The poet Robert Graves' use of material from classical sources has been contentious to scholars for many years, with a number of classicists baulking at his interpretation of myth and his novelization of history, and questioning its academic value. This collection of essays provides the latest scholarship on Graves' historical fiction (for example in I, Claudius and Count Belisarius) and his use of mythical figures in his poetry, as well as an examination of his controversial retelling of the Greek Myths. The essays explore Graves' unique perspective and expand our understanding of his works within their original context, while at the same time considering their relevance in how we comprehend the ancient world.

Building on the best-selling tradition of previous editions, Classical Mythology, Eighth Edition, is the most comprehensive survey of classical mythology available in one volume. Featuring the authors' clear and extensive translations of original sources, it brings to life the myths andlegends of Greece and Rome in a lucid and engaging style. The text contains a wide variety of faithfully translated passages from Greek and Latin sources, including Homer, Hesiod, all the Homeric Hymns, Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Herodotus, Plato, Lucian, Lucretius, Vergil, Ovid, andSeneca. The authors incorporate a dynamic combination of poetic narratives and enlightening commentary to make the myths come alive for students. Offering historical and cultural background on the myths--including evidence from art and archaeology--they also provide ample interpretative material andexamine the enduring survival of classical mythology and its influence in the fields of art, literature, music, dance, and film. Classical Mythology, Eighth Edition, enables students to explore the fascinating nature of Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines, and to appreciate the most significant ancient sources of classical myths and legends. The book is beautifully enhanced by 22 color plates and 160 blackand white illustrations with lucid explanatory captions, as well as maps, a glossary, a companion website, and an instructor's manual. Classical Mythology, Eighth Edition, has been updated and revised to reflect recent scholarship, featuring:ulliThe most recent results of excavations at TroyliExpanded discussions of Asclepius, Antigone, and OrestesliMany new text boxes including those on Homer, Hesiod, and the worship of Artemisat BrauronliA new chapter (25) on Ovid's treatment of classical mythologyliIncorporation of local legends--for example, the myth of Bellerophon--in relevant myths and sagas (these legends, located in the former Chapter 25 in the previous edition, have now been distributed throughout the book wherethey best fit)liAn improved art program, with new images, better-quality reproductions, and improved mapsliNumbering of lines for all translations, for easy referenceliImproved indexes and updated bibliographiesliAn improved and updated companion website, including images and mapsliAn instructor'smanual and test bank (available for the first time)/ul