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Cassell Dictionary
of Classical Mythology by Jennifer March
This work provides a comprehensive A-Z guide to the rich and
bewilderingly varied panoply of Greek and Roman mythology. It summarises all
the major legends and stories, from the creation of the cosmos to the aftermath
of the Trojan War and the foundation of Rome, provides a detailed who's who of
gods, heroes and mythical creatures, and discusses places, both real and
imaginary, that are central to classical myth. Extensive quotations from
ancient literature are included throughout the text, helping to give a sense of
the vibrant cultures that shaped the development of classical myth and legend.
At the same time, attention is drawn, where necessary, to different versions of
the same story and to the varying attitudes to major mythical figures taken by
classical poets and playwrights. The impact of mythology on ancient and
postclassical art is also discussed, as is the link occasionally to be found in
stories and legends between mythology and history.
From
Olympus to Camelot: The World of European Mythology by David Leeming
Following an initial exploration of the Indo-European sources
of European mythology and the connections between the myths of Europe and those
of India and Iran, the book proceeds to survey the major beliefs of Greek,
Roman, Celtic, Germanic, Baltic, and Slavic cultures, as well as the
mythologies of non-Indo-European cultures such as the Etruscans and the Finns.
Among its contents are introductions to the pantheons of various mythologies,
examinations of major mythological works, and retellings of the influential
mythical stories. This work also examines European deities, creation myths, and
heroes in the context of Christian belief, and considers the translation of
traditional stories into the mythologies of modern European political,
scientific, philosophical, and economic movements.
Mysterious
Celtic mythology in American folklore by Bob Curran
Many American legends have Celtic origins. Each chapter in
this fascinating book presents a Celtic myth and a similar American one. Celtic
immigrants brought these legends to all regions of the U.S. Old-world mythology
morphs into New World folklore. Curran recounts America's oldest legends and
traces their origins to the Celtic mythology of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales,
presenting a similar old-world tale alongside each American version. Once
transported to America, the original Celtic tales evolved to assimilate the new
population's geographic, social, and religious customs, weaving their way into
the fabric of American folk history.
Mythology
of the British Isles by Geoffrey Ashe
Ashe, author of several books on the Arthurian legends
(including Kings and Queens of Early Britain , LJ 8/90), here broadens his
focus and presents a group of Welsh, Irish, Scottish, and English folklore
that, taken together, creates a collective British mythology. Following the
format of Robert Graves's Greek Myths, each chapter is divided in two sections.
The first part is a narrative of the myth; the second, an explanation of the
reality behind it. For example, the myths about Stonehenge--that the stones
were magically set up by Merlin and were sacred to the Druids--are recounted in
the first section of Chapter 6, while the second section relates the
archaeological and astronomical findings that explain origins for many of the
stories.
Jealous
gods and chosen people: the mythology of the Middle East by David Leeming
David Leeming, who has authored more than twelve books on
mythology, here offers the first comprehensive narrative study of the mythology
of the Middle East, that tumultuous region that was the cradle of civilization.
With key maps, illustrations, bibliography, and index, Jealous Gods and Chosen
People provides an inclusive, authoritative, and captivating account of a
mythology that remains a potent - and often destructive - force in the world
today.
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