What are the best books on Greek and Roman mythology?

Question

I am looking for a book on greek mythology. One that has all the gods and goddesses in it, and a similar book on Roman mythology.

Answer 1

Straight up:
There are three basic books that will get you started and be of use as long as you have interest in Mythology.

The Age of Fable--Thomas Bulfinch
Mythology, Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes -- Edith Hamilton
Dictionary of Classical Mythology--J.E. Zimmerman

Answer 2

Roman Mythology Books

Answer 3

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Greek Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton is a good source for the actual stories. No pictures, but a great resource. D'Aulaire's Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire is for children, but the facts are there as well. DK Eyewitness has books on Mythology, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, great for the pictures and an overview. The Odyssey is your best source for Greek mythology. There are a variety of versions for both adults and kids if you're not interested in reading the original translation. The Odyssey by Gillian Cross, and The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds are two such versions.

Answer 4

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RE:
What are the best books on Greek and Roman mythology?
I am looking for a book on greek mythology. One that has all the gods and goddesses in it, and a similar book on Roman mythology.

Answer 5

I would suggest two books to you. One is by Gustav Schwabb and published by Pantheon, but I don't have it here and don't want to give you the wrong answer. You can go to

www.abebooks.com

and put in Schwabb as author and it will come up.

Then there is either a single book (now), or earlier two volumes - and it might be available that way now, by Robert Graves, published by Penquin, will will give you a lot of insight into the myths.

You will find in the Graves book that virtually every character's name and place name has a specific meaning and knowing that meaning will enhance the power of the myth. For instance, Prometheus - the bringer of fire, means forethought. He had a brother, Epimetheus, which means afterthought. Pandora means all gifts, not all evils. Graves points this out well.

As for Roman myths, you can get character names from either Bullfinch or Edith Hamilton, but the myths are basic rehashes of Greek mythology.

Answer 6

The Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology;
Is a good broad base on all the known world myths.
Greek Myths Vol's 1&2 by Robert Graves

Answer 7

Bullfinch's Mythology.

Answer 8

Okay, first of all, I'm not sure if you are looking for an informational book or a novel.

The old standard is by Edith Hamilton. I am going as a Greek Goddess (Artemis) for Halloween, and this book has helped me through that, classes, and just sheer curiosity. It has Greek and Scandinavian mythology. Hope I helped!

Answer 9

Bullfinch, Edith Hamilton, Carl Jung "Man & his Symbols" are great for a universalist perspective on the ancient myths, but why not head for the source material such as Ovid's Metamorphoses (roman mythology), or Homers Illiad, & Oddessy (greek), or Virgil's Aeneid (greek)

Answer 10

Here are two of my favorite books on the subject. The books are large with some great artwork. A more in depth book would be Bullfinch's Mythology.