Bulfinch's Greek and Roman Mythology: The Age of Fable (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Vivid, classic retellings of the myths of Greece and Rome, along with stories of the Norse gods and heroes. Zeus and Hera, Apollo, Jason and the golden fleece, the wanderings of Ulysses and Aeneas, the deeds of Thor, many more seminal stories underlying Western culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover Ed edition (April 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486411079
• ISBN-13: 978-0486411071
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,542 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes the Obscure Become Meaningful - and Fun to Read, November 2, 2000

By	Michael Wischmeyer (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"The Age of Fable" is an enjoyable, easy to read introduction to Greek and Roman mythology.

Today we lament that people have little time for the classics and even less for mythology. Bulfinch, writing in 1855, said much the same, "To devote study to a species of learning which relates wholly to false marvels and obsolete faiths, is not to be expected of a general reader in a practical age like this."

And yet without some familiarity with Greek and Roman mythology we not only have little understanding of Greek and Roman civilization, we also limit our appreciation for some of the greatest English literature and poetry. Shakespeare, Keats, Milton, and other English writers have assumed that readers are acquainted with mythology. And more basic, we also deprive ourselves of some fascinating and enjoyable stories and tales.

In writing "The Age of Fable" Bulfinch focused on "mythology as connected with literature", not just the fables themselves. He created a book that has remained easy to read and as well serves as an amazingly useful reference when reading 16th, 17th, and 18th century literature and poetry. I have repeatedly found that what was an obscure and murky reference to mythology took on meaning and significance by a quick visit to Bulfinch. I particularly appreciate his index of names: it really helps me track down those prolific deities.

I sometimes pick up "The Age of Fable" and simply browse a few pages, exploring a new tale, a new adventure by powerful deities with magnified human frailties. Buy a copy, you won't be disappointed.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Age of Fable: Greek and Roman myth. Bulfinch, July 8, 2000

By	Dale Smith (Sterling Heights, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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Overall a good book for novice readers to of mythology. Good basic stories written in prose. Also has explanations of the use of myth in poetry. The footnotes are clear and concise, and where appropriate provide further information about the text you just read. My only quibble with the book is that it's called Greek and Roman myth, when they put the names of Roman deities first, and the name of the Greek dieties in parentheses. This is a book you read if you want to expand your knowledge base about mythology. This is not a book for people already know the stories. This is a good book for people who know nothing about greek myth, and are looking for a place to start.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stimulating bedtime stories, August 21, 2005

By	Scott gru-Bell (Fort Mill, SC, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This classic book on clasaical mythology is exceptionally well written. Each story is short, most only a page or two. The adventures are succinctly presented and the language used adds considerably to the readability and excitement of the myths.

As one untrained in mythology, I have often found Greek plays and Homer to be obscure. But now, I can reread those classics with far greater understanding.

For those, like me, who have an interest in Greece and Roman, but whose background is in other fields, Bulfinch's "Mythology" is an outstanding nightly read. Just a few stories at a time will suffice, and you will delight in the endeavor for many a month.