Folklore & Mythology

In United States culture, myth has played a significant role in representing the dominant ideologies of the nation as it emerged from colonial dependence to self-created superstate. In the period following the Vietnam War, however, such foundation myth has been radically challenged by the emergence of a range of new myths that set out to express America’s multicultural ethos. This essay collection questions the legacy of triumphalist mythology and explores the emergence of a more pluralistic, syncretic mythology that is central to the continual re-imagining of American communities. The thirteen essays focus mainly on prose fiction, but also consider recent poetry. Using a variety of critical approaches, they investigate how contemporary American literature uses mythology, for example, to redirect debate over issues of race, ethnicity and gender. Above all, this book opens up ways to redefine how myths influence American writing and re-establishes mythology as an essential critical and theoretical framework for literary interpretation. more...

Price: $85.00

Western civilization began with the Greeks. From the highpoint of the 5th century BC through the cultural triumphs of the Alexandrian era to their impact on the developing Roman empire, the Greeks shaped the philosophy, art, architecture and literature of the Mediterranean world. Beginning with the Homeric period, once believed to be a realm of myth, Mike Paine takes the reader on a journey through twelve centuries and more of Greek culture. He shows what archaeologists have revealed of the Trojan Wars and Mycenae, outlines the glories of Athens at its height and provides a gripping narrative of the struggle between the Greeks and the mighty Persian empire. The careers of great political and military leaders like Pericles and Alexander the Great are highlighted and the importance of the great philosophers like Plato and Aristotle is demonstrated. Dramatists and demagogues, stoics and epicureans, aristocrats and helots all take their place in the unfolding story of the Greek achievement. more...

Price: $19.99

The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science and arts of Western culture. As well as instigating itself as the birthplace of the Olympics, Ancient Greece is famous for its literature, philosophy, mythology and the beautiful architecture- to which thousands of tourists flock every year. This entertaining guide introduces readers to the amazing world of the Ancient Greeks. It offers a complete rundown of Greek history alongside fascinating insights into daily life in Ancient Greece and a captivating overview of Greek mythology. Readers will discover how this ancient culture came to be the cornerstone of Western civilisation and the enormous influence it has had on our language, politics, education, philosophy, science, arts and sport.:.; The history of Ancient Greece remains a wide topic of interest, particularly renowned for its influential and diverse culture.; This basic guide will allow greater access to this vibrant area of study, and provide a distinct and light-hearted approach to this vast area history.; Covers dozens of topics, including; the early civilisations, war & fighting, home & family, day-to-day life and much, much more!. About the author. Steve Batchelor is a lecturer in Classics at Richmond College and has been teaching ancient history for 10 years. He has written reviews for various publications, including History Today , and he has also been involved in running guided historical tours of Greece. more...

Price: $19.99

Green examines the intimate relationship between the Celts and animals, covering their crucial role in the Celtic economy, in hunting and warfare, in art and literature and in religion and ritual. The book covers the period between 800 BC and 400 AD. more...

Price: $44.95

In this title, authors Marvin Perry and Frederick Schweitzer analyse the lies, misperceptions, and myths that have been spread throughout the centuries in regard to the Jewish people and the Jewish religion. more...

Price: $35.00