2nd Edition

Classical Mythology: The Basics

By Richard Martin Copyright 2023
232 Pages 23 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

232 Pages 23 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

232 Pages 23 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This new edition introduces the core elements of ancient Greek and Roman narratives about immortal gods and heroic humans. It explains how myths once shaped ancient ways of thinking, and how they have fascinated and inspired artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and scholars since. In six clear and concise chapters, this book explains what myths are, sketches the main stories about... Read more

1. Stories that stay, 2. Talking of gods, 3. Heroic dimensions, 4. Interpreting myths--symbols and societies, 5. Myths, media, memories, 6. Myth, politics, and the present.

Biography

Richard Martin is Professor in Classics at Stanford University and has thirty years’ experience in teaching an introduction to Classical mythology to undergraduate students. He is widely published on Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Aristophanes, Theognis, and other ancient authors and genres in which mythic narration figures prominently.

Praise for the first edition: "This excellent book, by Stanford classicist Richard Martin, gives a packed yet pellucid overview of Greek and Roman mythology.... Managing in addition to find space to discuss the appearance of ancient myths in a host of modern media, Martin offers a superb presentation of classical mythology." (https://readingreligion.org/books/classical-mythology)

Robert A. Segal, Professor and Sixth Century Chair in Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen, UK.