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Ancient Greek Religion Paperback – 10 July 2009
- Focuses on Athens in the classical period
- Includes detailed discussion of Greek gods and heroes, myth and cult, and vivid descriptions of Greek religion as it was practiced
- Ancient texts are presented in boxes to promote thought and discussion, and abundant illustrations help readers visualize the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece
- Revised edition includes additional boxed texts and bibliography, an 8-page color plate section, a new discussion of the nature of Greek “piety,” and a new chapter on Greek Religion and Greek Culture
- ISBN-10140518177X
- ISBN-13978-1405181778
- Edition1st
- PublisherWiley-Blackwell
- Publication date10 July 2009
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions19.05 x 1.27 x 24.77 cm
- Print length256 pages
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Product description
Review
"A brilliant general synthesis covering the Greek world over the period of 'classical' Athens ... [Mikalson's] book is a model of how it should be done." BBC History Magazine
"A first introduction to ancient Greek religion, which encompasses hundreds of deities of several different types, and varied widely over nearly two thousand years and thousands of large and small Greek city-states." Reference and Research Book News
"Clearly written and organised, it will be appreciated by students." Antiquity
"It is well written, very accurate, and communicative." Australian Religion Studies Review
A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year
Review
"A brilliant general synthesis covering the Greek world over the period of 'classical' Athens ... [Mikalson's] book is a model of how it should be done." BBC History Magazine
"A first introduction to ancient Greek religion, which encompasses hundreds of deities of several different types, and varied widely over nearly two thousand years and thousands of large and small Greek city-states." Reference and Research Book News
"Clearly written and organised, it will be appreciated by students." Antiquity
"It is well written, very accurate, and communicative." Australian Religion Studies Review
A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year
Review
Daniel Ogden, Professor of Ancient History, University of Exeter, editor of A Companion to Greek Religion (Blackwell 2007)
“An excellent introductory text, even more user-friendly in its second edition, augmented by color plates, updated bibliography, and a new chapter exploring how religion influenced Greek culture as a whole.”
Charles C. Chiasson, The University of Texas at Arlington
From the Publisher
From the Inside Flap
The book clearly sets out the fascinating but alien concepts of Greek polytheism, building up a picture of Greek religion as it was actually practiced. It emphasizes the experience of worshippers, considering Greek religious practice from a variety of perspectives – from the slave and members of the family, to priests and public officials. It examines views of the gods and the afterlife, the relationship between cult and myth, the nature of piety and impiety, and the wider social and political context in which religion functioned.
New to the revised edition are additional feature boxes and bibliography, a new discussion of the nature of Greek piety, and a new chapter on Greek Religion and Greek Culture. Throughout the book, vivid descriptions of actual sanctuaries and practices, the inclusion of ancient texts in translation, and the use of abundant illustrations re-create the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece.
From the Back Cover
The book clearly sets out the fascinating but alien concepts of Greek polytheism, building up a picture of Greek religion as it was actually practiced. It emphasizes the experience of worshippers, considering Greek religious practice from a variety of perspectives – from the slave and members of the family, to priests and public officials. It examines views of the gods and the afterlife, the relationship between cult and myth, the nature of piety and impiety, and the wider social and political context in which religion functioned.
New to the revised edition are additional feature boxes and bibliography, a new discussion of the nature of Greek piety, and a new chapter on Greek Religion and Greek Culture. Throughout the book, vivid descriptions of actual sanctuaries and practices, the inclusion of ancient texts in translation, and the use of abundant illustrations re-create the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Wiley-Blackwell
- Publication date : 10 July 2009
- Edition : 1st
- Language : English
- Print length : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 140518177X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1405181778
- Item weight : 590 g
- Dimensions : 19.05 x 1.27 x 24.77 cm
- Customer Reviews:
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Top reviews from Australia
Top reviews from other countries
- BconReviewed in the United States on 10 July 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book that is very informative and easy to get through
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseReally great book on geek pre Christian religious practices. Very detailed but also easy to understand and get through. Hard to put down it’s so good.
- Amateur ReaderReviewed in the United States on 27 March 2019
4.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Ancient Greek religion
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseExcellently written, with a good overview of the religious activities and sanctuaries of ancient Athens mostly on which it is heavily focused. It also makes a good description of the role played by religion in the lives of Ancient Greeks both on a personal level but also on a community level.
Minor complaints is that this book does not present any hymns or rituals in much detail nor does it cover much besides Athens. Finally, the author could have developed the theology and philosophy behind the Ancient Greek religion a bit more.
But otherwise, this is an excellent introduction and overview of the topic of Ancient Greek religion.
- Ian A. MooneyReviewed in the United States on 7 January 2010
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Study
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseA good textbook, well formatted and well researched.
It is extremely approachable with a wide knowledge based.
I highly suggest this book.
My only regrets were that it didn't go as "in-depth" as I would have liked, and it seemed to be lacking in appendicies and idexes.