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kittycat416's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
3.0
ericasshh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dee9401's review against another edition
4.0
A most enjoyable collection on mythology, even though at times the stories were severely edited with one eye on Victorian sensibilities and another on space. One of the best parts of this volume were the quotations from writers that referenced the people and actions in the included myths. I loved the entries from Milton, Byron, Shelley, and Gray. While this is a good book, it's still important to engage with the original sources, many of which are very accessible. Homer, Hesiod and Ovid cover so much, and there are wonderful translations out there (Caroline Alexander, Dorothea Wender, and Charles Martin, respectively).
My favorite Greek entry was the story of Phaëton and the chariot of the Sun (p. 46-53). Two non-Greek items from northern mythology were really exciting. The first was of the Valkyries, female warriors from Norse mythology. The story says that light emanated from their armor as they rode through the sky, and this shimmering was the aurora borealis, i.e. the "Northern Lights". So cool! Also, I really enjoyed the story of a visit to the Giant's country (Jotunheim) (pp. 351-357). His description of the contests of Thor and his companions was excellent. I loved the comparisons to battling Fire, Thought, the Sea and Old Age (p. 356).
My favorite Greek entry was the story of Phaëton and the chariot of the Sun (p. 46-53). Two non-Greek items from northern mythology were really exciting. The first was of the Valkyries, female warriors from Norse mythology. The story says that light emanated from their armor as they rode through the sky, and this shimmering was the aurora borealis, i.e. the "Northern Lights". So cool! Also, I really enjoyed the story of a visit to the Giant's country (Jotunheim) (pp. 351-357). His description of the contests of Thor and his companions was excellent. I loved the comparisons to battling Fire, Thought, the Sea and Old Age (p. 356).
rachelevolve's review against another edition
1.0
I thought the Age of Fable would be better than Edith Hamilton's "Mythology". Not that her book was anything to write home about.. but at least I was able to absorb more about subject of Mythology than I was with Bulfinche's summary. He seemed to gloss over the legends, but it felt like it took me ages to finish this book. Another thing that threw me off was his preference in using the Latin/Roman version of the names which I initially learned in Greek. A quarter into the book I was too lazy to cross reference which god was which, and just blindly read away just to finish it. Interesting, since in his preface he boasts about how he tries to make it easier on the reader and how tedious it is having to read and look things up in the dictionary as you go along. I don't understand why he didn't use the Greek version of the names as well, even if he stuck them in between parenthesis.
One more thing.. because of Bulfinch, I will never want to read Milton's "Paradise Lost".. or anything by Milton for that matter. I don't know whether to blame him or thank him for that.
One more thing.. because of Bulfinch, I will never want to read Milton's "Paradise Lost".. or anything by Milton for that matter. I don't know whether to blame him or thank him for that.
jameshaus's review against another edition
5.0
The place to start with greek mythology. Fast and fun reading.
sarabaggins's review against another edition
5.0
"The Age of Fable" tells the fables of a wide variety of cultures, but focuses on the Greek tales. This book also includes clips of various poems that refer to the fables, including several snippets of "Paradise Lost" by Milton. And, towards the end, Thomas Bulfinch addresses the many theories about the origin of the fables, and the more famous fantastical creatures that appear in legends the world over.
grcbnntt's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
chantelmccray's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this one up to put in the bathroom. Because I like to read about Greek and Roman Gods while I'm sitting on the Porcelain God :)
I was obsessed with this book as a child; checking it out from the library countless times. I couldn't get enough of these ancient stories of Gods and Goddesses. This is a great book to get acquainted with the main characters is Greek and Roman mythology. Especially useful if your studying ancient history.
I was obsessed with this book as a child; checking it out from the library countless times. I couldn't get enough of these ancient stories of Gods and Goddesses. This is a great book to get acquainted with the main characters is Greek and Roman mythology. Especially useful if your studying ancient history.
spillie's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
3.0
While it was interesting to read the original mythology stories, I confess to losing interest very quickly. By far my favourite section was the northern mythology, including Valhalla, the Valkyrior, Thor, and Loki. However, I suspect I’ll never be able to watch the Thor movies now 😉