Anthology of Classical Myth

by Stephen M. Trzaskoma (Editor/Translator), R. Scott Smith (Editor/Translator), Stephen Brunet (Editor/Translator)

This volume is designed as a companion to the standard undergraduate mythology textbooks or, when assigned alongside the central Greek and Roman works, as a source-based alternative to those textbooks.

In addition to the complete texts of the Homeric Hymns and Hesiod's Theogony, this collection provides generous selections from over 50 texts composed between the Archaic Age and the fourth century A.D. Ancient interpretation of myth is represented here in selections from the allegorists Heraclitus, Cornutus and Fulgentius, the rationalists Palaephatus and Diodorus of Sicily, and the philosophers and historians Plato, Herodotus and Thucydides. Appendices treat evidence from inscriptions, papyri and Linear B tablets and include a thematic index, a mythological dictionary, and genealogies. A thoughtful Introduction supports students working with the primary sources and the other resources offered here; an extensive note to instructors offers suggestions on how to incorporate this book into their courses.

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

576 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2004

Reviews

[sarah]

*read for greek myth class*

read way too much of this textbook to not add it on here. i guess i can say ovid's poetry is amazing, hesiod's work is the most extensive, and apollodorus goes on forever my god the guy loves detail

[Ryan Schaller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're new to Classical Mythology, you should start with something like Edith Hamilton's Mythology, Robert Graves' The Greek Myths, or Richard Martin's "Myths of Ancient Greece" as an introduction. Then you probably want to read Homer, Hesiod, and the Greek Tragedians in full.

Once you've read through those, as well as probably Ovid, the Homeric Hymns, and Vergil, this is where you want to go next. The editors have assembled an impressive collection of translated primary sources. Lesser known writers included in this volume include Aelian, Antonius Liberalis, Apollodorus, Babrius, Conon, Diodorus, Eratosthenes, Hellanicus, Heraclitus, Herodotus the mythographer, Hyginus, Lucian, Lucretius, Palaephatus, Parthenius, Pausanias, myths from Plato's dialogues, Proclus, Xenophanes, and others. This is an amazing resource. The only other way you'll get this wide a variety of classical sources is if you buy around 20-30 separate Loebs.

This edition is a steal. The introductions for each writer as well as the extensive appendices which contain full translations of various Near Eastern sources are all useful.

[Gissele Sosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The summaries before each Source is top-tier. They helped me comprehend the sources and identify what I needed to take from the text from an educative standpoint. Super great and I highly recommend it!

[lwstorm]

I read enough sections for class that I'm marking it as read, but I'm definitely interested to read other parts we didn't cover.

[esen ☼ ⋆｡˚⋆ฺ ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

read too much of this for my uni myth class to not add on here. great selection of works. i love ovid and apollodorus❤️

[Jason Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read full review at https://eisdoxan.wordpress.com/2017/0...

[Michael Joosten · Rating 4 out of 5]

There a number of smaller texts in Greek mythology besides Homer, and plenty of these have been conveniently gathered together in Trzakoma's edition. Since Trzakoma can hardly be held responsible, for good or ill, for the content of these centuries-old texts, it is better here to note that this volume includes useful introductions to the various texts (would the students only read them...) and is in general composed of the smaller, bite-sized chunks of mythology that, in their smallness, are less-intimidating ways to become familiar with the mythology that began the western literary tradition.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class, and I did not read the entire thing. However, the substantial chunks we did read (that I did not keep track of) are so scattered throughout the anthology that it’s hard to figure out what I did and didn’t go through. The course readings are finished, however, and as is my current use for this book. Basically it’s done, but I still feel a little guilty for marking it as read and potentially not having read the entire thing.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am knee deep in Hesiod's Theogony !!! this is amazing if you like mythology. This is a great translation that makes it easy to read.

[Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school. Virgil is the og plagarizer.

[⋆⭒˚ Ali ☾⋆.˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greek myth is so interesting.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

translations are clear and easy to follow and there are many versions presented.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never not be completely fascinated and awed by Greek mythology and its characters. While some stories are completely ridiculous, you can also find some of the most beautiful, heartbreaking stories in history. These pieces are timeless in its themes, and I one hundred percent believe everyone should introduce themselves to these stories at least once in their life.