A Guide to Roman Myths
From the Set The Global Guide to Mythology
From the divine tales of Jupiter, Mars, and Venus to the heroic exploits of Aeneas and the mystical atmosphere of the underworld, Roman mythology shaped the beliefs and cultural identity of an empire that spanned continents. Young readers explore the enduring impact of Roman mythological figures on art, politics, and daily life. Through vibrant full-color photographs and engaging sidebars, this volume brings to life the myths and legends of one of history's most influential civilizations. A list of related books and websites is included to provide a jumping-off point for future independent research.
SLJ Review of The Global Guide to Mythology
Gr 6–9—Over millennia, people shared similar values, fears, concerns, and cultural attitudes, and the stories they told and passed down conveyed these ideas within their societies. Each book in this series opens with an introduction the nation of origin and/or culture that produced a set of myths. Students learn that myths share some cross-cultural thematic similarities in trope (creation myths, hero tales, flood tales, tricksters, myths explaining natural phenomena), in function (myths also entertain and teach lessons), and in characterization. While some of these concepts are heady and thought-provoking, the myths included here are entertaining, wistful, exciting, and humorous. Each volume summarizes the culture’s belief and traditions, and students will learn some history along the way. The series is clearly written, although pronunciation guides would have helped. A blend of photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations of artworks representative of individual cultures lend strong visual appeal. Sidebars and captions offer additional information, and each chapter ends with some critical thinking questions. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a bibliography. VERDICT Highly recommended for school and public library collections.
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