The Genealogy of Greek Mythology: An Illustrated Family Tree of Greek Myth from the First Gods to the Founders of Rome
Adult/High School-This beautiful, creative family tree has been ingeniously bound to be shelved and read as a book or unfolded into a dazzling 17-foot-long table. The book/chart begins with the earliest surviving account of the creation of the universe from Chaos and quickly covers the children of Gaia, the rise of the Titans, and the triumph of the Olympians. The origins of each of the Olympians, their symbols, and their characters are briefly described. James does not neglect the less-well-known deities. The gods of wind, rivers, and oceans are included, as well as other immortals, such as Atlas and Medea. Lists of the gods' children are followed by an index of 3000-plus individuals. When the book is turned over, it opens to a large map of the Aegean Sea, showing the places associated with mythic heroes. This begins the genealogical chart of the mortals who participated in the Trojan War, starting with their immortal ancestors and concluding with their descendants. A map of the Mediterranean Sea shows the routes of the Argonauts, Aeneas, and Odysseus. Lists of Helen's suitors, the 12 labors of Hercules, and more conclude the volume. James used a variety of Greek and Roman sources. When presented with conflicting accounts, she gave preference to Greek writers. The retellings are necessarily brief, and there are omissions. This book would supplement standard guides such as those by Edith Hamilton and Thomas Bulfinch. Traditional mythology books include modern engravings or no art at all.The appeal here is in the beauty of the more than 125 color photographs of Greek and Roman artwork, the concise biographies, and the elegant ordering of a complex topic.-Kathy Tewell, Chantilly Regional Library, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.