The Handbook Of Classical Literature

by Lillian Feder

From Abdera (an ancient city in Thrace) to Zeus (chief god of the Greeks), this authoritative handbook covers all the major aspects of Greek and Roman literature, mythology, and civilization. It features over 950 entries on ancient writers, philosophers, and historians like Homer, Vergil, and Plato; famous as well as lesser-known writings like The Iliad, The Aeneid, and The Bacchae; chief gods and characters of mythology like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Narcissus; important terms and genres like poetic meter, tragedy, and satire; and other topics necessary to understanding the often complicated literature. Major works receive pages of close attention, with detailed summaries, historical and mythological background, scholarly references, critical commentary, and useful translation recommendations. The guidebook also provides insights into the stories, characters, ideas, and terminology that pervade literary classics as well as present-day writing and culture. Written in a lively and engaging style, The Handbook of Classical Literature serves as an accessible and reliable resource for students, scholars, and general readers.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

468 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1964

Reviews

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really neat, thick, dense handbook. Lillian Feder provides reasonably detailed synopses of most of the major Ancient Greek and Roman texts, as well as brief looks at mythological and real figures.

It is, of course, only a starting point, and it's designed kind of like an encyclopedia - but as Feder points out in her introduction, this is actually what she's trying to achieve. A very good basic reference point for people studying or interested in these texts, even as a kind of Cliff's Notes summary if you're reading one and are a little stuck!

[Marley · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent reference for when you're reading ancient greek/roman lit or need to brush up on your mythology.

[David]

2/2/19 Dipped in for a crash course on the Latin poet Virgil, who is discussed in “The Surprise of Cremona.” Mission accomplished—and “Crowell’s” prefers “Vergil.”