Symbolic Mythology: Interpretations of the Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome [Paperback]

John Fiore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2001

Symbolic Mythology is the essential guide to understanding the myths of the classical world. Through the authors unique mix of scholarly analysis and exciting storytelling, the divine, the heroic, and the monstrous become easily accessible to everyone from the casual reader to the serious student of myth. Revelations abound in this original, entertaining, and enlightening study of the myths of ancient Greece and Rome.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Fiore has been an educator in the field of literary studies for more than a decade. Utilizing his own critical theories, he has continually endeavored to make classical material more understandable, relevant, and enjoyable to todays readers. Symbolic Mythology is his first book about the myths of ancient Greece and Rome. He is married and lives in New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (October 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595204007
• ISBN-13: 978-0595204007
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,234,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not so much an interpretation as a translation, May 19, 2010

By 

Librerica "Book Pilgrim" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Symbolic Mythology: Interpretations of the Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome (Paperback)

The title of this book gives the impression that the author interprets the symbolism in mythological stories from ancient Greece and Rome, but that's not at all what the book actually is.

It would be better called a modern translation of the myths of ancient Greece and Rome. For example, in relating the story of Orion the Hunter, Fiore puts elements of the story into modern language that young people would have no trouble understanding:
"Hush child!" Oenopian waved off Aero. "So, off you go, hunter! If you'd like to leave the names of your kin with my attendants, you know, just in case you should, ummm, get hurt, we'll certainly let them know what's happened to you. Good hunting!"

The entire book is presented in this manner and does include many of the myths studied in literature and mythology courses, divided into sections by loose topics like Power and Purpose, Gods and Goddesses, etc.

So for young people having trouble understanding the myths as written by the super old dudes like Homer, Virgil, and Euripedes this book may be just the ticket to help you understand what the heck it's all about so you can write your paper about it and not have to BS your way through it.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fiore is God!, January 28, 2002

By 

Bradley Parkee (Rome, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symbolic Mythology: Interpretations of the Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome (Paperback)

Holy Zeus! This book is the Mount Olympus of mythology books! Blow torch your ancient copies of Edith Hamilton's "Mythology", and buy this ultra-hip, MTV friendly mythology masterpiece! After reading "Symbolic Mythology", you will suddenly realize that there are good books, bad books and books by Fiore! The books by Fiore transcend the words of mere mortals. A great man once said, "It takes a God to know a God," and Fiore certainly knows his Gods!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Curious about myth? Get it and you won't regret it!, February 19, 2008

By 

D. Tsimoyianis (New York, N.Y.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Symbolic Mythology: Interpretations of the Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome (Paperback)

This entertaining and informative guide to understanding Classical Myth is as timeless and cultivated as the myths themselves. The book even follows the tradition of several books that are considered "classics" in the Classics field (its cover image has absolutely no relevance to the text within). Unlike most of those works, this book covers many topics and myths which the author supplements with his enlightened analysis. Rightfully bound, this book is indeed a joy to read for the curious novice and the Classicist alike.