Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity - Softcover

'With its lucid descriptions, thoughtful explanations, lack of jargon, and avoidance of arcane Greek terms, this book is ideal for students and the general public. It could also help philologists to appreciate the conventions of Greek and Roman art and their potential for conveying the subtleties of myth. Every college course on classical mythology should assign this text, which is available in paperback, so students can understand the visual dimension of the subject. With its generous illustrations of many of the major works of classical art and its sensitive treatment of myth, Woodford's latest book is yet another leaf in her crown.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

'This is a very accessible book which would fascinate anyone with an interest in art, mythology or antiquity ... it is an absolute must for any school teaching Greek or roman art at any level and should have a place in every school library. Its very attractiveness and accessibility means that it will be the sort of book that bored teenagers will dip into when they are supposed to be studying something else and without a doubt become hooked on classics.' London Association of Classical Teachers Newsletter

'Her writing is always accessible, and she has an enviable ability to arrange her material in a user-friendly way. this is a book that should be in every library where classical civilization is taught.' JACT Reviews

'Susan's books are always models of clarity and accessibility, a real pleasure to read, and this latest is no exception ... Very highly recommended.' CA News

Stories take time to tell; Greek and Roman artists had to convey them in static images. How did they go about it? How could they ensure that their scenes would be recognized? What problems did they have? How did they solve them? This generously illustrated book explores the ways classical artists portrayed a variety of myths. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these inventions could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other myths; how one myth could be distinguished from another; what links there were with daily life and historical propaganda; the influence of changing tastes, and problems still outstanding. Examples are drawn from a wide range of media--vases, murals, mosaics, sarcophagi, sculpture--used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The myths are mostly those that are also easily recognized in later works of art. No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed, all examples are illustrated and all names, terms and concepts are fully explained. Susan Woodford teaches Greek and Roman art at the University of London and is engaged in research for the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum. A former Fullbright Scholar and Woodrow Wilson Fellow, she and is author of The Parthenon (Cambridge, 1981), The Art of Greece (Cornell, 1993), An Introduction to Greek Art (Cornell, 1986) and The Trojan War in Ancient Art (Cornell, 1993).