Forms of Astonishment
Greek Myths of Metamorphosis
Published on 23. July 2009
Book
Hardback
304 pages
978-0-19-924549-9 (ISBN)
Description
Forms of Astonishment sets out to interpret a number of Greek myths about the transformations of humans and gods. Such tales have become familiar in their Ovidian dress, as in the best-selling translation by Ted Hughes; Richard Buxton explores their Greek antecedents. One pressing question which often occurs to the reader of these tales is: Did the Greeks take them seriously? Buxton repeatedly engages with this topic, and attempts to answer it context by context and author by author. His book raises issues relevant to an understanding of broad aspects of Greek culture (e.g. how 'strange' were Greek beliefs?'); in so doing, it also illuminates issues explored by anthropologists and students of religion.
Reviews / Votes
A rich resource for those embarking on study of Greek myth and/or religion * P. Nieto, CHOICE * Buxton's thoughtful book sends us back to the texts with fresh eyes * Anglo-Hellenic Review * The major contribution of this very readable and fascinating book is to have mapped the contours for future research in the always astonishing field of ancient metamorphosis. * Jose B. Torres-Guerra, Gnomon * Oxford University Press has produced an admirable book, complete with an exhaustive index. Forms of Astonishment provides intellectually stimulating experience; it is a joy to read. Buxton is to be congratulated for an astonishing book that will be consulted for many years to come. * Eirene: Studia Graeca et Latina *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
49 in-text illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
562 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-924549-9 (9780199245499)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
11/2017
Oxford University Press
€51.36
Shipment within 15-20 days
E-Book
07/2009
1st Edition
OUP Oxford
€82.80
Available for download
Person
Richard Buxton is Professor of Greek Language and Literature at the University of Bristol.
Content
1. NARRATIVES AND THEIR CONTEXTS; 2. THE LOGIC OF TRANSFORMATION