The nightly appearance of the stars, their arrangement in the sky, their regular risings and settings through the course of the year, have been a source of endless wonder and speculation. But where did the constellations come from and what are the myths associated with them? Star Myths of the Greeks and Romans is the most comprehensive work ever published on the forty-eight classical constellations. Included in this handbook are the only surviving works on the constellation myths that have come down to us from antiquity: an epitome of The Constellations of Eratosthenes--never before translated into English -- and The Poetic Astronomy of Hyginus. Also provided are accurate and detailed commentaries on each constellation myth, and complete references for those who wish to dig deeper. This book is a comprehensive sourcework for anyone interested in astronomy or mythology -- and an ideal resource for the occasional stargazer.

Sir Thomas Fairfax, not Oliver Cromwell, was creator and commander of Parliament's New Model Army from 1645 to1650. Although Fairfax emerged as England's most successful commander of the 1640s, this book challenges the orthodoxy that he was purely a military figure, showing how he was not apolitical or disinterested in politics. The book combines narrative and thematic approaches to explore the wider issues of popular allegiance, puritan religion, concepts of honour, image, reputation, memory, gender, literature, and Fairfax's relationship with Cromwell. 'Black Tom' delivers a groundbreaking examination of the transformative experience of the English revolution from the viewpoint of one of its leading, yet most neglected, participants. It is the first modern academic study of Fairfax, making it essential reading for university students as well as historians of the seventeenth century. Its accessible style will appeal to a wider audience of those interested in the civil wars and interregnum more generally.

A comprehensive study of the depictions of animals and their significance on Greek and Roman gems. The work examines the associations between animal depictions and the type of gemstone and its believed qualities. The study also compares the representation of animals on gems to other, larger media, and analyses the differences.

The first anthology to present the entire range of ancient Greek and Roman stories- from myths and fairy tales to jokes Captured centaurs and satyrs, talking animals, people who suddenly change sex, men who give birth, the temporarily insane and the permanently thick-witted, delicate sensualists, incompetent seers, a woman who remembers too much, a man who cannot laugh-these are just some of the colorful characters who feature in the unforgettable stories that ancient Greeks and Romans told in their daily lives. Together they created an incredibly rich body of popular oral stories that include, but range well beyond, mythology-from heroic legends, fairy tales, and fables to ghost stories, urban legends, and jokes.

Explore the captivating relationship between humans and dolphins in the insightful work, "The Dolphin in History" by B.T. Ashley Montagu and John C. Lilly. This thought-provoking book delves into the rich history of dolphins, examining their roles in mythology, culture, and science. As the authors guide you through the fascinating narratives surrounding these intelligent creatures, you’ll uncover the profound connections that have existed between dolphins and humanity across centuries. Montagu and Lilly highlight the significance of dolphins in various societies and their impact on human culture and beliefs. But here's the compelling question that will inspire your curiosity: How have dolphins shaped our understanding of intelligence and compassion in the animal kingdom? The authors challenge readers to reconsider the way we perceive these remarkable beings and the lessons they offer about empathy and coexistence. With a blend of historical anecdotes, scientific research, and philosophical insights, "The Dolphin in History" invites readers to reflect on the importance of protecting these extraordinary creatures and their habitats. This book is not just an exploration of the past; it’s a call to action for the future. Are you ready to dive deep into the history of dolphins and discover what they reveal about ourselves? This enlightening work is essential for anyone interested in marine life, animal behavior, and the connections between species. Montagu and Lilly's compelling narrative encourages a greater appreciation for the intelligence and beauty of dolphins. Don’t miss the chance to gain a deeper understanding of our aquatic companions. Purchase "The Dolphin in History by B.T. Ashley Montagu and John C. Lilly" today and embark on a journey of discovery and awareness.

This is the first collection of scholarly essays on the Homeric Hymns, a corpus of 33 hexameter poems celebrating gods that were probably recited at religious festivals, among other possible performance venues, and were frequently attributed in antiquity to Homer. After a general introduction to modern scholarship on the Homeric Hymns, the essays of the first part of the book examine in detail aspects of the longer narrative poems in the collection, while those of the second part give critical attention to the shorter poems and to the collection as a whole. The contributors to the volume present a wide range of stimulating views on the study of the Homeric Hymns, which have attracted much interest in recent years.

This is a fascinating book about the Celts and their religion, which covers all aspects of the gods, ritual customers, cult-objects and sacred places of the ancient Celtic peoples. The first chapter introduces the Celts and the evidence they have left behind, and places them in their geographical and chronological context. The following chapters cover the various cults of the sun and the sky, the mother-godesses and fertility, war, death and the underworld, water gods and healers, animals and animism, and symbolism and imagery. This is a rewarding overview of the evidence for Celtic religions, beliefs and practices which uses modern scholarship to bring an obscure, but captivating part of European history to life. It covers 500 BC to AD 400, and embraces the whole of the Celtic world from Ireland to Australia.