Exploring Greek Myth by Matthew Clark

by Matthew Clark

Exploring Greek Myth offers an extensive discussion of variant forms of myths and lesser-known stories, including important local myths and local versions of PanHellenic myths. Clark also discusses approaches to understanding myths, allowing students to gain an appreciation of the variety in one volume.

Genres: Mythology, History, Reference, Nonfiction, Literature

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Behzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible little book that provides a general idea of where the Greek myth came from and how it changed over centuries in the hands of various writers who are today revered as legends of literature, such as Homer, Ovid, Aeschylus and so on.
Also, talks about a series of other subjects with respect to myth, such as gender, history, the sources for exploring myths and some attempts at comparative study;
The book is suitable for three groups of people: first, those who are generally interested in Greek myth and don't want to be have to go through the drudgery of poring over monstrous tomes in order to get a reasonable idea of the subject; those who aim to do scholarly work in the field of Greek myth; and those writers who are after expanding their knowledge of mythology so as to use it in their writings. Well, pretty much everyone can get something out of it.
Thank you for your time.

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring Greek Myth is a very interesting and comprehensive overview of the origins, functions, meaning and study of Greek mythology that touches on both well-known Panhellenic myths and virtually unknown local myths and their respective related rituals. Although the book is so specific at times that it is confusing (especially when it comes to genealogies), it does provide very valuable insight into ancient Greek society and the context, historicity, and evolution of Greek myth.

[Tristan Timms · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read as part of current course. It’s a great idea to try and mix the main theoretical approaches to myth with giving Greek examples. But Clark gets lost in these examples, and I often left his work feeling overwhelmed and skulking too at its dry delivery. I would suggest until a better book with this aim comes out to read the methodology separately then approach the myth case by case.

[Shima Mahmoudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

کسی که میخواد این کتاب رو بخومه باید یکم زمینه در مورد اسطوره ها و افسانه ها و شخصیت ها داشته باشه
چون متن حالت کنفرانس داره و مدام به اسامی مختلف اشاره میشه
اما بسیار کتاب دوست داشتنی و خواندنی هست

[RAVENS&RUNESTONES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for a college class. A good introduction to the topic

[Liam Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

SInce 1974 I have read dozens of books on classical mythology and myths. i think this book is by far one of the best, or the best, introductions I have read. It is learned without talking over us. It is accessible while still being very erudite. One great feature are the many references to critical studies that have been written in the past 20-25 years. Yes, it mentions timeless classics like The Greeks and the Irrational or Hegal and Vernant. It is so useful because each chapter focuses on a different approach to the Greek myths. It certainly eplains well the difference between pan-hellenic and local myths. The final chapter explains well the intersection of myth and philosophy including Plato's thoughts and his story of Atlantis.