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This new edition introduces the core elements of ancient Greek and Roman narratives about immortal gods and heroic humans. It explains how myths once shaped ancient ways of thinking, and how they have fascinated and inspired artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and scholars since.
In six clear and concise chapters, this book explains what myths are, sketches the main stories about divinities, heroes and heroines, and explores through specific case studies the ways in which they influenced modern culture, from Renaissance opera to contemporary video games and social movements. The second edition also features a new chapter analyzing how myths have been used in politics from antiquity to the present day. More than two dozen illustrations, maps, and charts complement the text. No prior knowledge of mythology is assumed, and the book incorporates the latest scholarship on classical mythology, providing annotated lists of further readings.
Anyone who has encountered Greek or Roman myths in literature, art, or pop culture and wants to know more about the cultural contexts for the stories will benefit from this compact book. Intended for a wide readership, the second edition of Classical Mythology: The Basics continues to off er a clear introduction to the subject for undergraduates, scholars, and the general reader.
List of contents
1. Stories that stay, 2. Talking of gods, 3. Heroic dimensions, 4. Interpreting myths--symbols and societies, 5. Myths, media, memories, 6. Myth, politics, and the present.
About the author
After a successful career as a senior partner in a law firm which lead to his breakdown, Richard Martin is now part of Byrne Dean, an employment consultancy. Here, he works to create kinder, fairer, more productive workplaces. Father to three lovely children, Richard lives in Wimbledon and enjoys spending time in France, where he finds peace. He commits to working on his mental health daily, and intends to leave the world a better place than how he found it.
Summary
This new edition introduces the core elements of ancient Greek and Roman narratives about immortal gods and heroic humans and their influence throughout history. This book offers a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to classical mythology for students, scholars, and the general reader.
Report
Praise for the first edition: "This excellent book, by Stanford classicist Richard Martin, gives a packed yet pellucid overview of Greek and Roman mythology.... Managing in addition to find space to discuss the appearance of ancient myths in a host of modern media, Martin offers a superb presentation of classical mythology." (https://readingreligion.org/books/classical-mythology)
Robert A. Segal, Professor and Sixth Century Chair in Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen, UK.
