The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Classical Mythology, 2nd Edition by Kevin Osborn (PDF)

Description

An exploration of timeless legends. First told centuries ago, the ancient myths of the Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate and influence the world today. The expanded edition of this popular guide examines why these legends remain an integral part of human history, citing their literary value, and their presence throughout popular culture in such works as J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter novels, and the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Features a 50-page whos who glossary of classical mythological characters from both the Greek and Roman versions An updated look at recent movies and television series based on mythology, including Helen of Troy, HBOs animated Odyssey, and the Disney Channels Hercules

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: About the Author Kevin Osborn is the author of more than three dozen books, including two Complete Idiots Guides. Dana L. Burgess, Ph.D., is a tenured associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, and classics, at Whitman College. He received both his Ph.D. in Greek and M.A. in Latin from Bryn Mawr College.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Like most books in the “Idiot’s Guide” series, this guide to classical mythology is an excellent and comprehensive resource book for fans of Greek and Roman mythology.There are several mythology reference books available in the market today but more serious and ‘seasoned’ fans and scholars will likely prefer THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY by Kevin Osborn. We’re not idiots, of course, but this book is meaty, entertaining and has more background information on the various gods/goddesses, heroes and stories. At over 350 pages, it has loads of information on various topics and stories in mythology. For instance, an entire chapter is dedicated to the Trojan War and Achilles and Odysseus also have their own chapters. With other mythology books, you would be lucky to have a few pages dedicated to Achilles alone.Fans who want more than classical mythology will want to explore MYTHOLOGY FOR DUMMIES by Christopher Blackwell. This book also delves into the Arthurian legend, Norse myths, Beowulf, as well as world mythology in general (Chinese, Jewish, Hindu, etc).These 2 books are all excellent. The choice lies on the readers’ level of interests. I would recommend the “Complete Idiot’s Guide” to those who enjoy Roman and Greek mythology or those who want to learn more about the Trojan War, Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts, Zeus, Hercules and the many other fascinating gods/goddesses and heroes of classical mythology.

⭐When I bought this book I had no idea what classical mythology was. I was writing a novel about Hercules though, and needed some mythological help, so I bought the book. Luckily for me, Classical mythology is the myths of ancient Greece and Rome.This book has perfect, easy to read break-downs of even the most complicated myths. Often funny and always a pleasure to study, I found myself reading this at bedtime instead of a novel. It’s almost a perfect work on the Greek Myths.I had two problems with this book. One, I had no idea of the time line of the myths. Like, Hercules married Creon’s daughter, but Creon’s sister was married to Oedipus-so did Hercules grow up in a Thebes ruled by Oedipus or was that later on? I had no idea at all. Also a more complete family tree for the gods, sprites, titans and nymphs would have been good, but probably would have had to come in a form like a fold out map.In short, fabulous book to get started on Greek and Roman myths, though more detailed study may be needed later on for clarification.

⭐I have enjoyed the read.Lots of fun facts, it has taken me back to my school days. Thanks!

⭐Certainly a complete book about all the ancient “gods” and “goddesses” along with their associated myths. This was the most informative and organized book I have read on this topic. My only “negative” comment would be the authors seem to approach this subject matter from a modern day Christian perspective and, as such, discount any reality or hidden meaning or symbol that may be contained in these “fairytales”. Other works are available that highly research these hidden meanings, but that was not the purpose of this work-nonetheless, this work is well worth having as a valuable asset that will save one hours of personal research. Easy to read.

⭐Meh…I wanted to reintroduce myself to this topic, but I’m absolutely plodding through the early chapters – so boring. I’m hoping it turns into a better read once I get through the introductory/background stuff…otherwise it’s off to the Humane Society Thrift Shop! I feel like the author is trying too hard to be funny in a lot of it. Guess I prefer a more subtle humor…or maybe I needed the “Partial Idiots Guide…”

⭐Simple reference for beginning your exploration of the classic myths.

⭐A little hard to read at times. But, then again, what mythology isn’t?

⭐Good condition and complete. I had hope it would have more of where myths came from.

⭐For a idiots guide I’m still very confused I think I would have been better of with a storey book rather than who’s who

⭐Very interesting read

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