Mythology (Hardcover)

by Edith Hamilton (Author), Steele Savage (Illustrator)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 497 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1st edition (1942)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000U3CGP4
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #305,512 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Mythology Edith Hamilton, November 19, 2008

By	Cooper's Antiques "Cooper's Antiques" (Maryville, TN) - See all my reviews

This book is designed more for the beginner in Mythology. I would assume it was for junior high to high school level. It is written on a level a child can understand. If you are looking for a college help, it may not be as in depth as you wish, but if it is for enjoyment, introduction, or less than college level, it is good reading.

3.0 out of 5 stars MYTHOLOGY by Edith Hamilton, April 3, 2008

By	Gandhi the Vile (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews

Mythology is classicist Edith Hamilton's book on Greek, Roman and Norse mythology, illustrated by Steele Savage (no kidding). The bulk of the work is devoted to the Greek, and the Norse is mentioned only in passing. Myths are arranged thematically, not chronologically (except for the initial creation), which is disruptive to the flow of the work.

Hamilton does several things well. First, she gives history on the authors from whom these stories have descended, and differentiates between their styles. Second, she gives good insight into the character of the people of the time as well as into the character of the mythological figures. She obviously knows the material and cares about it.

Mythology reads like a history book. Many stories get wrapped up too quickly, and quite a few are told too simplistically. Many details are left out. The writing is juvenile at times, and paragraph flow is occasionally an issue. This is almost a Cliff's Notes on mythology. Ultimately, Hamilton makes most of these myths boring. Others, with too many details cut out, the reader will find hard to get into.

Mythology has some good things to offer, but on the whole, this is an inferior way to enjoy the myths. This book may be useful to some as a quick-reference guide, but that's about it.

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