Review
"Classical Mythology in Context brings the nuances of mythology before the eyes of students who might only know these tales through some bland rendition that squares away all the contradictions and paradoxes in the original texts. This book insists upon critical thinking and thoughtful reflection from its readers."--Micaela Janan, Duke University "The inclusion of sections on Theory, Comparison, and Reception is one of my favorite features of Classical Mythology in Context. It takes the whole project to an intellectual level more ambitious than that of rival textbooks."--John Gibert, University of Colorado "I like the overall organization of this book. I find the primary source selections original, well justified, and interesting. The table of contents reflects many of the choices I have already made for my own Classical Mythology class, and it will be useful to have all of this in a handy volume."--Marie-Claire Beaulieu, Tufts University "The table of contents closely resembles how I teach classical myth. It touches on the myths themselves, but does not simply retell them. It considers religion, art, and scholarship, yet merges these seamlessly into a coherent presentation that is fun to read."--Robert Forman, St. John's University "Classical Mythology in Context may be the new standard for the undergraduate classical myth course. It breaks away from the encyclopedic content-intensive traditional format to a much wider scope. Chapters give due attention both to ancient cults and the literary classics of the Greeks and their important variants. Recurrent themes and patterns that mark ancient myth are enlarged with comparative texts from Mesopotamia, Rome, and even the early Christian era. Theories are not simply enumerated and summarized, but are put to work to illuminate the dominant concerns of mythic narrative. Explanations are lucid and accessible to students. Cultural connections, especially those that touch on gender, race, and hierarchy, figure prominently. Students will recognize throughout the book that what they are studying is consequential, with a long pedigree in the human story and a contemporary vitality worth savoring."--Joseph O'Connor, The Catholic University of America "The pivotal strength of Classical Mythology in Context is its inviting accessibility and ability to combine generalities with specifics. The author compels deeper reflection and stirs a desire to delve deeper into this heritage, into the enduring conditions of being human."--Edith Livermore, Loyola University Chicago
From the Publisher
Lisa Maurizio is Associate Professor of Classical and Medieval Studies at Bates College. She publishes on Greek religious practices, especially divination at Delphi. In addition, she has written several plays on classical themes, two of which have been produced by Animus Ensemble at the Boston Center for the Arts: "Tereus in Fragments" and "The Memory of Salt."
About the Author
Lisa Maurizio is Associate Professor of Classical and Medieval Studies at Bates College. She publishes on Greek religious practices, especially divination at Delphi. In addition, she has written several plays on classical themes, two of which have been produced by Animus Ensemble at the Boston Center for the Arts: "Tereus in Fragments" and "The Memory of Salt."
