The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology

by Edward Tripp

The ultimate single-volume reference guide to Greek and Roman mythology

An ideal resource for students, teachers, librarians, writers, and readers of great literature, the Meridian Handbook has set the standard for over three decades as the classic guide to the myths of Greece and Rome. From Athena to Zeus, Abantes to Zninthe, the epic heroes and gods who inhabit the pantheon of great literature are covered in fascinating detail. Complete stories and short identifications of characters, events, place names, and constellations are included. For a fuller perspective of the mythological realm, there are maps of the classical world and genealogical charts of the great royal lines. Comprehensive and accessible, the Meridian Handbook is an indispensable aid to understanding and enjoying mythology.

Genres: Mythology, Reference, Nonfiction, Classics, History

656 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[sologdin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly indispensible for humanities students. Better than the competing mythology dictionaries by many orders of magnitude.

[WndyJW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never select a Date Read for this excellent resource book because I dip into it often while reading any of my Ancient Greek myths, plays, and histories, even novelized retellings of Ancient Greek literature, and I expect to turn to it for years to come.

Anyone interested in Ancient Greece or mythology should try to track down a copy. It’s no longer in print so check used bookshops or ebay.

[Skallagrimsen]

By far the most comprehensive collection of Greek myths that I know of. Even now, with Wikipedia at my fingertips, it remains my go-to guide for information about this inexhaustibly interesting subject.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saved the day again! You wouldn't believe how many times this thing has come in handy...I even use it to look up stuff I come across in a few of the newly published novels I read. This book is not just for classics or poetry.
References I don't understand drive me crazy!!! Reading great literature means constant reference back to greek and roman mythology. Google can be so dense. "Google it" isn't always the answer. This handbook references characters as well as places, events, constellations. Very comprehensive! Invaluable!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invaluable resource for readers of classical mythology. However, some things were missing. No mention of Hero and Leander, and some other lesser stories were missing as well. However, it is really long and comprehensive. Use for preparation for the NJCL mythology test.

[Snap Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the original hardcover version ("Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology"). It is the best reference work you can have on Greek Mythology, hands down.

[Blake Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I obviously haven't sat down and read this book cover to cover the way I would a novel or even most non-fiction. However, as an English teacher and a writer, I've found this to be an absolutely invaluable resource. The articles are written in clear, easily-readable prose and contain a wealth of information. I keep my copy handy whenever I'm working.

[K Todd Ramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom is a teacher at a middle school here in SoCal and her school's library discarded their copy of Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology, which is a party foul most heinous as far as I'm concerned. I gave this a good home and a great read. Excellent reference material for any writer delving into mythos.

[T.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have this book close at hand. It's a great resource for writers, but also a terrific and fairly comprehensive look at all of the gods and demigods. Lots of fun to just page through and explore.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! It can tell you anything you ever wanted to know about names and places in myths.

[Lydian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resource. Not necessarily read all of the way through worthy, but still very good.

[Drucilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource. I love the way it's laid out. It makes it really easy to find what you're looking for.

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars