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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
It was very european coded and I felt smart reading it. AHAHAHAH that's it.
Mythology is a great reference book for all things Greek and Roman Gods: We get an overview of classical authors, lineages of the Gods, and detailed accounts of some of the most popular accounts of Greek and Roman mythology, all paired with beautiful illustrations from Jim Tierney.
The book is an ultimate companion for such epics, like the Iliad, Odyssey, or Aeneid, as well as a collection of summaries on some of the less popular tales, such as those surrounding lovers or lesser-known heroes.
Though the book is at its best when it’s detailing the humanity of the Olympians, or recounting a particular exciting adventure, such as the Quest for the Golden Fleece, it does drag at the middle, specifically when we’re getting the tales of the three major houses, of Thebes, Athens, and Atreus.
And pardon the hot take, but Edith Hamilton isn’t the most articulate of writers: her prose is riddled with vague pronouns, and overwhelmed with characters, while failing to offer so much as a lifeboat for readers trying to slog through unfamiliar text. I found myself rereading entire passages that could have simply been written better if she had more of an eye toward clarity.
The lives and tales of mythology are some of the most human narratives of all time; yet I’m still curious on what a more able writer, one with the patience and empathy to better guide their readers, could have done with these narratives. In other words, Mythology presents great historical context surrounding these tales, but lacks in what makes these tales so timeless: The simple art of storytelling.
What we’re left with is a reference book, a detailed one at that, but a reference book nonetheless: a collection of disparate tales that deserve better handling.
The book is an ultimate companion for such epics, like the Iliad, Odyssey, or Aeneid, as well as a collection of summaries on some of the less popular tales, such as those surrounding lovers or lesser-known heroes.
Though the book is at its best when it’s detailing the humanity of the Olympians, or recounting a particular exciting adventure, such as the Quest for the Golden Fleece, it does drag at the middle, specifically when we’re getting the tales of the three major houses, of Thebes, Athens, and Atreus.
And pardon the hot take, but Edith Hamilton isn’t the most articulate of writers: her prose is riddled with vague pronouns, and overwhelmed with characters, while failing to offer so much as a lifeboat for readers trying to slog through unfamiliar text. I found myself rereading entire passages that could have simply been written better if she had more of an eye toward clarity.
The lives and tales of mythology are some of the most human narratives of all time; yet I’m still curious on what a more able writer, one with the patience and empathy to better guide their readers, could have done with these narratives. In other words, Mythology presents great historical context surrounding these tales, but lacks in what makes these tales so timeless: The simple art of storytelling.
What we’re left with is a reference book, a detailed one at that, but a reference book nonetheless: a collection of disparate tales that deserve better handling.
This is a very good comprehensive overview of Greco-Roman mythology. It is pretty dry reading, however, and Hamilton has some frustrating opinions I'd rather have been left out
If you're looking for an exciting re-telling of the myths - this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for straightforward and thorough overview of the myths, it's a valuable resource.
If you're looking for an exciting re-telling of the myths - this isn't the book for you. But if you're looking for straightforward and thorough overview of the myths, it's a valuable resource.
A great intro to Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. The book is divided into four main sections: "The Gods", "The Titans", "The Heroes", and "The Norse Myths". Hamilton is a wonderful storyteller who also emphasizes these ancient mythological traditions and their significance on culture.
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Putting this down for now cause the mood is spooky szn not Greek myths