Heroes : mortals and myths in ancient Greece /

This is a superb study of ancient Greek heroes whose lives and deeds form the basis for a majority of stories in Greek art and literature. From the thorough and lucid opening essay by Jorge J. Bravo III on the probable origins of Greek heroes, through nine other essays by international scholars, this volume brilliantly reveals the lives and deaths of Greek heroes. These other essays examine four individual heroes (Herakles, Achilles, Helen, and Odysseus), child heroes, heroic death, images of heroes, the cult of heroes, and the moral aspects of heroes. Essays are illustrated with works of art in black and white, and examined in conjunction with references to a wide range of literature. This book accompanied a traveling exhibition created by the Walters Art Museum, and the last part is a catalogue of the 106 works of art from that exhibition, illustrated in color and carrying complete curatorial data and discussions of the images. Included are a glossary, photo credits, and over 300 "abbreviated references" from all over the map during the past half century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. D. K. Haworth emeritus, Carleton College

This exhibition catalog for a show traveling now through January 2011 showcases color photographs of intricate and lively mythological scenes on vase paintings dating from over 2000 years ago. Also included are bronze and marble statues and reliefs that portray individual heroes, who are illustrated in a smaller format on coins and gems. These beautiful objects were culled from various collections in America and Europe, including the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Editor Albersmeier (associate curator, ancient art, Walters Art Museum) and eight other university and museum specialists contributed to the 106 catalog entries, and another ten experts wrote supplemental essays that make up over half the book. While all kinds of "heroes" in ancient Greek culture are discussed (including children who died young), an emphasis is placed on Herakles, Achilles, Odysseus, and Helen (who, though most known for her role in the Trojan War, was also a daughter of Zeus). Verdict While a two-page glossary of terms is included, one for the multitude of people's names really would have helped readers unfamiliar with the complex events and personages mentioned in these very scholarly essays. Best for those desiring to immerse themselves in the classical world.-Anne Marie Lane, Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.