Mythology : Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes review:2 stars (Bestseller?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!) - I had to read this book for my highschool literature class. Now I enjoy reading a good book now and then but the only reason that this is a bestseller is that all highschools across america must buy the book for summer reading every year. This book put me to sleep. The only reason this book gets two stars is because of the Trojan War chapter which I wished was longer. It was rich in detail and made you want to keep reading, unlike the rest of the book. I only recommend this book if you have to for a school class but other than that don't waste your time.5 stars (Meaningful Introduction to Mythology) - A very meaningful and enjoyable book. I had to read this book twice to increase my memory on all the gods, heroes, gods, monsters and mortals related to one another and stories that intertwine with one another. This really opens you up to the later play writers and the birth of the ideas that later came about in the rational thinking of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. I couldn't help partiality to the story or character is of Thesus and the city of Athens, the birth of equal justice and government of the people; democracy, which is far removed from the so-called pseudo forms of today.

What is really beneficial about this book is that Hamilton takes the well known writers from the different centuries, those who repeat, elaborate, embellish and abridge the same and relational stories and then puts each story down in its full summarized form. In this she takes her information from the famous Roman writers Ovid and Virgil, from the Greek poet, Homer, from the poor farmer in favor of justice and questioner of nature, Hesiod, the lyric poet, Pindar, the tragic poets, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus, the comic poet Aristophanes, the Alexandrian poets; Apollonius of Rhodes and others, the pastoral poets Theocritus, Bion and Moschus, the Latin poet, Apuleius and the Greek poets, Lucian, Apollodorus and Pausanias. Some of these poets took their stories seriously, while others were not, such as Ovid, who was excellent at details, appreciative and thorough, yet he considered much to be nonsense, his work simply art form.

It was in the fifth century where much of the Greek mythology was being replaced by rational thinking as in Euripides story of Creusa where he says to his audience, "Look at your Apollo, the sun-bright Lord of the Lyre, the pure God of Truth. This is what he did. he brutally forced a helpless young girl and then abandoned her." the end of Greek mythology was at hand where such plays drew full houses in Athens. The same can be said for the Judeo God Yahweh who suffered and starved his own peoples that dared disobey and slayed his enemies with no compassion, taking the virgin women, livestock and valuables as spoil.

Some of the books stories do lack details. For instance, in the story of Odysseus, who revenges with murder of the gallant men that abused his estates assets in their desire to marry his widow. Here Hamilton does not mention the murdering punishment of hanging applied to the abusive maidens that were in his household that can be found in the Odyssey. Also, in Hamilton's book, as in the move TROY, she describes the death of Patroclos as a surprise, his armour removed at death revealing his true identity. Yet the Iliad does not support this. On page 200 it states that only at first did the Trojans believe this, then soon realizing though Patroclos own words and actions that it was him and not Achilles fighting. For instance, Apollo disguised as Hector's young uncle, Asios, speaks to Hector saying, "Hurry, make for Patroclos, and you may get him, Apollo may give you victory!" So much for fine details, this is an excellent book.

The last portion of the book has a short amount on Norse mythology, which is very beneficial in comparing to the previous Greek and Roman thought and you can see the influence on Wagner and others. The Norse courage in a doomed existence of heroic bravery is very different from the Greek, highly comtemplative in analysis.4 stars (Perfect for beginners or experts) - This extremely handy reference book is ideal for both browsing, or for using as a tool to assist a student in their readings. Hamilton goes through all of the great Greek mythological figures and tales, and explains them, using an unusual, but very entertaining, mixture of prose and excerpts. The book is masterful because a complete layman can start reading it, and yet get a flavor for the actual original texts. At the same time, someone who's reading a more involved text can turn to the appropriate section in the book to get a clear grasp of any particular story quickly, and to figure out who an individual is. My 1953 edition has some very nice illustrations by Steele Savage that capture the flavor of ancient greek carvings, but with a simplicity and flair that can be found in the best comic books. There's no wonder that this book has survived for so long in a field that has as many authors as students; for it's purpose, it is simply too good to be improved upon.
Mythology : Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Features:
Author: Edith Hamilton
Literary Criticism & Collections / Ancient & Classical

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