Classical Mythology

A Very Short Introduction

By: Helen Morales

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

From Zeus and Europa, to Diana, Pan, and Prometheus, the myths of ancient Greece and Rome seem to exert a timeless power over us. But what do those myths represent, and why are they so enduringly fascinating? Why do they seem to be such a potent way of talking about our selves, our origins, and our desires? 

This imaginative and stimulating Very Short Introduction audiobook goes beyond a simple retelling of the stories to explore the rich history and diverse interpretations of classical mythology. It is a wide-ranging account, examining how classical myths are used and understood in both high art and popular culture, taking the listener from the temples of Crete to skyscrapers in New York, and finding classical myths in a variety of unexpected places: from Arabic poetry and Hollywood films, to psychoanalysis, the Bible, and New Age spiritualism.

©2007 Helen Morales (P)2021 Tantor

spotty

definitely not what i expected from an entry level introduction. the author tries to cover too many years and theories with far too much emphasis given to modern appropriations. more focus on how greeks and romans worked with myths. less about 19th and 20th century modernizations. it’s already a very short introduction. best not waste half the “pages” discussing every theoretical bent you can jam in there. be clear about your own approach and then get to it.

Fantastic

An outstanding introduction to Classical Mythology! Highly recommended. It brings up profound implications and underlying factors but is highly entertaining.

Author is clearly a bit of a progressive and biased.

overall a decent synopsis, and quick listen, but historical hindsight is 20/20. Too much of a modern interpretation of old and developing ways of living.

not a good book

This is a vile book.

I was hoping for a summary/overview of Greek myth, instead I get warmed-over Foucault, cultural studies nonsense. Yes friends, it's all about Power, nothing else has any importance! Complete rubbish! Oh yes, this is Oxford University Press producing this garbage? How on earth did that happen?
Also, what is with these beastly mispronunciations? Isn't anyone listening to these recordings? Pronouncing "nous" as "noose"? Butchering "philologist"? Yes, the reader has a lovely voice and she reads clearly, but really! Sadly, this is a problem on many audiobooks.
Fortunately, I only paid $9.00 for this thing. If only I could remove it from my library...

Ideological Mythology

If you're looking for an introduction to mythology, there are many others books that actually introduce mythology, rather than the current popular trend of viewing mythology as makes ideology. Very disappointing.