Forms of Astonishment

Greek Myths of Metamorphosis

Richard Buxton author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:23rd Jul '09

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Forms of Astonishment cover

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.

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. * José 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 *

ISBN: 9780199245499

Dimensions: 222mm x 144mm x 19mm

Weight: 541g

304 pages