The Library of Greek Mythology
By Apollodorus
Translated by Robin Hard
The Library is a summary of Greek Mythology. In ancient times it was attributed to Apollodorus of Athens, who lived in the second century BCE, but it contains references to works written centuries after his death.
The Library contains a brief history of the creation of the world, the rise of the Greek gods, and the stories surrounding the main mythic heroes, divided by family. As a volume containing the myths of the Greeks, I found it an invaluable reference guide, but that really is all it is: a guide. Those who have a deep interest in mythology will undoubtably find the Library indispensable, but those looking for more meat in their myths should check out Bulfinch’s Mythology or Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
This is the only translation of the Library I have read, so I can’t really speak to the quality. I didn’t have any complaints. I thought the notes were especially helpful in some parts, but unnecessary in others, and I wish they were footnotes rather then endnotes. Maybe I’m just lazy and hate flipping pages while I read. All in all, I felt this was a decent edition and was fascinated by the way the various myths fit together.
This review originally appeared 26 January 2013 on fantasyreviewer.com