Aphrodite

Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World

by Monica S. Cyrino

Aphrodite explores the many myths and meanings of the Greek goddess of love, sex and beauty. One of the most widely worshipped and popular deities in Greek antiquity, Aphrodite emerges from the imaginations of the ancient Greek writers and artists as a multifaceted, powerful and charismatic figure. This volume explores the importance of Aphrodite for the ancient Greeks, as well as her enduring influence as a symbol of beauty, adornment, love and sexuality in contemporary culture. In a wide-ranging investigation of the universality of Aphrodite’s power and significance, this volume illuminates the numerous intricate levels of divinity embodied by the alluring figure of Aphrodite. Aphrodite offers new insights into the ancient texts and artistic representations of the goddess, as well as a comprehensive survey of the current scholarship about the origins and interpretations of Aphrodite, whilst also highlighting her eternal popular appeal across cultures and generations. A goddess of love who is not afraid to enter the battlefield; a goddess of bodily adornment who is the first to appear totally nude; a goddess born of the sea who emerges into the open Aphrodite is a polyvalent deity, plural in nature, function and significance.

Genres: Mythology, History, Nonfiction, Paganism, Religion, Greece, Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Monica S. Cyrino is Professor of Classics at the University of New Mexico, USA. Her scholarly research centers on the reception of the ancient world on screen. She has published numerous books and articles and often gives lectures around the world on the representation of classical antiquity on film and television. She has served as an academic consultant on several recent film and television productions.

Reviews

[Estevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderfully written book explores many aspects and spheres of influence dominated by the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. This book was really well written and easy to follow - even for such a dynamic subject matter. I recommend this book for anyone interested in mythology of any kind or simply searching for a fascinating read at night.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable reference of the myths and cult of Aphrodite.
I really enjoyed reading this book and learnt a lot about Aphrodite.
Recommended to anyone with an interest in the Goddesses of Ancient Greece.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been interested in having more information about Aphrodite and where she appears in Greek mythos. Although perhaps known for being the goddess of love this book describes the full scope of her influence and reign. I would recommend a quick train ride read because it's less than 200 pages total. Great for a research project on the greek goddess or for religious practice. It also has a list of "Further Reading" for those that need additional sources.

[Je Lis En Bleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I won't be able to quote this book on works or as a source, but I really liked it. If you're looking for a summarised analisys of this goddess in every aspect of her (execpt psychology...maybe...) this is a good book for you to start.

[Michael Velez · Rating 3 out of 5]

very welcoming and easy to read book,highly informative and well put together

[Angharad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The goddess Aphrodite is perhaps only second to Apollo or Artemis in the Olympians for levels of complexity and relevance to how our modern culture, arts, and religion in the West came to be. 200 pages, 2000 pages even is not anywhere close to what's needed to even kind of understand her. HOWEVER, this beautiful little book is a fantastic jumping off point, with bunches of short essays that could get you started on more in depth research about her if you're interested. Use this book like a diving board into a pool of information out there about the goddess, not as a final destination.

[Yasmine]

I am repeatedly borrowing this book from the library and I'm just busy with school that i havent been able to finish it. I'm hoping to buy it during the summer to read it then.