Customer Reviews

The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology

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Edward Tripp's encyclopedic survey of Greek and Roman myths was originally published in hardcover 1970, in the United States by the Thomas Y. Crowell Co. as "Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology," with a simultaneous Canadian edition, and in Britain by Barker as just "The Handbook of ...". It was reissued as a trade paperback under the New American Library's Meridian imprint under title "Meridian Handbook" in 1974, and continued to be reprinted under this title, as the publishing industry was reshuffled, into the 1990s. So far as I can determine, the various editions are identical, so anyone looking for a copy can probably follow availability and price.

It now seems to be out of print, under any of the various titles, which is a shame. It is somewhat more comprehensive and generally easier to use than Kerenyi's admirable "Gods of the Greeks" and "Heroes of the Greeks," and far more reliable than Robert Graves' idiosyncratic and erratic "The Greek Myths." (One can hope for a future reprinting -- perhaps as "Tripp's Handbook..."?).

With its comprehensive coverage, and general preference for literary data over interpretation, Tripp's "Handbook" can serve as either a first-rate introduction or a convenient reference book, depending on a reader's needs and level of knowledge. A "pronouncing index" helpfully distinguishes traditional English pronunciations of names from currently favored approximations of the original Greek and Latin.

Tripp's dictionary-style arrangement of the material is easy to follow, the articles are usefully cross-referenced, and the sources in classical texts are carefully noted. The length of the article usually corresponds well to the prominence of the god or hero, but some relatively minor figures get the space needed to sort out contradictory reports. Most of the relevant classical writers get their own articles as well -- although it is often a good idea to look at the corresponding entry in Lillian Feder's "Handbook of Classical Literature" (also once published as "Crowell's Handbook...," and again as a "Meridian Handbook..." in paperback, and recently reprinted by Da Capo), for more specialized information in a similar format.

This is the best handbook of Classical Mythology I've ever encountered. It contains hundreds of entries of names (was anyone left out?), all in alphabetical order, of major and minor characters of the Greek and Roman myths. A very full account of each entry is given, including variants of many of the stories. Also included is a pronunciation index for most of the names listed. This is a tremendous resource for students and teachers alike. A great reference work.

The entries in this book are written far more clearer than in Grimal's myth dictionary. In fact I have enjoyed it more than the works of Edith Hamilton. This is a must have for any budding mythologist.

I'm delighted to find that THE MERIDIAN HANDBOOK OF CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY is still available. My 1970 copy has served me well over the years, both as a student and as a committed reader of liturature. My seventh-grade daughter is now using my old copy. It won't survive the year. Thus, I'm pleased to find it has been reprinted. The book is arranged like a dictionary. Every name in Greek and Roman literature is listed and an identifying discussion provided. Mr. Tripp sources the entries so the curious reader can look further. The print is small. Some readers may want to use a magnifying glass.

Tripp's The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology is an amazing reference. Nice to see it back in print. Not only does it have a storyline summary of each myth, it also has a complete listing of all the sources for the myth in the ancient texts (even paragraph and line numbers), which allows the reader to research the ancient text to get firsthand information. It is absolutely indispensable for any writer. It also has the variations of storyline that occur in many myths. Includes genealogical charts for some of the more important families. I am a writer myself and have been using this book for the last twenty years.

David Sheppard

This is without a doubt the definitive guide to Greek mythology. I have used other sources but none of them even come close to this dictionary. The sheer amount of information per entry, including multiple versions of the myths, is staggering. If the guide has one weakness, it is that it is a little weak on Roman mythology. The information on the Aeneid is not quite as detailed as I would expect it to be, but by no means should that prevent a purchase. If for any reason you need a reference for the Greek myths, this should be the first place you look.

Ed Tripp wrote this book over the span of many years and it shows on every page. Excellent cross-references, alternate names indexed meticulously, superb background on every entry. The only downside is the paperback format - I wore my first copy out long ago!