This book
by Robert Graves is held by many as the
definitive volume of Greek myths. Originally published as two volumes, it has
since been consolidated. It covers everything
when it comes to Greek myths. All of the major players (and most B-listers)
are in this book.
Moreover, Graves includes alternate
versions of many myths such as the origins of the universe, births of major
deities, and their various (mis)deeds of mortals. While sometimes these
alternate versions can be confusing (because which one is right?—they all are) these alternate tellings show how diverse and complex Greek myth is, and how
this is not a body of work constructed by a single individual, but by an entire
people.
Graves also includes translational
and culture notes for every single myth fragment within the book, at the end of
each myth in its own section. Graves even offers up cross-cultural influences
from neighboring regions, and how the Greeks assimilated these influences to
become natively Greek.
The book is organized
chronologically according to the narrative timeline as opposed to the actual
date of authorship. The book starts with the creation (obviously enough) and
ends with the return of Odysseus. Obviously the Odyssey and the other epic
poems contain a more detailed treatment of the Trojan War and the adventures of
Odysseus, but this book isn’t a retread of Homer (and others), instead drawing
from other sources of the myth.
I reach for this book first
whenever it comes to anything related to Greek mythology. I can’t recommend it
highly enough.