The Dictionary of Classical Mythology: The Indispensable Guide for All Students and Readers of Ancient and Modern Literature and Art

by J.E. Zimmerman

Over 2,000 entries with simple, complete explanations of classical myths, heroes, authors, works, place names and symbols. And a bibliography of recommended translations of Greek and Latin prose and poetry.

“A knowledge of classical mythology is indispensable in understanding and appreciating much of the great literature, sculpture, and painting of both the ancients and the moderns. Unless we know the marvelous stories of the deities and heroes of the ancients, their great literature and art as much later work down to the present day will remain unintelligible. Through the centuries from Chaucer, Spencer, Shakespeare, and Milton on, not only the major writers but also hundreds of lesser writers have retold the old tales or used them as a point of departure for new interpretations in terms of contemporary problems and psychology.”—From author’s Introduction

Genres: Mythology, Reference, Nonfiction, History, Classics, School, Greece

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1964

Reviews

[malak :3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

minus 1 star for not citing achilles and patroclus as lovers

[Sarah Mooallem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m writing a book and this master piece has been a total gem. I’ve learned so much from the definitions and have so many things I want to add when during the editing process. Fantastic book.

[max · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very worthwhile reference work I have used for many years. It offers something that very few competing mythology handbooks include: a pronunciation for each entry. Is it TeleMACHus or TeLEMachus? You need not fear a pronunciation faux pas if you have this book.

Although the content of individual entries is highly abbreviated (other competing reference works offer more detailed entries) the book is nevertheless quite complete in its scope -- only the most obscure mythological figures will not be found here.

For a one shot identification of a particular figure from mythology, it's hard to beat this fine little volume.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

i picked this up for a buck at a used book store. It is a great desktop reference to have around for writing or reading. It is nice, for a change, to look something up in a book rather than heading toward the computer to plug it in a search. I only wish it included all mythology instead of just classical.

[Saleris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, and everyioone should own a copy. It's not expensive and is a valuble resourse based upon the apperance of mythological gods in classical greek and roman texts.

[Constantine]

3 copies

[Cheryl Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable.

[Lavender · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good list of mythological beings, works and places with a lot of cross references and spelling variations mentioned.

[jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s a dictionary idk

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing resource for all readers. I've never encountered an allusion I couldn't locate in this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I refer back to this constantly for fun mythology geeking.

[SmarterLilac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, straightfoward review of the classics that really helped me streamline my hazy memories from college World Lit courses. Good reference book.

[Andrés]

This is a reference book I use in my writing. It is quite good.

[StrangeBedfellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful reference to always keep on hand, especially for literature students.

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a definitely an older book, the information within this book is still very useful and interesting to read.