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情與慾之希臘羅馬神話
前言
希臘羅馬神話是什麼？我們為什麼要研究？
如果希臘羅馬神話僅是一套關於魔法變形與諸神爭吵不休的故事，那麼閱讀它們就沒有多大意義了。首先，這樣的神話為數眾多，充滿令人混亂的名字與系譜，那麼我們又為什麼需要去知道這些故事，並且非要關心它們呢？
我們關心希臘羅馬神話，是因為它們展現了古代人的世界觀及各種「原型」（archetypes），包括英雄、被冤枉的婦女以及強大而任性妄為的神，塑造了希臘人和羅馬人看待自身以及他們與宇宙關係的方式。事實上，這些原型是如此強大，以至於今天人們還在持續使用。心理學家（psychologist）這個職業名稱就與希臘神話中的一位公主賽姬（Psyche）有關；當他們提到「戀母情結」（Oedipus complex），用的就是希臘神話的人物原型伊底帕斯（Oedipus）；提到「自戀狂」（narcissist），用的原型就是納西瑟斯（Narcissus）；這些神話故事描述了人類的這些特定狀況，在這方面上一直未曾被超越。
這讓我們閱讀神話故事有了更進一步的理由了：它們能在近三千年的歷史中歷久不衰，並不只是因為它們是「文化典範」「母題的主題序列」（或其他現在學界青睞的流行術語），而是歸根究柢，它們是強大而有趣的敘事。
神話世界並不像乍看之下地那麼混亂。許多神話故事都有著共同的主題。英雄們備受磨難，卻獲得了補償性的天賦與力量；少女們飽受愛情之苦，但最終得償所願。而那些更為嚴酷的故事則告訴我們：命運三女神（the Fates）會紡織、丈量、最終割斷生命之線，這條不可變更的生命之線主宰著一個人的命運，他必須堅毅、高貴地直面命運。
另外，這些神話還有一個總主題：儘管神、半神和人類之間存在不少矛盾、分歧及誤解，他們還是會並肩作戰，對抗象徵混亂力量及肆意破壞的怪物和巨人。現代故事的主題往往是邪不勝正，而古典神話則放在文明理性與混亂野蠻之間的對抗。從根本上來說，希臘神話描述的是將人性價值觀帶到專橫、敵意的宇宙。這是為什麼當今世界有時似乎被盲目仇恨、恣意破壞及非理性占了上風，但古典神話並未失去了力量。
這本書是一份導讀或指南，讓讀者理解曾經連結希臘羅馬世界的故事與信仰，為我們留下了什麼遺產。它有下列三個終極目的：
1.理解古典神話的整體情況
在許多方面上，廣泛來說只有一種古典神話。這個故事在一千多年歷史中逐漸成型，始於西元前800年之前希臘的民間記憶與民俗故事，最終完成於西元2世紀的古羅馬作家之手。古希臘羅馬神話是最偉大的集體寫作故事，更令人敬畏的是結合了兩種不同文化的共同努力。最終成就了卷帙浩繁而漫無邊際的故事，它有著數不盡的次要情節和上千個角色，但又具有基本的敘事、清楚的主角，以及完整的開頭、中段和結尾。
因此，這本書的目的之一，就是要讓讀者能一窺希臘羅馬神話的整體全貌，把它當作任何一個古代希臘羅馬孩童都耳熟能詳的故事。
2.瞭解古典神話的脈絡
然而，這本書還有進一步的目的，要讓它成為真正的指南書，我們不僅要講故事，還要知道古代人如何理解這些神話。我們需要深入古希臘羅馬人的內心世界，以他們的方式看他們的世界及他們的神。我們需要把自己想像成第一次聽到一段神話的古希臘或羅馬人，用他們的觀點來聽故事。你將會瞭解故事的背景、大多數出場的主要人物、他們的角色，這段故事在整個神話體系中的位置，以及如何理解其中涉及的主角所持的動機。由於尤里彼得斯（Euripides）、索福克里斯（Sophocles）以及其他古典戲劇大師所作的傳世悲劇都取材自這些神話，理解了這些神話也就能更深刻地欣賞這些在西方文化裡具有里程碑意義的傑出劇作。
3.古典神話的現代回響
最後，這些神話影響是如此強大且深深嵌入西方意識，以至於它們從未真正退場。自文藝復興時代起，它們一直影響著無數的畫家、雕塑家、作曲家及作家，因此本書特別以專欄強調每則古代神話在後世的影響和流變。此外，儘管我們並未完全意識到，我們現在所使用的詞彙和處理的事物也和古代諸神有關。本書希望讓大家注意到當代生活出現與古代神話相關的許多細節——經常是在最出人意料的情況下——我希望這麼做，不僅能讓讀者更熟悉古典世界，同時也更瞭解現代世界。
這份指南彙編的資料來源，範圍從荷馬（Homer）與維吉爾（Virgil）的史詩，到鮮為人知的海希奧德（Hesiod）、奧維德（Ovid），巴庫利德斯（Bacchylides）、品達（Pindar）等抒情詩人，以及奧菲斯教禱歌（Orphic Hymns）。原始資料之中有些矛盾之處（尤其是誰是誰的生父這點），我們通常採信那些讓故事讀起來更連貫的說法；同時我們也為想要深入瞭解的讀者註明一些更具爭議的說法。除了特別標示的地方之外，英文翻譯均由作者自行完成。
希臘羅馬神話是什麼？我們為什麼要研究？
如果希臘羅馬神話僅是一套關於魔法變形與諸神爭吵不休的故事，那麼閱讀它們就沒有多大意義了。首先，這樣的神話為數眾多，充滿令人混亂的名字與系譜，那麼我們又為什麼需要去知道這些故事，並且非要關心它們呢？
我們關心希臘羅馬神話，是因為它們展現了古代人的世界觀及各種「原型」（archetypes），包括英雄、被冤枉的婦女以及強大而任性妄為的神，塑造了希臘人和羅馬人看待自身以及他們與宇宙關係的方式。事實上，這些原型是如此強大，以至於今天人們還在持續使用。心理學家（psychologist）這個職業名稱就與希臘神話中的一位公主賽姬（Psyche）有關；當他們提到「戀母情結」（Oedipus complex），用的就是希臘神話的人物原型伊底帕斯（Oedipus）；提到「自戀狂」（narcissist），用的原型就是納西瑟斯（Narcissus）；這些神話故事描述了人類的這些特定狀況，在這方面上一直未曾被超越。
這讓我們閱讀神話故事有了更進一步的理由了：它們能在近三千年的歷史中歷久不衰，並不只是因為它們是「文化典範」「母題的主題序列」（或其他現在學界青睞的流行術語），而是歸根究柢，它們是強大而有趣的敘事。
神話世界並不像乍看之下地那麼混亂。許多神話故事都有著共同的主題。英雄們備受磨難，卻獲得了補償性的天賦與力量；少女們飽受愛情之苦，但最終得償所願。而那些更為嚴酷的故事則告訴我們：命運三女神（the Fates）會紡織、丈量、最終割斷生命之線，這條不可變更的生命之線主宰著一個人的命運，他必須堅毅、高貴地直面命運。
另外，這些神話還有一個總主題：儘管神、半神和人類之間存在不少矛盾、分歧及誤解，他們還是會並肩作戰，對抗象徵混亂力量及肆意破壞的怪物和巨人。現代故事的主題往往是邪不勝正，而古典神話則放在文明理性與混亂野蠻之間的對抗。從根本上來說，希臘神話描述的是將人性價值觀帶到專橫、敵意的宇宙。這是為什麼當今世界有時似乎被盲目仇恨、恣意破壞及非理性占了上風，但古典神話並未失去了力量。
這本書是一份導讀或指南，讓讀者理解曾經連結希臘羅馬世界的故事與信仰，為我們留下了什麼遺產。它有下列三個終極目的：
1.理解古典神話的整體情況
在許多方面上，廣泛來說只有一種古典神話。這個故事在一千多年歷史中逐漸成型，始於西元前800年之前希臘的民間記憶與民俗故事，最終完成於西元2世紀的古羅馬作家之手。古希臘羅馬神話是最偉大的集體寫作故事，更令人敬畏的是結合了兩種不同文化的共同努力。最終成就了卷帙浩繁而漫無邊際的故事，它有著數不盡的次要情節和上千個角色，但又具有基本的敘事、清楚的主角，以及完整的開頭、中段和結尾。
因此，這本書的目的之一，就是要讓讀者能一窺希臘羅馬神話的整體全貌，把它當作任何一個古代希臘羅馬孩童都耳熟能詳的故事。
2.瞭解古典神話的脈絡
然而，這本書還有進一步的目的，要讓它成為真正的指南書，我們不僅要講故事，還要知道古代人如何理解這些神話。我們需要深入古希臘羅馬人的內心世界，以他們的方式看他們的世界及他們的神。我們需要把自己想像成第一次聽到一段神話的古希臘或羅馬人，用他們的觀點來聽故事。你將會瞭解故事的背景、大多數出場的主要人物、他們的角色，這段故事在整個神話體系中的位置，以及如何理解其中涉及的主角所持的動機。由於尤里彼得斯（Euripides）、索福克里斯（Sophocles）以及其他古典戲劇大師所作的傳世悲劇都取材自這些神話，理解了這些神話也就能更深刻地欣賞這些在西方文化裡具有里程碑意義的傑出劇作。
3.古典神話的現代回響
最後，這些神話影響是如此強大且深深嵌入西方意識，以至於它們從未真正退場。自文藝復興時代起，它們一直影響著無數的畫家、雕塑家、作曲家及作家，因此本書特別以專欄強調每則古代神話在後世的影響和流變。此外，儘管我們並未完全意識到，我們現在所使用的詞彙和處理的事物也和古代諸神有關。本書希望讓大家注意到當代生活出現與古代神話相關的許多細節——經常是在最出人意料的情況下——我希望這麼做，不僅能讓讀者更熟悉古典世界，同時也更瞭解現代世界。
這份指南彙編的資料來源，範圍從荷馬（Homer）與維吉爾（Virgil）的史詩，到鮮為人知的海希奧德（Hesiod）、奧維德（Ovid），巴庫利德斯（Bacchylides）、品達（Pindar）等抒情詩人，以及奧菲斯教禱歌（Orphic Hymns）。原始資料之中有些矛盾之處（尤其是誰是誰的生父這點），我們通常採信那些讓故事讀起來更連貫的說法；同時我們也為想要深入瞭解的讀者註明一些更具爭議的說法。除了特別標示的地方之外，英文翻譯均由作者自行完成。
328 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2010
239 people are currently reading
3077 people want to read
About the author
Philip Matyszak
62 books281 followersPhilip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 21, 2020
It is almost impossible to understand anything regarding Western painting, music or literature, without at least a veneer of ancient culture, primarily Jewish, Greek and Roman mythology. This short book, as the title indicates, covers the essential pagan tales that were in use for several millennia across the Mediterranean, before the rise of Christianity and Islam.
So, if you need to revise your polytheistic mythology, this is a handy textbook that will help you do just that, from the early Greek cosmogony and the descendants of Gaia and Uranos, to the epic poems of Homer and Virgil, by way of the great Olympian gods (Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Aphrodite, etc.) and supernatural heroes (Jason, Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, Oedipus, et al.). Philip Matyszak retells these classic stories in a very concise yet lively manner and points out the persistent aspects of these tales in our modern culture. Most of them can be found in Ovid’s Metamorphoses though, so you might as well want to go straight to the source.
Two small reproaches: the author provides several references to classic and modern works of art inspired by the old myths, but only a handful of paintings are reproduced in the book, and not exactly in a great format: if you’re interested in this facet of the Mediterranean myths, you’d better turn to another sort of book (say, Ecrire la mythologie by Emmanuelle Hénin, if you can read in French). Also, the copy-editing of this book has been done somewhat offhandedly, and, as a result, the published text still contains quite a few misprints.
This is one book in a collection of similar compendiums about ancient mythologies, which also includes The Egyptian Myths, The Norse Myths and The Celtic Myths.
So, if you need to revise your polytheistic mythology, this is a handy textbook that will help you do just that, from the early Greek cosmogony and the descendants of Gaia and Uranos, to the epic poems of Homer and Virgil, by way of the great Olympian gods (Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Aphrodite, etc.) and supernatural heroes (Jason, Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, Oedipus, et al.). Philip Matyszak retells these classic stories in a very concise yet lively manner and points out the persistent aspects of these tales in our modern culture. Most of them can be found in Ovid’s Metamorphoses though, so you might as well want to go straight to the source.
Two small reproaches: the author provides several references to classic and modern works of art inspired by the old myths, but only a handful of paintings are reproduced in the book, and not exactly in a great format: if you’re interested in this facet of the Mediterranean myths, you’d better turn to another sort of book (say, Ecrire la mythologie by Emmanuelle Hénin, if you can read in French). Also, the copy-editing of this book has been done somewhat offhandedly, and, as a result, the published text still contains quite a few misprints.
This is one book in a collection of similar compendiums about ancient mythologies, which also includes The Egyptian Myths, The Norse Myths and The Celtic Myths.
January 16, 2019
Not a retelling of the ancient myths, but a whistle stop tour of who’s who of the ancient Greek and Roman gods and heroes. If you know nothing about these characters, or are confused by how they all fit together, read this.
January 7, 2016
Considering a lot of mythology books can end up reading like a secondary school text book (boring even though the subject matter is interesting) the author manages to make this the opposite. It is divided into each subject matter in a way that doesn't cause confusion or the need to incessantly flip back and forth, and the language doesn't condescend. Id say this is a good book for someone who wants introducing to the Greek and Roman myths, or fancies reading it from another perspective. Highly enjoyed this book.
August 3, 2025
I'm not really sure how to rate this because on the one hand I think this is a really excellently written book - I think if you really know nothing at all about Greek/Roman Mythology I think its will be a good way to get into it. The book contans a lot of information and does a really good job telling you the entire picture of the mythology so you see more or less how everything is connected in the lore. I think the lighter writing style is really good, it kind of reads like you are listening to a really knowledgable tour guide taking you through the highlights of the Mythology.
I think the writing is also the one "gripe" I have (its not really a gripe but I can't think of a better word right now). I genuinely like the lighter writing style in books like this, it takes the book from a boring text book to an interesting story you want to keep reading. That being said because Greek Mythology is pretty well known to have multiple interpreations of many of the myths (with either translation or just interpretation) I kinda wish those were mentioned a bit more or included into the discussion. Like this is a very small thing,its really not a big deal since I get including these might also make things confusing if you really don't know anything about greek mythology - but I kind of wish they were mentioned more throughout.
I think the writing is also the one "gripe" I have (its not really a gripe but I can't think of a better word right now). I genuinely like the lighter writing style in books like this, it takes the book from a boring text book to an interesting story you want to keep reading. That being said because Greek Mythology is pretty well known to have multiple interpreations of many of the myths (with either translation or just interpretation) I kinda wish those were mentioned a bit more or included into the discussion. Like this is a very small thing,its really not a big deal since I get including these might also make things confusing if you really don't know anything about greek mythology - but I kind of wish they were mentioned more throughout.
July 5, 2022
Ah, Greek mythology. Sexist, chauvinistic, terrible towards women. I can’t possibly blame the author of this book though.
This book is a lovely summary of the main myths (sometimes a little too brief), masterfully combining the Greek and Roman variants of the gods. I also LOVED the author’s dry humour - it was subtle and very refreshing.
I’m not sure if this book would be a good first introduction to Greek mythology, since at points it is rather brief. I already knew most of the stories here, so I didn’t get lost in the names - some mentioned just as an off-hand comments.
I loved was how the author presented other versions of the stories, their various origins and interpretations.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who fell into the current popular trend of retold myths, this book makes understanding the complex relationships between gods a little less chaotic.
This book is a lovely summary of the main myths (sometimes a little too brief), masterfully combining the Greek and Roman variants of the gods. I also LOVED the author’s dry humour - it was subtle and very refreshing.
I’m not sure if this book would be a good first introduction to Greek mythology, since at points it is rather brief. I already knew most of the stories here, so I didn’t get lost in the names - some mentioned just as an off-hand comments.
I loved was how the author presented other versions of the stories, their various origins and interpretations.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who fell into the current popular trend of retold myths, this book makes understanding the complex relationships between gods a little less chaotic.
March 9, 2019
Um recuerdo interessante de uma viagem a Santorini e que permitiu consolidar algumas das ideias que tinha sobre a mitologia grega e romana. A leitura acaba por ser fácil, uma vez que o autor também se preocupa por explicar cada uma das histórias e personagens de uma maneira acessível, fazendo várias vezes a ponte entre personagens, para que o leitor mantenha presente as relações entre si e compreenda a complexa rede de relações que serve de base a estes mitos. Para além disso, o autor estabelece ainda a ligação com realidades dos dias de hoje, nomeadamente nomes de marcas que têm nestes deuses e figuras mitológicas as suas origens.
Uma leitura interessante, simples e leve para quem queria aprender ou consolidar um pouco os seus conhecimentos sobre esta temática.
Uma leitura interessante, simples e leve para quem queria aprender ou consolidar um pouco os seus conhecimentos sobre esta temática.
April 13, 2025
One step above the Greek Mythology Wikipedia page.
December 21, 2022
Really nice summary and analysis of the myths and gods and goddesses, along with many connections to later art.
January 5, 2026
Read three times now. Quick and excellent overview. Instantly better informed.
February 4, 2025
A fascinating and informative oddesey (lol) through (mainly) Greek mythology with little bit of Roman thrown in for good measure. Well structured chronically. If you are a fan of classic movies like Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans give this a whirl!
May 19, 2019
A very good and very short and dense work. It sums up in little bits the myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans, decided chronologically through the ages.
I liked very much the references to artworks made by each myth, and the short summary of the Aeneid, which I never understood its context so much until now since I've been focusing mostly on the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The weak points of this book though comes exactly from its shortness, and the language is sometimes too pretentious, but still keeps a slight touch of humor.
If you’re interested in the ancient myths, It’s a good book to begin with, though probably not the best. While this book keeps a little closer to the academic approach, unlike the over popularizing (yet wonderful) approach of Stephan fry with his book “Mythos”, which makes things even more accessible, but sometimes at the price of too much modern comic interpretation.
The reading list recommendation at the end of the book is wonderful as well.
I liked very much the references to artworks made by each myth, and the short summary of the Aeneid, which I never understood its context so much until now since I've been focusing mostly on the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The weak points of this book though comes exactly from its shortness, and the language is sometimes too pretentious, but still keeps a slight touch of humor.
If you’re interested in the ancient myths, It’s a good book to begin with, though probably not the best. While this book keeps a little closer to the academic approach, unlike the over popularizing (yet wonderful) approach of Stephan fry with his book “Mythos”, which makes things even more accessible, but sometimes at the price of too much modern comic interpretation.
The reading list recommendation at the end of the book is wonderful as well.
December 23, 2014
The author's incessant attempts at jokes and witticisms get a bit irritating. He seems to think that every couple of sentences needs a punch-line.
Aside from that, it is a beautifully designed book (containing pictures) and covers all the basics of classical mythology. The sections about how the myths influenced later art are a good addition. Laying out the content under many subheadings and with regular boxes of information helps the reader to understand the wealth of stories, but breaks up the narrative.
My only real criticism of this book is therefore the writing. I would recommend the Penguin Book of Classical Myth if you are willing to read the extra 350 or so pages for an excellent overview of mythology.
Aside from that, it is a beautifully designed book (containing pictures) and covers all the basics of classical mythology. The sections about how the myths influenced later art are a good addition. Laying out the content under many subheadings and with regular boxes of information helps the reader to understand the wealth of stories, but breaks up the narrative.
My only real criticism of this book is therefore the writing. I would recommend the Penguin Book of Classical Myth if you are willing to read the extra 350 or so pages for an excellent overview of mythology.
October 1, 2023
Great little book which you can probably get through in a week or so. It's purposefully kept simple and there's a very helpful family tree at the beginning (it is, however, quite depressing just how often you have to go back and check it).
I suppose the weakness of the book is that it assumes alot of knowledge. It's like "then there's Aphroditie but we know about her from Aphrodisiacs" and I'm just like "you what? She was an oyster?"
But that's me being super mean. If it covered everything at my level, it would be a thousand pages long and would have spelt the names phon-et-ically. I'm still unsure how I'm supposed to say Hephaestus outloud. Hep-house-tus? He-phas-tus? Nightmare.
I'll close with this tid-bit: Nemsis, the God of stalking disaster, was a woman. Which I should have seen coming.
I suppose the weakness of the book is that it assumes alot of knowledge. It's like "then there's Aphroditie but we know about her from Aphrodisiacs" and I'm just like "you what? She was an oyster?"
But that's me being super mean. If it covered everything at my level, it would be a thousand pages long and would have spelt the names phon-et-ically. I'm still unsure how I'm supposed to say Hephaestus outloud. Hep-house-tus? He-phas-tus? Nightmare.
I'll close with this tid-bit: Nemsis, the God of stalking disaster, was a woman. Which I should have seen coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
Очень полезная книга для тех, кто хочет получить представление о греческой и римской мифологии. Информация легко воспринимается, т.к. текст хорошо структурирован и автор делает любопытные культурологические отсылки. Каждая из глав раскрывает основные блоки мифологии: теогония, боги Олимпа, "местные" боги, герои. Отдельные главы посвящены Троянской войне, "Илиаде" и повествованиям о путешествиях Одиссея и Энея.
Думаю, прежде чем приступать к какой-то из этих тем, имеет смысл прочитать соответствующую главу, это поможет быстрее адаптироваться к более серьезному чтению.
Однако, если эта книга - не первая книга на эту тему, возможно, будет не хватать подробностей и более серьезной подачи материала.
Думаю, прежде чем приступать к какой-то из этих тем, имеет смысл прочитать соответствующую главу, это поможет быстрее адаптироваться к более серьезному чтению.
Однако, если эта книга - не первая книга на эту тему, возможно, будет не хватать подробностей и более серьезной подачи материала.
November 8, 2023
I unexpectedly learned so much etymology by reading this book. A pleasant surprise, I must say.
But in all seriousness, this book did a phenomenal job in explaining the ancient myths, and even though I already knew quite a lot of them, having them be told from start to finish (with an even more detailed understanding from reading previous and following myths) was a nice and educating experience.
+ the drama never stops and it is so fun to read about.
But in all seriousness, this book did a phenomenal job in explaining the ancient myths, and even though I already knew quite a lot of them, having them be told from start to finish (with an even more detailed understanding from reading previous and following myths) was a nice and educating experience.
+ the drama never stops and it is so fun to read about.
February 27, 2024
Niciodată nu poți citi sau avea în bibliotecă prea multe volume despre miturile grecești și romane! Cel puțin, mie mi se aplică regula aceasta de minune. În 2019 mi-am îndeplinit un vis - am vizitat minunata Atena, iar într-unul dintre muzee am descoperit "The Greek and Roman Myths" și am știut că trebuie să o citesc.
Deși nu prezintă aspecte noi, am apreciat informațiile citite și modul în care au fost expuse, în special mini-descrierile fiecărui zeu de la părinți și partener și până la caracteristici și simboluri. Alături de zei, veți descoperi detalii despre eroi, despre încercările prin care trec și despre călătoriile care îi transformă în figuri la fel de importante precum zeii.
Mi-aș fi dorit să citesc mai multe și despre perspectiva romană decât cea greacă, care predomină. Mi-au plăcut referințele din artă pe parcursul lecturii și ilustrațiile care însoțesc textele, care mi-au lăsat impresia unei vizite într-un muzeu ascultând un ghid povestindu-mi despre statuile pe care le văd.
Deși nu prezintă aspecte noi, am apreciat informațiile citite și modul în care au fost expuse, în special mini-descrierile fiecărui zeu de la părinți și partener și până la caracteristici și simboluri. Alături de zei, veți descoperi detalii despre eroi, despre încercările prin care trec și despre călătoriile care îi transformă în figuri la fel de importante precum zeii.
Mi-aș fi dorit să citesc mai multe și despre perspectiva romană decât cea greacă, care predomină. Mi-au plăcut referințele din artă pe parcursul lecturii și ilustrațiile care însoțesc textele, care mi-au lăsat impresia unei vizite într-un muzeu ascultând un ghid povestindu-mi despre statuile pe care le văd.
July 22, 2024
i really enjoyed the book, it was very fun to read and i learnt a lot/got more details of stuff i already knew about
i DO feel like if you don’t know anything about mythology, then this would be very confusing. there was some stuff i didn’t understand myself but i mostly knew these stories so it wasn’t hard for me to get through the retellings
would recommend if you already know many stories about greek/roman mythology!!! otherwise pls get some more knowledge first
i DO feel like if you don’t know anything about mythology, then this would be very confusing. there was some stuff i didn’t understand myself but i mostly knew these stories so it wasn’t hard for me to get through the retellings
would recommend if you already know many stories about greek/roman mythology!!! otherwise pls get some more knowledge first
January 11, 2021
This book was nice and all - brief but a good introduction - and there was only 1 thing that bothered me: there were coloured borders and coloured (sub)titles so WHY were the pictures black and white?
August 10, 2025
Es una lectura general sobre mitología grecorromana bastante buena y breve. En ocasiones se hace denso de leer, aunque probablemente sea más problema del propio tema que del autor. Quizá he echado en falta referencias a elementos del día a día que reciben su nombre de la mitología.
December 31, 2022
A very interesting collection of Greek and Roman myths. Since this is more an introduction to these classic tales, the topics are not covered in depth.
June 6, 2023
Positives:
- Easy-to-follow structure
- Deities-centric presentation
- Points out specific elements of cultural legacy in the West
- Presents several heroic quests (including Atalanta's!) using the same base template
Negatives:
- Much more about the Greek than the Roman side of things
- Etruscan influence barely mentioned in relation to Roman mythology/theology
- Some deities deserved a bigger section
- A teensy bit more information about the aetiology of certain deities and myths would've been appreciated
Overall: good reference – 7.5/10.
- Easy-to-follow structure
- Deities-centric presentation
- Points out specific elements of cultural legacy in the West
- Presents several heroic quests (including Atalanta's!) using the same base template
Negatives:
- Much more about the Greek than the Roman side of things
- Etruscan influence barely mentioned in relation to Roman mythology/theology
- Some deities deserved a bigger section
- A teensy bit more information about the aetiology of certain deities and myths would've been appreciated
Overall: good reference – 7.5/10.
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March 7, 2024Im a nerd and this is all wrong.
June 10, 2025
Really enjoyed and think it did its job perfectly in terms of nicely setting out all the basics in an understandable way and feel this will be a book to come back to as a quick reference guide when I inevitably can't remember or mix up my knowledge
also enjoyed the authors voice in their own sassy little comments throughout
also enjoyed the authors voice in their own sassy little comments throughout
April 21, 2022
The Greek and Roman Myths is another installment in the series also encompassing The Norse Myths, The Egyptian Myths, The Celtic Myths and, soon, The Japanese Myths. Although the Greek and Roman myths are probably the best known of the mythologies so far covered in the series, I found the book engaging and well-written. The author was able to present an otherwise quite familiar mythology in an easily accesible yet still innovative and enjoyable manner, making the book a worthwhile entry in the series and a nice addition to a mythological library.
July 27, 2023
A really nice guide and introduction to greek mythology. Very interesting ties to modern art and the English language as well.
February 9, 2025
A great starting point for Greek and Roman myths. As someone who has studied them for many years, I can confirm it is a great overview and starting point, exciting the reader to find out more and explore further with other material.
February 21, 2016
A concise, rich set of small entries on the gods and heroes. Can be used as encyclopedia or even read from start to finish, as it's entertainingly written. No violence or sexuality is censored as with others like Schwab. Now I feel prepared for the Iliad (which the book also summarizes).
One gripe is that almost nowhere are the original works referenced where the summarized events are first written of or told in greater detail. That would make the guide that much more helpful. Perhaps this would have required too much research to cover the complete mythology.
Unfortunately the Kindle edition is lacking, the illustrations on the ereader are too small and can't be enlarged, so you can't see many details of them (it's better on PC).
Also the index isn't clickable (huge missed opportunity) and there are no page numbers, so the index is useless. At least there are some clickable names in the text.
One gripe is that almost nowhere are the original works referenced where the summarized events are first written of or told in greater detail. That would make the guide that much more helpful. Perhaps this would have required too much research to cover the complete mythology.
Unfortunately the Kindle edition is lacking, the illustrations on the ereader are too small and can't be enlarged, so you can't see many details of them (it's better on PC).
Also the index isn't clickable (huge missed opportunity) and there are no page numbers, so the index is useless. At least there are some clickable names in the text.
August 25, 2021
An extremely well-structured, witty and easily understandable beginners guide on Greek and Roman mythology, despite the source of myths themselves being unspeakably complex. It reads in a way which doesn’t feel dull as other books on this topic tend to be, despite their lusciously interesting tales, and ties in to modern day language and culture in a way that makes you gasp.
The format of the text was notably rather strange, and it was peculiar that the pictures of paintings were never in color, despite their importance, but it’s a small problem overshadowed by the consistently engaging and memorable words of Philip Matyszak.
Definitely a wonderful book I would recommend to all those hoping to get started on their journey of knowledge into the fantastical world of Greek and Roman mythology!
The format of the text was notably rather strange, and it was peculiar that the pictures of paintings were never in color, despite their importance, but it’s a small problem overshadowed by the consistently engaging and memorable words of Philip Matyszak.
Definitely a wonderful book I would recommend to all those hoping to get started on their journey of knowledge into the fantastical world of Greek and Roman mythology!
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