| Classical Myth (5th Edition) | 
 enlarge | List Price: $88.00
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 12 reviews)
Sales Rank: 353333
Category: Book
Author: Barry B. Powell
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Studio: Prentice Hall
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
Label: Prentice Hall
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Edition: 5
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 752
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.4
Dimensions (in): 9 x 7 x 1.3
ISBN: 0131962949
Dewey Decimal Number: 292.13
EAN: 9780131962941
ASIN: 0131962949
Publication Date: May 27, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
For courses in Classical Mythology in Classics, English, or other departments. Comprehensive and scholarly, this well-designed and class-tested text presents Greek and Roman myths in a lively and easy-to-read manner. It features fresh translations, numerous illustrations (ancient and modern) of classical myths and legends, and commentary that emphasizes the anthropological, historical, religious, sociological, and economic contexts in which the myths were told. It also provides a cultural context so that students can see how mythology has influenced the world and how it continues to influence society today.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 routytooty September 17, 2008
the product was in the condition it said it was going to be. it got here when i needed it.
Classical Myth, Fourth Edition November 10, 2006
Excellent text. Covers the classical gods and heros, primarily of the Greeks, with a appreciable amount of depth and scope. The text also includes a rather large quantity of primary source information, great for a more complete view of the myth. A little pricey for what is essentially a paperback book due to several sections of colored pictures. On the upside, they are nice pictures.
 No longer useful March 5, 2006
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I have taught mythology at the university level at various insitutions for the more than a decade now. Indeed, when I first began was when the first edition of Powell came out. At that time it was quite useful as his prose is modestly engaging, and the large swathes of original material and the occasional illustrations he includes is quite useful.
However, as he has progressed through four editions and doubled his price (!), he has become less useful. To his credit, the online materials are good for the novice, and, as I previously mentioned, there is a fair amount of translated primary text. However, his deficits now outweigh his benefits. When Powell summarizes plots of texts in the middle of a longer excerpt, often his interpretation of events occludes what actually happens. As he has progressed through various editions, his own ideas are now more confident in his eyes and some of his more controvertial claims which in the first edition were presented as "some scholars believe [historical situation] may have contributed to [textual effect]" are now presented as "[historical situation] caused [textual effect]." As another reader notes, some of his historical contextualizations are either suspect or absent. Lastly, the cost is prohibitive.
Now that I have learned a fifth edition is soon to be out and my students will no longer be able to purchase used copies, I have declined to order his book for this fall and don't foresee returning to him in the future.
 Doesnt deal with myths' deeper historical origins March 2, 2005
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
I can only say, not being a classicist, but one who did study under the esteemed Prof. Edward O'Neil of Univ. of Southern California, that I find it curious that this author does not deal much with the theories of migrations (Achaeans, Dorians later) into Greece that explain origins and approximate dates of certain myths. For example the inclusion of chthonic deities/mother earth deities being early myths of Minoan influences, the patriarchal - sky-god myths relating to Achaeans and their influence by migration on the Greek mainland. I find H.J. Rose better at this for sure, as is O'Neil's work on Library of Apollodorus. Man, Myth and Monument,is also an excellent guide for anyone who wants to follow this fascinating aspect of myth.
Great Composition November 8, 2004
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Powell has done it again in his fourth edition. Though there are minor changes whcih he made in the newest edition, this book offers great details about ancient gods and heroes - putting the reader's mind into the ancient mythical land. The books also has actual passages from various ancient writers and also included more background stories to help the readers understand the story in a better perspective. His writing is simple and honest. Its worth your money if you are an avid mythology reader.
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