Apollodorus' Library and Hyginus' Fabulae: Two Handbooks of Greek Mythology [Paperback]

Apollodorus (Author), Hyginus (Author), R. Scott Smith (Translator), Stephen M. Trzaskoma (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0872208206 | ISBN-13: 978-0872208209 | Publication Date: March 2007

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"These two translations are excellent, finding a good balance of accuracy and readability." -- (Daniel W. Berman, Pennsylvania State University)

From the Back Cover

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. "These two translations are excellent, finding a good balance of accuracy and readability. . . . the Apollodorus, which has a few relatively recent competitors, adopts a style that will be much more welcome to readers than other renderings currently available. The translation of the Fabulae will be especially welcome for teaching, since it is difficult to find this in a readable English version. "The General Introduction strikes a balance -- both informed and informal -- that will appeal to instructors and students. There is certainly nowhere else one can go to find such a succinct yet thorough discussion of these major Greek mythographers. . . the discussion remains readable, focused, and pleasantly informal. The maps and genealogical charts are excellent and useful . . . these charts create something truly useful for student readers."

--Daniel W. Berman, Pennsylvania State University "The Introduction is exceptionally well written, enormously informative, and a pleasure to read. It is written in a conversational but elegant style, and is clearly addressed to an audience of students and enthusiastic amateurs."

--Monica Cyrino, University of New Mexico

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: Hackett Pub Co Inc (March 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872208206
• ISBN-13: 978-0872208209
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #293,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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