Mythical Monsters in Classical Literature - by Paul Murgatroyd (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This engaging, readable yet impeccably scholarly investigation of monsters in Classical literature will entertain and stimulate as well as inform. It covers all the major mythical monsters mentioned by Greek and Roman authors (Medusa, Hydra, Polyphemus, the Minotaur, Sphinx, Harpies, Sirens, Cerberus, Chimaera, Centaurs, and many more) along with Classical precursors of vampires, werewolves and the living dead. Versions of these creatures that appear in later literature and film are also discussed.

Mythical Monsters is original in considering monsters squarely from a literary standpoint, introducing elements of literary analysis gradually as the work progresses, and building up to quite a sophisticated approach. This will increase readers' critical appreciation and plain enjoyment of these stories, which continue to fascinate today. To facilitate browsing, each chapter can be read independently. There is a useful bibliography, and the book is enlivened by illustrations from ancient and more recent art.

Review Quotes

I recommend the book to instructors of undergraduate mythology classes, to give students an accessible guide to literary approaches to classical myth.
Phoenix

This book touches on a variety of interesting topics and is a good starting point for those interested in classical monsters and their literary constructions.
Hermathena

About the Author

Paul Murgatroyd is Professor of Classics as McMaster University, Canada. He has
published eight books and over sixty articles on Greek and Latin literature, and has a
particular interest in the study of narrative.