Classical Myth

Featuring new translations, this volume differs from most texts on classical myth by putting the divine myths and principal legends of the Greeks in the contexts- anthropological, historical, religious, sociological, and economic- from which they emerged, including their debt to the Near East. Interspersed are short essays on the later history of the myths and their importance to writers, artists, musicians, and philosophers down to our times. The many illustrations from ancient works of art show how the myths are visualized. The book concludes with a history of later ideas on classical myth, demonstrating their importance for us today. -- from Back Cover.