Greek Gods, Human Lives

by Mary Lefkowitz and Mary R. Lefkowitz

Book Overview

Why the Greek myths, more than those of any other culture, continue to captivate us The mythology of ancient Greece has fascinated readers for two millennia and has formed the basis of Western... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300101457
• ISBN13: 9780300101454
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.9" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

The Olympians as Gods, finally

This book provides a bracing perspective of the Greek Gods, not as the worst of humanity, but as the best of the Cosmos. Prof. Lefkowitz's brief recaps of the ancient tales allow us to quickly see the roles the Gods play in human affairs. This is not a survey of the literature (nor is it intended to be) but rather a focus on the Gods on their own terms. They are more interested in Justice, Piety, and the performance of virtue, than they are about the petty squabbles of the short lived, self-involved and often treacherous beings under their care. This book is a must for students of ancient Greek religion, as it helps to prevent our anachronistic insertion of Christian characterizations of divinity, and of mis-judging the Gods by applying 21st century expectations of godhood.

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A treasure cove of links

Shelly said, "We are all Greeks. Our laws, our literature, our religion, our arts, have Greece." This text illustrates without pretension or obtuse stilted language these powerful sentiments. Loose ends, nunances, questions, and epiphanies are continually addressed in the readers mind. The notions and ideas presented to me over the last half century via formal education, religious indoctrination, and personal experiences take on a new clarity when reading this outstanding review of the Greek dieties and how they formed and influenced our cultural foundations. This is a work that is not easily read but one that is beautifully construed to creat maximum stimulation of ones thought processes. Simply a must for any personal libary that is concern with the evolution of personal believes, knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Thank you Ms. Lefkowitz