Bulfinch's Greek and Roman Mythology: The Age of Fable (Dover Thrift Editions: Literary Collections)

Naturally Greek and Roman mythology is not preached today and, because of this, there are many different versions to nearly all the myths you have ever heard and read. Bulfinch includes the most popular versions and tells it in a way that is very entertaining. That being said, Bulfinch didn't actually write the majority of the book; he copies scenes, passages, and, sometimes, even entire stories from Ovid's "Metamorphoses."Furthermore, Bulfinch's approach is affected by the time period (mid 1800s), social norms, and his own personal opinion; he often slides in his own comments which leads the reader to doubt that he's telling the entire story-- and most of the time, he doesn't tell the whole story. He manages to exclude a lot of the sexual activity of the gods (which anyone who knows anything about mythology knows that the gods are always having affairs... ALWAYS) and insinuates that the gods were just spending time with one another. He also leaves out some of the gory details which are imperative in most stories; he glides over important scenes and repeatedly spends time explaining unimportant scenes instead.Nevertheless, it's a good read if you're looking for an introductory book about Roman and Greek mythology but keep in mind that these stories have many plot variations, just because it's in this book doesn't mean it's a fact. Once you've read this, I encourage you to read Ovid's "Metamorphoses;" Ovid is relaxed and comedic-some of his stories are told more for the entertaining factor than correctness, but it's still a very good, enjoyable read.I hope this helped!-K. J. Burks

I bought 4 of these books to introduce new culture into my study group. Some understand some do not. I read this book many years ago in highschool, and thought it would be a good stepping stone for looking into the past.

I bought this book hardcover new from Amazon.. It came with dented corners, a hole in the spine and a dent in the top cover. It also has some sticky residue on the front top right corner.. Great book! Just watch who ships it I guess.

While I have not finished reading this book yet, I am throughly enjoying it. I have wanted to read this book since before I could read (my mother had a copy with an interesting looking cover). Then when I learned to read it was too complicated. Now that I am grown (not according to my wife) it is nice to read and understand the book!

Not a fan of how he always uses the Roman god names, even when telling the core Greek tales.

Absolutely fantastic in all senses. Comprehensive, exciting, well written, actual. No need to search for another books, this is the classic and definitive. Would put 6 even 10 stars.

Overall a good book for novice readers to of mythology. Good basic stories written in prose. Also has explanations of the use of myth in poetry. The footnotes are clear and concise, and where appropriate provide further information about the text you just read. My only quibble with the book is that it's called Greek and Roman myth, when they put the names of Roman deities first, and the name of the Greek dieties in parentheses. This is a book you read if you want to expand your knowledge base about mythology. This is not a book for people already know the stories. This is a good book for people who know nothing about greek myth, and are looking for a place to start.

Part of our CM alveary this year. This is a great book for my 10/11 yo. They have been actually reading ahead of assigned readings.

I'm still reading it but it is one of the only books on mythology that I've managed to stick with. For the first time I'm learning the stories and remembering them. Well written! Entertaining!

Great book. Really enjoyed it

I read reviews prior to buying and they were great- I don't disagree- fascinating and well put together- still reading but it is easy to read despite the being written in the mid 19th century

As expected

good