Women of Classical Mythology: A Biographical Dictionary

by Robert E. Bell

Overview

The first and only comprehensive biographical dictionary devoted to mythological women.

Divinities, humans, female monsters and animals, hermaphrodites, and transsexuals are all here. Women of Classical Mythology offers unprecedented access to information on women largely neglected in reference works on Greek and Roman myth and gives a fresh look at the better-known figures. Each of the 2,600 entries places its subject both in the overall context of classical myth, and in the frame of reference of her better-known counterparts.

For each figure there is a description of her particular contribution to folklore, and a list of the various poems, tragedies, epics, and other types of stories in which she plays a central role. In addition, the handy special index, "The Men in Their Lives," allows readers to locate a particular woman known primarily through her relations. The female characters in classical mythology often provide clues to genealogical, chronological, and historical puzzles. This book will be welcomed by classical scholars for the insights and relationships it reveals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780874365818
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/30/1991
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	462
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

Robert E. Bell was formerly coordinator of Humanities Collection Development at the Shields Library at the University of California Davis, Davis, CA.

Editorial Reviews

"The various myths are retold well in nontechnical language with occasional character insights. The book is quite browsable and could easily spark deeper interest." - Library Journal


"An essential addition to any reference collection which attempts to cover classical mythology in some depth." - School Library Journal

From the Publisher

Bell, a retired librarian formerly with the University of California, has gathered an impressive array of information on the female divinities, surnames, monsters, wives, animals, mothers, lovers, heroines, and villains of classical Greek and Roman mythology. The coverage is extensive, including both the obscure and well known. Entries are in dictionary format and range in length from a brief paragraph to several pages. The various myths are retold well in nontechnical language with occasional character insights. The book is quite browsable and could easily spark deeper interest. A name index, called ``The Men in Their Lives,'' will lead from the better-known male character to his less recognizable female acolyte. The restriction to only women of mythology, however, limits the usefulness of the work. A better source for general use is Edward Tripp's Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology ( LJ 12/1/70). For subject collections or academic libraries.-- Marianne Cawley, Kingwood Branch Lib., Tex.

Library Journal

The more than 2,600 entries identify and relate the stories of female characters of Greek and Roman myth. These brief biographies establish the women in a context which includes their more familiar male counterparts. Entries which describe the women's contributions, trials, adventures, and tragedies are arranged alphabetically and vary in length from one sentence to several pages. A special index of males mentioned facilitates location of female figures who are both familiar and obscure. No pronunciation. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews