"An engaging and insightful introduction that explains the character and significance of Classical mythology in the ancient world and outlines how and why it continues to matter today."

- Fiona Hobden, University of Liverpool, UK

"Classical Mythology: The Basics is a good first approach to the vast field of mythology ... the clear and complete nature of the book makes it accessible to a wide audience whose knowledge of the subject [may not be] extensive."

- Sarah Lagrou, Universite Grenoble Alpes, France, in the Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"This excellent book, by Stanford classicist Richard Martin, gives a packed yet pellucid overview of Greek and Roman mythology ... There are succinct discussions of myths of origin, especially of Hesiod?s Theogony, which Martin helpfully matches up with the Babylonian Enuma Elish. Discussed at length are hero myths, which some sticklers in folklore would rather call legends. Here Martin most helpfully distinguishes ancient conceptions of heroism from modern ones, where heroes can be ordinary rather than exceptional ... Managing in addition to find space to discuss the appearance of ancient myths in a host of modern media, Martin offers a superb presentation of classical mythology."

- Robert A. Segal, University of Aberdeen, UK, in Reading Religion, a publication of the American Academy of Religion

This is an engaging introduction which explores the latest thinking about Classical mythology, the history of interpreting myths and the role of myths in cultural tradition, from painting to opera, philosophy, politics, drama, and religion in the modern day. It answers such questions as

• what are ancient myths and who invented them
• where do gods come from
• what makes a hero
• how is Classical myth used in the modern world
• and what approaches are there to the study of myth?

Featuring further reading and case studies from antiquity to the modern day, this is an essential introduction to the myths which have been a fundamental part of Western culture throughout history.