136 of 137 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good book for entertainment or education, July 19, 2000
This review is from: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes (Mass Market Paperback)
Hamilton's mythology deserves its place with Bulfinch's mythology as one of the primary anthologies of classical mythology. Although the book covers Greek/Roman myths thoroughly, the Norse myths are touched upon only briefly, which is why I have given the book four stars rather than five. Nonetheless, the quality of the book is excellent, and it is useful as a volume to be read for entertainment, and as a classroom primer (I myself have taught a Mythology class using it as the primary textbook). Hamilton's retellings are engaging, and her scholasticism is evident throughout--a small example is her use of the less popular Roman names for the primary gods (Jupiter, Juno, Mars, etc.) when they are found in myths of Roman origin. Hamilton also includes information at the beginning of most chapters about the source of the myth and its author, which is very helpful. She synthesizes the longer myths, such as the Trojan War (found in the Iliad) and the quest for the golden fleece in such a way as to highlight their major events and give the reader a flavor of their content. Overall, I have not encountered a better survey of classical mythology in one volume. Incidentally, if the reader desires more information on the Norse Myths, I recommend Kevin Crossley-Holland's Norse Myths, which is also an excellent volume.
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87 of 89 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All You'll Likely Need, May 13, 2000
This review is from: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes (Mass Market Paperback)
"Mythology" covers all the major and most minor Greek, Norse and Roman gods, goddesses, stories and locales. Edith Hamilton makes no pretenses that this is all there is to say on mythology, but she gives a reader a fine start.
Hamilton puts them into sensible structures so beginners can learn in a context which are easy to understand. She provides major section titles helping readers get straight to the required story, like "Stories of Love and Adventure" You'll find "Cupid and Psyche" as a chapter.
Chapters are named mostly by story like, "The Trojan War."
She quotes from the sources, so the reader knows how it is she got her information.
Character-driven in format, readers can look up a name, find the subtitle with that name, and read why that character matters. She writes narratively, sounding a little like "Cliff's Notes." This is a good thing, because the poetry from which these myths are drawn can be overwhelming.
Nicely organized is the geneological table section. It looks like a family tree, in a English royalty kind of way.
As a writer, I use it for a quick reference guide. I usually only need a few nuggets of information, and she gives me plenty. I first acquired it high school, using it to get out of those tough jams when I did not understand books like "The Odyssey," by Homer.
More than mere reference, "Mythology" is good reading for no other purpose than serendipitous curiosity.
I fully recommend it.
Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read. Couldn't put it down., October 20, 1999
By A Customer
I have been trying to find a good book to tell the great stories of ancient mythology and this did it. It was a wonderful book for anyone. Even if you are not really into mythology this would be and interesting book since it is part of history. After reading this book, it enhanced my love for mythology and I am now on a mythology binge, reading Homer's Odessey and Iliad. It is a definate must read
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