Assumes no previous exposure to the subject, and offers pronunciations for ancient names, suggestions for further reading, and other essential background material.

Includes numerous excerpts or complete selections from varieties of classical literary works--by Homer, Hesiod, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Ovid and others.

Provides fresh, metrical translations of ancient poetry, including many passages that are not found in other texts.

• Translations by Herbert M. Howe convey the wit and brilliance of the original Greek.

Contains an abundance of illustrations--from ancient works of art--that show how the ancients visualized their own myths.

Features "perspectives" boxes throughout the text that highlight the influence of classical myths in later Western culture.

Includes maps of the ancient world, a chronological chart, and genealogical charts.

NEW--Expands coverage of the cultural context of classical myth.

NEW--Features many new Perspectives sidebars.

NEW--Includes a new chapter on the development of classical myth, with special emphasis on the influence of near Eastern myth.

NEW--Integrates coverage of specific Mesopotamian myths throughout the text--to show connections with the relevant Greek material.

NEW--Expands coverage of Olympian gods to three complete chapters.