Customer Reviews

Symbolic Mythology: Interpretations of the Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

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!