Myths and tragedies in their Ancient Greek contexts /

This volume brings together a number of previous published studies (covering some three decades, 1980-2010) by the distinguished Buxton (Univ. of Bristol, UK). Part 1 deals with "themes in myth," and part 2 covers "myths in tragedy." The focus is on the interrelationship between myth and tragedy, and their importance to the Greeks. Buxton contextualizes certain themes within the ancient Greek world. Topics such as mountains, (were)wolves, mythological names, blindness, and feminization are examined within landscapes, social and moral priorities, and mental structures. Buxton traces their intricate and sometimes folkloric variations and retellings as effected in Greek antiquity. Authors highlighted include Aeschylus (here Aischylos), Aristophanes, Euripides, Sophocles, and Apollonius. The mysterious parallels between the Athenian and Cretan accounts of the bronze giant Talos and the fascinating "movement and stillness" of the witch Medea come under scrutiny. Each chapter has been revised to reflect recent research (British publications are favored). In the introduction, Buxton sets out the objectives underlying his approach--stressing structure, context, the porosity of myth, and a playful view of what he calls the "(un)certainty principle." Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. R. Cormier emeritus, Longwood University