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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Edith Hamilton's summaries of the tales of Greek Mythology and the brief introduction into Norse Mythology were succinct yet meaningful in introducing the world of the classical world and its culture to readers, especially if they are just getting started on what happens within these myths.
Though I do have one concern on how she was not explicit to mention Patroclus and Achilles' relationship during the parts she has to discuss the Illiad. But I may have missed it along the lines where I was so immersed into her wording. Her reference to the Greek and Roman poets who established the legacy and continuity of these stories are appreciated, as this reinforces to the reader that mythology is not made by a single person but only recorded by people who lived during its time or recorded it decades after the fact.
I took multiple pauses in reading this book as I only read this in between waiting times to get my book stash from the local library. But I believe my inconsistent reading experience did not ruin my thoughts, impressions and admiration for this book. This book is one of the most highly suggested if you have a friend or person you need to introduce the world of the classical world.
Though I do have one concern on how she was not explicit to mention Patroclus and Achilles' relationship during the parts she has to discuss the Illiad. But I may have missed it along the lines where I was so immersed into her wording. Her reference to the Greek and Roman poets who established the legacy and continuity of these stories are appreciated, as this reinforces to the reader that mythology is not made by a single person but only recorded by people who lived during its time or recorded it decades after the fact.
I took multiple pauses in reading this book as I only read this in between waiting times to get my book stash from the local library. But I believe my inconsistent reading experience did not ruin my thoughts, impressions and admiration for this book. This book is one of the most highly suggested if you have a friend or person you need to introduce the world of the classical world.
adventurous
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
I like:
- It gives you the sources so you can go an read the original texts if you want to. The stories are told superficially (some more than others) but with enough detail to leave you wanting to know more.
- A good overview of the main gods and heroes and their relation between each other.
- Good for reference. No need to read from start to finish (still recommended but can be a little slow due to the author's explanations at the beginning of each chapter) I can see myself going back to reread about certain topics.
Didn't Like:
- Norse section. Too small to care and out of place. I could undertand if she published a norse only book and this was a small teaser, which as far as I know she didn't.
- Source layout. She could have done a small table at the beginning of each paragraph with an overview of the chapter, sources, etc. Instead of paragraphs explaining it.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
This book was informative. I think it could have definitely been more organized. Also, the Norse gods section at the end was 100% unnecessary. There wasn't a need to add it.
DNF'd. If you hate Pagans, maybe don't write about Pagan history
As much as I wanted to give this a 5 stars, I just can't. So here's my thoughts about it.
Things I like:
1. I like how informative the book was. I did learn more about Greek Myths because of this book.
2. The Ilustrations were very pretty (since I got the Hardcover one) and the cover as well it was so catchy.
3. As well as the bonus part of the Norse Mythology.
Things I didn't like:
1. As I said the writing was confusing. I find the writing confusing and tend to make the telling and showing a little bit way more longer.
Things I wish that happened to the book:
1. I hope that they also did included an Illustration of the Greek Gods and Goddesses, it would be really great and I think it won't hurt at all if they were all placed in one page and more illustrations since some readers- including me love illustrations so much considering the price of the hardcover and it would make it really worth it.
OVERALL, it was an informative and very dreamy book with all the illustrations just added my interest in it and will definitely reread this in the future . In terms of recommendations, I still recommend this.
Things I like:
1. I like how informative the book was. I did learn more about Greek Myths because of this book.
2. The Ilustrations were very pretty (since I got the Hardcover one) and the cover as well it was so catchy.
3. As well as the bonus part of the Norse Mythology.
Things I didn't like:
1. As I said the writing was confusing. I find the writing confusing and tend to make the telling and showing a little bit way more longer.
Things I wish that happened to the book:
1. I hope that they also did included an Illustration of the Greek Gods and Goddesses, it would be really great and I think it won't hurt at all if they were all placed in one page and more illustrations since some readers- including me love illustrations so much considering the price of the hardcover and it would make it really worth it.
OVERALL, it was an informative and very dreamy book with all the illustrations just added my interest in it and will definitely reread this in the future . In terms of recommendations, I still recommend this.
Lovely novel full of the rich mythologies of green, Roman, and Norse history. I read it when I was younger in high school but I decided to pick it up again to reorient myself with the traditional tails after having read so many different retellings of the various myths. I’m always a huge fan of mythology so this was directly in my corner, Edith Hamilton does a good job and talking about the histories of each story, who wrote them and when and in goes in depth to almost every tale without being boring
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Better as a reference than something to read cover to cover. You can tell it was published in 1942 by the author's comments on culture, but mercifully those are rare. I have no idea why there's a tiny section on Norse mythology at the end though.
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
relaxing
fast-paced