Customer Reviews

The Dictionary of Classical Mythology

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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Zimmerman's classical dictionary is one of the best for an introduction to classical myth and classical dictionaries. The book manages to avoid the story-telling of strictly popular "myth books" and to avoid information that will be extranneous to a novice reader. At the same time, each entry gives sources, so readers know, for example, that the story of Philomela was covered Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, Milton, Sidney, Keats, and a host of others as well as Apollodorus. In other words, it is a fantastically useful resource for readers of English literature as well as classical. The affordability of the volume (and the portability of it) has made it an absolutely essential first-buy for anyone serious about reading. Even when working in the most precise and demanding forms of editing and annotation of literature, Zimmerman's book is still the first-grab, first-glance entry point to further research.

This book has one thing most (as far as I can tell) classical mythology references don't have: PRONUNCIATION for every entry. It's clear and complete, with even obscure references, and includes main sources.

At any price, this is an excellent resource.

This is quite possibly the best, inexpensive reference material ever. This is very good. The entries are clear and concise. The names have pronunciation guides and where they are mentioned. It also has entries over the authors who wrote the works. The entries also have cross-references to other entries in the book. The font of the book is clear and there is enough white space to where the words do not seem cluttered. While this may seem not that important, when you are having to look up a character very fast so you can respond to a question, you will be thankful. I have only one problem with this book. Some of the entries on the groups of characters, such as the muses, only reference you to the names of the characters, not what they did together as a group. Even with this, this book is something you can buy and not worry about making a wrong buy.

Whenever I want to know about anyone from Greek or Roman mythology, this is the first book I grab. They're all listed alphabetically & there is a satisfyingly concise description of each. Entries tend to be so short that this book is by no means the only one to read about mythology in, but it's an indispensible place to start.

If you love the pioneering work on mythology done by Edith Hamilton, then this book is a necessary companion for you. Although she always covered the figures and places fairly well, obviously it becomes simpler when you have a dictionary beside you as an extra source (and at times the one and only) pointing us all in the right direction. If Greek and Roman mythology have ever stumped you beyond what you thought was repair, I promise that this book has the potential to clear that obscurity up. And look at the used price, you can actually AFFORD it, too! YAY! So if you want to better understand Hamilton, or even Joe Campbell, purchase this buddy. It's well worth the investment! Enjoy!

"Dictionary of Classical Mythology" by J. E. Zimmerman is affordable, portable, and has broad application into understanding ancient customs, beliefs, value systems, and how they impact contemporary academics, astronomy, science, art, literature, religion, and how ancient mythology is alluded to in editorials, lectures, advertisements, and Science-Fiction / Fantasy themes for TV & theater. This book not only references the Greek mythology, but also Roman; explaining that who the Greeks called Zeus, the Romans knew as Jupiter; who the Greeks knew as Aphrodite, the Romans called her Venus; and so on. "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" by Homer, are much more enjoyable if you can connect the mythology influence as part of your understanding. A tour of any museum of antiquities is going to be a better experience if you have this book with you for reference.
"Dictionary of Classical Mythology" by J. E. Zimmerman gives a foundational background of the early ancient Gods & Goddesses; breaking it down into modern terms, and suggesting potential contemporary influences. There are just under 2,100 entries that are given pronunciation and definition. Although abridged, one handy feature kept consistent throughout is when one is mentioned that belongs in a group, the others are mentioned (such as the nine muses); as well as other cross-reference within this book. Usage key, suggestions for further reading, mythological entries, historical entries, biographical entries, variant names and spelling, and other features make this book the one to have; not just the affordability or portability.
An example:
Vulcan (vul' can) The Roman name for the god of fire and metalworking. He established a great forge in the heart of Mount Aetna, in partnership with the great Cyclopes. See Hephaestus.
(Hephaestus is listed in this same book and takes half a page when you cross-reference to that other page by the alternate name; which cross references ad infinitum with related people, places, or things.)
Along with the nearly 2 dozen books listed in the back of this book, seriously interested research into ancient mythology can also take advantage of how Amazon dot com offers DVD documentaries such as by A&E "Ancient Mysteries - Myths & Legends" by John Swanson; The History Channel "Gods and Goddesses"; and In Search Of History "The Greek Gods (History Channel)." If you are looking for something geared more toward your preteen age children, consider "Oh My Gods!: A Look-it-Up Guide to the Gods of Mythology" an encyclopedia by Megan E. Bryant.
This book is worth having, and I rate it at 4 stars only because IMHO it cannot rise above encyclopedia merit, and although it has 300 pages of material, there are no illustrations of any kind which by default means nearly all who might purchase this book will want a book that DOES have illustrations and this book then becomes a secondary companion to the other. The paradox of that becomes profound because had the author of this book included illustrations (as mythology students prefer), it wouldn't have stayed as affordable or as portable. For what it is, as it is, I rate this book 4 stars.

Bought as a gift for a student and really appreciated. It also makes a good reference book for the future.

Its a wonderful mini reference to the Gods and Goddesses of the Greek pantheon.