Sources for the Study of Greek Religion

by David Rice and John E. Stambaugh

Book Overview

Since its initial publication in 1979, Sources for the Study of Greek Religion has become an essential classroom resource in the field of classical studies. The Society of Biblical Literature is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0891303472
• ISBN13: 9780891303473
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Society of Biblical Literature
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A great short supplement to all your other Greek books...

One of the most daunting aspects of learning about ancient Greek religion is the sheer volume of sources and authors. The main question is who, where and what is most relevant & pertinent, & espeically if it can point you in the right direction. This book is not a commentary or description about the expression of Greek religion by the Greeks themselves but snippets from actual inscriptions & ancient texts by both Greek and Roman authors (8th century Homer to Alexander the Great & also some later sources deemed relevant) speaking about Greek religion in the most important characteristics of how Greek religion was expressed & practiced. It's not full of ideological or social whys about Greek Relgion but is more like a dictionary. Topics range from Olympian Gods & Hero, public & private religion, mystery cults & the meaning of death & the afterlife. Each main topic is given a very short description as to what the authors intend the student to focus on & then the different sources that help describe it. A really great thing the authors included was a short list of modern texts for `further reading' to help enrich the Source book. Thus, you get ancient sources that are both familiar and unique & modern and relevant texts to help continue your study. Keep in mind-this is a really great companion/supplement for you Greek library because some of the sources are very unusual and not something you'd find on your own. There is no personality or true intimacy of what Greek Relgion means to an individual ancient Greek person but only the collective 'religiou' voice of a civlization which can no longer speak in its own voice but can only express itself through texts and inscriptions that you have consider worthy or not. Hence, it is not really meant to be read straight through because the snippets are not the full descriptions nor is there any extra commentary but only a short snapshot of what is relevant for that topic. And--this is a fairly short book so not EVERYTHING is included because it's just a general overview of the basic aspectsof Greek Religion & very specific and speical topics will not be found in this book. This is great for those who are just beginning their Greek (religious) experience and for those who have been passionate about the ancient Greeks & their religion since time immemorial.