Inserts the elements of classical Greek mythology into twentieth-century Texas and pokes fun at celebrities, current events, and scandals

Greek myths make up the very pillar of Western culture. But they are more than classic stories every child should know. They are rousing tales—rich in character, drama, and high adventure—that have captured readers through the ages. In The Random House Book of Greek Myths, Hugo Award-winning author Joan D. Vinge introduces the Greek gods and goddesses and retells fourteen favorite myths with wit, style, and compassion. This sophisticated but accessible collection is stunningly illustrated with paintings by Oren Sherman that evoke the mystery and majesty of ancient Greece. Perfect for readers of all ages.

This richly illustrated book examines the legacy of Greek mythology in Western art from the classical era to the present. Tracing the emergence, survival, and transformation of key mythological figures and motifs from ancient Greece through the modern era, it explores the enduring importance of such myths for artists and viewers in their own time and over the millennia that followed.

Exploring Greek Myth offers an extensive discussion of variant forms of myths and lesser-known stories, including important local myths and local versions of PanHellenic myths. Clark also discusses approaches to understanding myths, allowing students to gain an appreciation of the variety in one volume. Guides students from an introductory understanding of myths to a wide-ranging exploration of current scholarly approaches on mythology as a social practice and as an expression of thought Written in an informal conversational style appealing to students by an experienced lecturer in the field Offers extensive discussion of variant forms of myths and many lesser known, but deserving, stories Investigates a variety of approaches to the study of myth including: the sources of our knowledge of Greek myth, myth and ritual in ancient Greek society, comparative myth, myth and gender, hero cult, psychological interpretation of myth, and myth and philosophy Includes suggestions in each chapter for essays and research projects, as well as extensive lists of books and articles for further reading The author draws on the work of many leading scholars in the field in his exploration of topics throughout the text

The book leads the reader through these vibrant stories, from the origins of the gods through to the homecomings of the Trojan heroes. All the familiar narratives are here, along with some less familiar characters and motifs. In addition to the tales, the book explains key issues arising from the narratives, and discusses the myths and their wider relevance. This long-overdue book crystallises three key areas of interest: the nature of the tales; the stories themselves; and how they have and might be interpreted. For the first time, it brings together aspects of Greek mythology only usually available in disparate forms - namely children's books and academic works. There will be much here that is interesting, surprising, and strange as well as familiar. Experts and non-experts, adults, students and schoolchildren alike will gain entertainment and insight from this fascinating and important volume.

The mythology of any people is interesting because it reflects their individual nature and developing life; that of the Greeks is more interesting to us than any other, firstly because it expresses the nature of a people gifted with a peculiarly fine and artistic soul; secondly, because our own thought and art are, in great part, a heritage from the civilization of Greece. Much of this heritage comes to us quite directly from the Greek writers and artists whose works have been preserved. This book is a unique guide into the world of Greek gods and heroes. In a simple yet very interesting way, "Greek and Roman Mythology" brings the fascinating stories of the classical mythology which shaped the thought and artistic expression of the entire Western civilization. Contents: The Gods The World of the Myths The Gods of Olympus: Zeus Hera, Athena, Hephæstus Apollo and Artemis Hermes and Hestia Ares and Aphrodite The Lesser Deities of Olympus The Gods of the Sea The Gods of the Earth The World of the Dead The Heroes Stories of Argos Heracles (Hercules) Stories of Crete, Sparta, Corinth, and Aetolia Stories of Attica Stories of Thebes The Argonautic Expedition The Trojan War The Wanderings of Odysseus The Tragedy of Agamemnon The Legendary Origin of Rome