In what is quite possibly one of the best, or at least, most renowned book on Greco-Roman mythology, Hamilton has presented here in an easy-to-digest format the high points of what happened on Mt. Olympus (and why it didn't stay on Mt. Olympus).

It's by no means exhaustive, but is otherwise a very informative source to get your feet wet in the world of Greco-Roman mythology. Additionally, it's a place to get your feet ever-so-slightly damp in the world of Norse mythology, as the section covering such seems more an afterthought than an appendix than an actual resource on the complex system that is Norse mythology.

If you're looking into the Greco-Roman, this is a great book to at least start, and at most, to complete that collection. If you're looking into the Norse, I'd recommend this book only if you can't manage to find any others about the topic. ( )

Classic mythology told as stories. Consider reading this as basic education to be able to recognize the infinite references to the ancient stories used in everyday life and modern story telling (including movies, tvs, plays, music, etc.) - though I am probably stating the obvious. This gives a solid grounding in the mythos of western civilizations. ( )

I first read this book in my highschool Latin class--long ago when I thought I might have made it through a 2nd year of Latin. The dumbed-down sheeple of my society don't put any value on myths, or much of anything but psychotropics and entertainment. Something priceless lays here. These stories are extremely important to understanding ourselves, our past, our planispheres, and the future. Without sounding too Sitchin-like, I will simply say that these are the rememberances of the b'nai Elohim, amongst other things. Ms. Hamilton provides us an excellent place to start to understand our (un)reality. Don't drink too much of the Eleusian blue potion, and enjoy the illustrations. The myths of other cultures, times, and places await you; all holding a golden thread of uniformity. ( )

This is a standard reference of mythology and the Greek and Roman gods. It is great for younger people who are getting interested in the subject and covers everything well. ( )

Hamilton does a great job of summarizing the major Greek plays and epic stories, as well as introducing the characters and gods found in most of the major mythologies. Until I have the time to actually read Ovid's Metamorphoses and Homer's Iliad, this was a great way to glean the basic stories. The language is so easy to understand, and the book such an easy read, that it really is a perfect tool for students beginning high school.

In the short term I'll keep this; it's a useful tool. But I do fully intend to read the original stories and plays eventually, in English translation as I'm never going to be fluent in Greek and Latin.

Side note: At the back of the book there's a chapter or two on Norse mythology. Personally, I feel it should be cut. It's so short it's almost an afterthought; it seems out of place after pages and pages of Greek and Roman mythology, which shares the same pantheon of deities. ( )