The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

by Kevin Osborn (Author), Ph.D., Dana L. Burgess (Author) "Do you like a good story?..." (more)
Key Phrases: ecstatic rites, classical imagery, classical mythology, Trojan War, The Odyssey, Golden Fleece (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
An exploration of timeless legends.

First told centuries ago, the ancient myths of the Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate and influence the world today. The expanded edition of this popular guide examines why these legends remain an integral part of human history, citing their literary value, and their presence throughout popular culture in such works as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, and the Coen brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

• Features a 50-page "who’s who" glossary of classical mythological characters— from both the Greek and Roman versions
• An updated look at recent movies and television series’ based on mythology, including Helen of Troy, HBO’s animated Odyssey, and the Disney Channel’s Hercules

About the Author
Kevin Osborn is the author of more than three dozen books, including two Complete Idiot’s Guides.

Dana L. Burgess, Ph.D., is a tenured associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, and classics, at Whitman College. He received both his Ph.D. in Greek and M.A. in Latin from Bryn Mawr College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 2 edition (November 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592572898
• ISBN-13: 978-1592572892
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #283,354 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Skeptic No More, June 19, 2000

By	Catherine Colegrove (Fort Wayne, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Mythology (Paperback)

I was a bit skeptical about purchasing my first "Complete Idiot's Guide," but this work won me over completely. It covers all the major aspects of Greek myth in a well-organized, easily understandable fashion. Authors Osborn and Burgess were not content with merely giving the "greatest hits" of myth, they include a wealth of detail and helpful historical/cultural notes. The "Least You Need to Know" sections at the end of each chapter are particularly nice. As a teacher of Classics I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who need an intro to Greek myth or anyone (like myself) who needs a handy reference.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for classical mythology fans., May 23, 2004

By	Marcy Gomez (Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Classical Mythology (Paperback)

Like most books in the "Idiot's Guide" series, this guide to classical mythology is an excellent and comprehensive resource book for fans of Greek and Roman mythology.

There are several mythology reference books available in the market today but more serious and 'seasoned' fans and scholars will likely prefer THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY by Kevin Osborn. We're not idiots, of course, but this book is meaty, entertaining and has more background information on the various gods/goddesses, heroes and stories. At over 350 pages, it has loads of information on various topics and stories in mythology. For instance, an entire chapter is dedicated to the Trojan War and Achilles and Odysseus also have their own chapters. With other mythology books, you would be lucky to have a few pages dedicated to Achilles alone.

Fans who want more than classical mythology will want to explore MYTHOLOGY FOR DUMMIES by Christopher Blackwell. This book also delves into the Arthurian legend, Norse myths, Beowulf, as well as world mythology in general (Chinese, Jewish, Hindu, etc).

These 2 books are all excellent. The choice lies on the readers' level of interests. I would recommend the "Complete Idiot's Guide" to those who enjoy Roman and Greek mythology or those who want to learn more about the Trojan War, Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts, Zeus, Hercules and the many other fascinating gods/goddesses and heroes of classical mythology.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Never Thought Mythology Was Entertaining? Think Again!, January 19, 2000

By	Laurel Webber-Gray (Pasco, Washington) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Classical Mythology (Paperback)

For anyone who feels that mythology is just too complicated and boring, this is the perfect book to change your mind. A multitude of mythological topics are covered susinctly and with a great deal of humor. Information is neatly categorized and easy to follow. This would be a great book for students newly exposed to mythology or teachers needing a refresher course! And the real clincher for me? It was co-written by Dana Burgess, who was one of my favorite professors at Whitman College and instilled in me a passion for classics nearly equalling his own.