Hellenistic book, might be helpful

[Agaliha]

This could probably go in the "books" area too. _inabox_

I saw this book--
Ancient Greek Religion (Blackwell Ancient Religions) (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0631232230/qid=1147408747/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-6388123-6436749?v=glance&s=books) -- by Jon D. Mikalson; Paperback


"Book Description
Ancient Greek Religion provides an introduction to the fundamental beliefs and practices and the major deities of Greek religion. While the focus is on Athens in the classical period, the book includes detailed discussion of Greek gods and heroes, myth and cult from the archaic age to the Hellenistic world.The book clearly sets out the fascinating but alien concepts of Greek polytheism, building up a picture of Greek religion as it was actually practiced. It emphasizes the experience of worshippers, considering Greek religious practice from a variety of perspectives - from that of the slave and members of the family, to that of priests and public officials. It examines views of the gods and the afterlife, the relationship between cult and myth, the nature of piety and impiety, and the wider social and political context in which religion functioned.Throughout the book, vivid descriptions of actual sanctuaries and practices, the inclusion of ancient texts in translation, and the use of abundant illustrations re-create the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece.
Ancient Greek Religion provides an introduction to the fundamental beliefs and practices and the major deities of Greek religion. While the focus is on Athens in the classical period, the book includes detailed discussion of Greek gods and heroes, myth and cult from the archaic age to the Hellenistic world.The book clearly sets out the fascinating but alien concepts of Greek polytheism, building up a picture of Greek religion as it was actually practiced. It emphasizes the experience of worshippers, considering Greek religious practice from a variety of perspectives - from that of the slave and members of the family, to that of priests and public officials. It examines views of the gods and the afterlife, the relationship between cult and myth, the nature of piety and impiety, and the wider social and political context in which religion functioned.Throughout the book, vivid descriptions of actual sanctuaries and practices, the inclusion of ancient texts in translation, and the use of abundant illustrations re-create the rich and varied religious life of ancient Greece. "


It was at my college library and it looked detailed and informative. It might helpful for any Greek Recons.

Here is also a list on Amazon that might be useful too:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/guides/guide-display/-/2SERHOUNXQDGB/qid=1147408747/sr=18-1/ref=sr_18_1/104-6388123-6436749

:)

[Theres]

i just finished it, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

it basically elaborates on Burkert, but in a very readable style. the book begins by building a typical sanctuary (in this case to Poseidon), and then describes how this related to the cult, the family and the individual.

i would recommend it. my only gripe was i paid $29.95 at Powell's!

[Arion]

I just ordered this book on Amazon thanks to Theres' recommendation. Looks good.

[Arion]

I just realized that the picture of the model of the statue of Athena Parthenos on page 75 comes from my local museum here in Toronto! I was staring at the picture, thinking how familair it looked, and I realized, DUH! I had seen it in real life a few months ago when I was last at the Royal Ontario Museum. When I noticed the caption saying it was at the ROM, I got excited 8O

[MorningStar]

Yet another good book is Greek Religion by Walter Burkert, which I've seen recommended by many Hellenic Recon followers.

Book Description:


Book Description

In this book Walter Burkert, the most eminent living historian of ancient Greek religion, has produced the standard work for our time on that subject. First published in German in 1977, it has now been translated into English with the assistance of the author himself. A clearly structured and readable survey for students and scholars, it will be welcomed as the best modern account of any polytheistic religious system.
Burkert draws on archaeological discoveries, insights from other disciplines, and inscriptions in Linear B to reconstruct the practices and beliefs of the Minoan-Mycenaean age. The major part of his book is devoted to the archaic and classical epochs. He describes the various rituals of sacrifice and libation and explains Greek beliefs about purification. He investigates the inspiration behind the great temples at Olympia, Delphi, Delos, and the Acropolis - discussing the priesthood, sanctuary, and oracles. Considerable attention is given to the individual gods, the position of the heroes, and beliefs about the afterlife. The different festivals are used to illuminate the place of religion in the society of the city-state. The mystery cults, at Eleusis and among the followers of Bacchus and Orpheus, are also set in that context. The book concludes with an assessment of the great classical philosophers' attitudes to religion.
Insofar as possible, Burkert lets the evidence -- from literature and legend, vase paintings and archaeology -- speak for itself; he elucidates the controversies surrounding its interpretation without glossing over the enigmas that remain. Throughout, the notes (updated for the English-language edition) afford a wealth of further references as the text builds up its coherent picture of what is known of the religion of ancient Greece.

[Theres]

yep, anything by Burkert is great.

i've just finished his 'Structure and History in Greek Mythology and Ritual', which is very dry but absolutely essential (imo) for anyone studying ANY type of classical mythology.

[Arion]

Yet another good book is Greek Religion by Walter Burkert, which I've seen recommended by many Hellenic Recon followers.

That book is recommended on just about every Hellenic recon site I've been to. I'm still waiting for Amazon.com to ship the copy I ordered a few weeks ago.