Customer Reviews

Cassell's Dictionary of Classical Mythology (Cassell Reference)

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I've been searching for a dictionary of Greek/Roman mythology for some time now. Have come across a number and have snapped up some of them. All were inadequate, until I came across Jenny March's volume. I could almost say my search is over.

Thus far I have _Dictionary of Mythology_ by Bergen Evans, _The Encyclopedia of the Gods_ by Michael Jordan (nah!, can't be the basketball star), and _Who's Who in Classical Mythology_ by Adrian Room. I've enumerated them in order of usefulness. Don't even consider Evans' book. For most of the entries you get less than a paragraph of description. Either he isn't knowledgeable enough or the publisher was trying to save on paper (newsprint for that matter!). On the other hand I have doubts about Jordan's credibility since he makes the mistake of saying that Salus was a god, when in fact she's a goddess. I even perpetuated his error in my paper!

At over 800 pages Dr. March's dictionary is extensive and in depth in its coverage. Complete opposite of the Evans title. For most entries March gives a great synopsis of the tales particular to that character, and even informs the reader when variants of the story exists. In the appendices her book even includes a family tree of the gods. Quite handy as a graphical aid to see which deity came from whom. As a bonus there's a glossary of geographical names and list of Greek and Latin authors.

And to top it off the book is attractive both inside and out. When I first saw it I knew instinctively it had a European flavor, and indeed it is published in England. Cassell has certainly taken time and effort to produce a worthy reference. I find the font they've used for the main text very pleasing, conducive to reading and the subject matter at hand. I take pride in displaying this opus on top of my desk.

Am not too savvy of this subject but the one deity thus far that isn't in March's work is Salus. She's the goddess of health, but somehow she wasn't included by the author. Too little info on this goddess perhaps?

I own a lot of classical mythology books, mainly Grecian ones. Out of all those books, I surely love this one. It is very in depth and gives a very extensive background on a subject. It also has recommendations on books to read (like Hesiod's Theogony) for certain characters. I think it's is the ulimate mythology guide!!! There's a map of the Mediterranean and Greece so you will know where places like Rhodes and Ephesus are located. It also has a genealogy of certain lineages including the Gods, and the House of Troy, Athens, Thebes, etc.

Jenny March has here created what is surely the definitive book on Greco-Roman mythology. The dictionary is incredibly thorough and well-written; but fiercely accurate without any romanticising gloss or faux-biblical style. The text is interpersed with sometimes haunting images from ancient art - such as the Athenian pottery painting showing Heracles journeying across dark oceans in the golden bowl belonging to Helios.
If you are into Greek and Roman mythology (actually it seems the Romans pinched most of their mythology from the Greeks), then here they are in all their primitive glory, local variant stories and all. I find this book especially good for re-reading, with many entries I have never even heard of.

This reference book is out of print, but can be obtained if one looks around. It is an excellent addition to set books on a Classical Studies degree course lists, although may not be listed at present. A chunky handful and packed with information which will hold the inquirer's attention and add much to their knowledge. Dr Jenny March, of Oxford University, won the 1999 Runciman award for this book. I am finding it a great help in my present course of study. Certainly a reference book worth having and keeping by one.

My copy was obtained through Amazon and came from the USA. The service I experienced when buying this book was second to none.