of Edith Hamilton. This is a must have for any budding mythologist.
An indespensible reference for anyone reading English lit........1998-09-24
I'm delighted to find that THE MERIDIAN HANDBOOK OF CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY is still available. My 1970 copy has served me well over the years, both as a student and as a committed reader of liturature. My seventh-grade daughter is now using my old copy. It won't survive the year. Thus, I'm pleased to find it has been reprinted. The book is arranged like a dictionary. Every name in Greek and Roman literature is listed and an identifying discussion provided. Mr. Tripp sources the entries so the curious reader can look further. The print is small. Some readers may want to use a magnifying glass.
Book Description
Everything you ever wanted to know about King Arthur and his knights is covered in this fascinating volume: the origins of the Grail legend, the Tristan and Isolde love story in opera and literature, Spielberg's use of Arthurian motifs in Star Wars , the depiction of Arthur in paintings, the presentation of Camelot on the Broadway stage, the twitting of the legend in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and much more.
This critical survey of Arthurian history and legend, archaeology, literature, and the arts from the fifth century to the present provides an introduction for the general reader and a useful summary for the specialist. It offers both historical facts and key discussions on Arthurian subjects, from post-Roman Britain to the most recent novels and films. There is a lengthy glossary of Arthurian characters, motifs, and places, a chronology of major historical and literary items, a guide to pronunciation, and a full bibliography.
What's new in the Second Edition:All the material has been revised and updated to 1996 since the original 1988 edition; The chapter on modern literature has been thoroughly revised, with new material on writings from France, Germany, England, and America; The coverage of King Arthur in the arts has entirely rewritten by one of the premier authorities in Arthurian studies. Brand-new geneological charts of the ancestry of Arthur and his family and the Grail kings and knights.; A fully up-to-date chronology; Many new illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent survey of Arthurian literature for scholars.......2002-08-16
If you want to know about the evolution of the Arthurian legends, from their basis in history to their literary evolution, this is a perfect book for you.
The book traces the history of tales through the most ancient works from Wales and Brittany, through the evolution of the stories by various authors -- Chretien de Troyes, Wolfram von Eschenbach, Thomas Malory, and even considers works from the nineteenth and twentieth century (Tennyson, the marvelous though largely unread works of Charles Williams, T.S. Eliot, T.H. White, and even Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
The book is an indispensable reference for keeping the legends straight in your mind, especially where there are differences of opinion (for instance, was the Grail a platter, a stone, or a chalice for the author).
The book is intended as a reference book, so it is not for someone looking to read a story or two -- it is meant to be a guide to understanding the literary development of the cycle.
As such, it is an indispensable guide to the various works out there.
Book Description
By offering, for the first time in a single edition, complete English translations of Apollodorus' Library and Hyginus' Fabulae -- the two most important surviving "handbooks" of classical mythography -- this volume enables readers to compare the two's versions of the most important Greek and Roman myths. A General Introduction sets the Library and Fabulae into the wider context of ancient mythography; introductions to each text discuss in greater detail issues of authorship, aim, and influence. A general index, an index of people and geographic locations, and an index of authors and works cited by the mythographers are also included.
Customer Reviews:
informative overview of ancient Greek art.......2004-12-16
This is great as a nice introductory survey of artwork, some myth, and some history of ancient Greece. Carpenter divides the book into chapters and sections according to important characters (heroes, Olympian gods) and events (Trojan War and its aftermath). In each, he provides a good overview, brings in historical and contextual information to provide narratives to the relevant artworks he provides at the end of the section (which is rather inconvenient to have to keep flipping the pages if you don't know what he's referring to). Themes, characterization, attributes, trajectories etc etc can all found in this book which is quite compact for the amount of information it provides.
Good basic introduction.......2000-05-15
A good undergraduate source of the visual images that are one survival form of the classical myths. Basic information about ancient art gives the reader just enough knowledge to understand technically why certain traits appear, such as the different "color" of males and females. Packed with pictures, it is an excellent source for both classical studies and art history at the undergraduate level.
Average customer rating:
- Ian Myles Slater on Other Titles, Same Book
- the best classical mythology reference guide by far!
|
Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology (A Crowell reference book)
Edward Tripp
Manufacturer: Ty Crowell Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Folklore & Mythology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Mythology
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 069022608X |
Customer Reviews:
Ian Myles Slater on Other Titles, Same Book.......2003-10-02
Edward Tripp's encyclopedic survey of Greek and Roman myths was originally published in hardcover 1970, in the United States by the Thomas Y. Crowell Co. as "Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology," with a simultaneous Canadian edition, and in Britain by Barker as just "The Handbook of ...". It was reissued as a trade paperback under the New American Library's Meridian imprint under title "Meridian Handbook" in 1974, and continued to be reprinted under this title, as the publishing industry was reshuffled, into the 1990s. So far as I can determine, the various editions are identical, so anyone looking for a copy can probably follow availability and price.
It now seems to be out of print, under any of the various titles, which is a shame. It is somewhat more comprehensive and generally easier to use than Kerenyi's admirable "Gods of the Greeks" and "Heroes of the Greeks," and far more reliable than Robert Graves' idiosyncratic and erratic "The Greek Myths." (One can hope for a future reprinting (perhaps as "Tripp's Handbook...").
With its comprehensive coverage, and general preference for literary data over interpretation, Tripp's "Handbook" can serve as either a first-rate introduction or a convenient reference book, depending on a reader's needs and level of knowledge. A "pronouncing index" helpfully distinguishes traditional English pronunciations of names from currently favored approximations of the original Greek and Latin.
Tripp's dictionary-style arrangement of the material is easy to follow, the articles are usefully cross-referenced, and the sources in classical texts are carefully noted. The length of the article usually corresponds well to the prominence of the god or hero, but some relatively minor figures get the space needed to sort out contradictory reports. Most of the relevant classical writers get their own articles as well -- although it is often a good idea to look at the corresponding entry in Lillian Feder's "Handbook of Classical Literature" (also once published as "Crowell's Handbook...," and again as a "Meridian Handbook..." in paperback, and recently reprinted by Da Capo) for more specialized information in a similar format.
the best classical mythology reference guide by far!.......1998-01-18
Tripp put in all in here: characters, tribes, geographical divisions and more. Character entries feature any alternate names for the character, other personae identified with the character, parentage (or creation or other origin), and a synopsis of every myth containing the character, including notations of any conflicts between tellings by different poets and mythographers. Geographical division entries feature alternate names, history of founding or establishment, and notable births, rulerships and events within them. Tripp must have invested painstaking effort to make this book this thorough and complete -- it shames all other classical mythology references guides that I've ever seen!
Average customer rating:
- Quickie Classical Reference Book
- An invaluable reference!
|
Who's Who in the Ancient World: A Handbook to the Survivors of the Greek and Roman Classics (Penguin reference books)
Betty Radice
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ancient
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Greece
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Greek
| Foreign Language
| Dictionaries & Thesauruses
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Mythology & Folklore
| Encyclopedias
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Genealogy
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Greek & Roman
| Mythology
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Mythology
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0140510559 |
Customer Reviews:
Quickie Classical Reference Book.......2007-02-27
This is an excellent little reference book for the ancient Greco-Roman Classical world. Great for the student of ancient history or mythology or for classical allusions in literature or political science made to this day.
An invaluable reference!.......1998-04-16
This book offers invaluable references for travel, literature art...heck, even songs by Sting! I purchased my first copy while in art school where I couldn't keep straight all of the tales of love, betrayal and revenge in the ancient world. After four months in Italy and Greece it is worn, torn and lovingly wine stained, but it has served me well. I used it to decipher names on structures in the Roman Forum and to reveal the meaning of paintings in the Ufizzi. Without it my travels would not have been nearly as rich.
Average customer rating:
|
A Companion to Homer's Odyssey
James V. Morrison
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Epic
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Greek
| Classics
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Classics
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Greek & Roman
| Mythology
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Atlases
| Atlases & Maps
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Mythology & Folklore
| Encyclopedias
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Ancient Greek
| Instruction
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Travel Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Literature & Fiction
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Reference
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Odyssey of Homer
-
A Companion to The Iliad (Phoenix Books)
-
The Aeneid of Virgil (Bantam Classics)
ASIN: 0313318549 |
Book Description
Odysseus lost his way, but students shouldn't have to. This delightful companion, written in a lively narrative style and full of fresh insights and interpretations, offers teachers a wealth of ideas for making Homer's timeless epic come alive for students. Introductory chapters provide the historical and mythological background necessary to fully appreciate the events in the Odyssey. A fascinating essay acquaints students with Homeric values and another examines the Odyssey as literature, offering expert discussion of the work's structure and poetic features and situating it in the oral tradition it exemplifies. Maps, charts, tables, and photographs help readers further appreciate the story and its historical context. At the core of this resource are units on each of the 24 books of the Odyssey; each is attractively presented with an illustration, plot synopsis, and discussion of theme and character development. Well-placed sidebars offer supplemental information on various facets of classical antiquity, such as the position of women in Ancient Greece, the role of competitive sports, and interesting etymological aspects of the Greek language. At the back of the book is a listing of main characters, along with a handy pronunciation guide. Additional appendices explore the enduring influence of the Odyssey in literature, the arts, and even popular culture, with a separate section examining Odyssean themes in movies. Useful ideas for activities and classroom projects are offered, as are suggestions for further reading and online research.
Books:
- Governing the Soul: The Shaping of the Private Self
- Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Baby Board Books)
- Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Real Estate Market Analysis: A Case Study Approach
- Land Development Handbook
- Errol Flynn: The Life and Career
- Conversational Spanish for Hospitality Managers and Supervisors: Basic Language Skills for Daily Ope
- Game Writing: Narrative Skills for Videogames
- Lady on the Hill: How Biltmore Became an American Icon
- Giraffes
- Introduction to Management Accounting, Chap. 1-14
- CONTABILIDAD TEORIA Y PRACTICA TOMO 1 PRINCIPIOS DE CONTABILIDAD SOLUCIONES DE LOS EJERCICIOS PRACTI
- Daily Life in Holland in the Year 1566
Symbols and Allegories in Art (Guide to Imagery Series)
Angels and Demons in Art (Guide to Imagery Series)
Old Testament Figures in Art (Guide to Imagery)
Saints in Art
Nature and Its Symbols (Guide to Imagery Series)
