On the Verge of Lunacy

Perhaps the most popular source for Greek and Roman mythology is Edith Hamilton's book. However, Hamilton had covered only the stories that are already popular and did not emphasize the different versions from various sources. EM Berens's Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome offers a wider variety of stories, is more organized and has a lot of material that are not included in Hamilton's. The book included the various myths of Greece and Rome and is organized according to the most important figures to the demi-gods and mortals. The first part is about the creation of the world according to Greeks. The last part is about the Trojan war and its aftermath. Those already familiar with most of the Greek and Roman myths will find a lot of new information in the book not cited in others. If, however, you wish to find analyses of myths, this volume can serve as a starting point for further research. I like this book more than the popular ones because of its...

The Golden Bough was first published in two volumes in 1890. It is a must-read for those interested in comparative mythology and the study of religion. Sir James George Frazer attempted to explain the succession of the priests of Diana in Nemi known as the King of the Wood. The succession is unusual for its violence. The priest who represented Virbius (or Hippolytus) must stand vigilant lest someone attack him and take his place. To understand this problem better, the author delved into the history of magic, examined ritual and mythology and cited various beliefs and practices from across the world that were similar in function. He first examined the principles of magic; tree worship; the different taboos particularly those taboos involving the nobles; religious ceremonies; the fertility cults, etc. The King of the Wood at Nemi was "probably regarded as an incarnation of a tree-spirit/spirit of vegetation and is endowed with the magical powers to make trees bear...

This collection of the majority of European mythology will make the lover of myths cry out for joy. Bulfinch's Mythology includes Greek and Roman myths; Norse; Celtic; Arthurian and British legends (Beowulf, Hereward and Robin Hood); tales of Charlemagne's Paladins; and a few Egyptian and Eastern (Zoroastrian/Persian, Hindu, Buddhist) myths and legends. The stories are limited however and only the more popular tales are included. It is a general overview of most myths but the focus, as expected, is still on Classical Mythology. The pages dedicated to the Greek and Roman gods take up most of the book, followed by Charlemagne's Peers. Despite my disappointed to find that I'd be reading stories I'm already familiar with, the book does have its surprises. There is a chapter dedicated to monsters and how myths are formed. Some of the epics are summarized, much to my dismay, but it might be a good introduction for readers who find the longer versions too te...

Architect Lucius Modestus may be brilliant and promising but his work is not without challenges. Bathhouses are common in Rome and Lucius felt he could improve them. However he has no idea what needed to be improved. In the year 128 AD while in a bathhouse, Lucius discovers a drain that transports him to a modern-day Japanese bathhouse. The strange things he saw in the bathhouse gave him the ideas he needed to improve those in Rome. In the next 3 episodes (3 episodes, 2 OVAs and some special episodes), whenever Lucius needs new architecture ideas he is transported to Japan every time. His "new" ideas delighted the Romans and gained him some favor from the emperor. Lucius in modern-day Japan Don't let the cover and Lucius's face turn you off. Lucius's adventures are hilarious and his reaction when he's in Japan even more fun to watch. He's got that serious look on his face every time he sees something new that might help improve his desi...

Full title: The Homeric Hymns; A New Prose Translation and Essays, Literary and Mythological The hymns, as stated in this book, are probably "preludes to the recitation of the Homeric or other cantos or are preludes to epic recitations." For a mythology enthusiast like myself, this book is a great addition to my collection. Andrew Lang looks at these hymns and provides background and insight as to their meaning and purpose. It's a bonus that the hymns are translated into prose for easier reading I don't recommend skipping the introduction and the essays because reading the translations will not make sense unless the reader is already familiar with the stories. Some hymns, although some tell stories, are incomplete. The essays in the first part serve as introduction, summary, and provide the explanation for the longer hymns. I also recommend this book to readers who have more than a casual interest in classical mythology. Rating: 9 out of 10

This comprehensive book on the chariot is comprehensive, engaging, reader-friendly, and well-organized. Casual readers need not worry about the names and events mentioned in the book because the author provides the necessary information. While students will find the notes and references section helpful for further studies. The book covers three continents and historical events and mythological scenes of the three epics, Iliad, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. It has eight chapters and several illustrations. The author discussed the possible origins of the chariot; its uses; modifications and variations of the chariot in each region; impact of the chariot on warfare; the use of weapons, armor, and;domestication of animals used for pulling, the formation of the armies in consideration of the chariots; the symbolism of the chariot; and finally the gradual decline of its use.  The following are the chapters included in this volume: I. Chariot Battle II. The Rise of the Cha...

This is a collection of 17 epics each of which is condensed into its simplest form making them accessible to readers who do not have enough time or resources (or have difficulty reading some of the translations)reading or finding the epics. Each epic is introduced by providing the background of the author and the story and why it is included in this volume. The following is the list of the epics included: THE RAMÂYÂNA THE MAHÂ-BHÂRATA of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa THE ILIAD of Homer THE ODYSSEY of Homer THE KALEVALA, collected by Zacharias Topelius and Elias Lonnrot THE AENEID by Vergil BEOWULF THE NIBELUNGEN LIED THE SONG OF ROLAND THE SHAH-NAMEH of Firdusi THE POEM OF THE CID THE DIVINE COMEDY of Dante Alighieri THE ORLANDO FURIOSO of Ludovico Ariosto THE LUSIAD of Luis de Camoens THE JERUSALEM DELIVERED of Torquato Tasso PARADISE LOST of John Milton PARADISE REGAINED of John Milton The epics are contracted and the author left only the narration...