A Short Introduction to Classical Myth

In this brief book,Barry B. Powellprovides the historical and theoretical background necessary to understand classical myth as it is found in its primary sources: the works of Homer, Hesiod, the Greek tragedians and historians, Ovid, and Vergil. Part One examines the origin of the concept of "myth" and the many approaches to interpreting myth that were put forward by ancient theorists and their more recent successors. Part Two describes the cultural context in which classical myth developed. Part Three examines a number of prominent themes in classical myth, exploring its relationship to the art, politics, society, and history of the ancient world. The book is designed as companion reading for students or others who are studying myth through original sources.Barry B. Powell is the author of 'A Short Introduction to Classical Myth', published 2001 under ISBN 9780130258397 and ISBN 0130258393.