Classical Mythology: The Greeks

The Modern Scholar

By: Professor Peter Meineck

Narrated by: Peter Meineck

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

In Classical Mythology: The Greeks, widely published Professor Peter Meineck examines in thrilling detail the far-reaching influence of Greek myths on Western thought and literature. The nature of myth and its importance to ancient Greece in terms of storytelling, music, poetry, religion, cults, rituals, theatre, and literature are viewed through works ranging from Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to the writings of Sophocles and Aeschylus. Through the study of these time-honored myths, the Greek heroes and gods - including Heracles, Zeus, Achilles, Athena, Aphrodite, and others - leap from the page in all their glorious splendor. The following lectures are not only an entertaining guide to Greek mythology, but a fascinating look into the culture and time that produced these eternal tales.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2004 Peter Meineck (P)2004 Recorded Books

Great Value!

Any additional comments?

Though it is perhaps not earth shattering, this substantial course provides an excellent introduction to Greek mythology, focusing largely on the Iliad and the Odyssey.

It is very well organized by themes such as ‘Gender in Myths’, ‘Myths of Identity’, ‘Myths of Initiation’, etc.

As in a real classroom, the lectures are occasionally enriched by answers to some questions from students.

Another bonus is access to a web site where a ‘final exam’ is provided.

This enjoyable course is strongly recommended to anyone even remotely interested in Classical mythology. Personally, I certainly look forward to listening to it a second time!

Loved it!

I think Peter Meineck does a wonderful job here of explaining Greek mythology. I can now confidently approach literature which have Greek mythological references and have a greater appreciation and understanding of its origins. There are 14 lectures where Prof. Meineck covers the major greek mythological characters. A wonderful discovery of learning if you ask me!

Greek mythology is Fun!

If you could sum up Classical Mythology in three words, what would they be?

I have always wanted to learn more about Greek mythology and its meanings then and today. This course was both easy to listen too, learn form, and enjoy. The accompanying pdf transcription download from the writers site is also an incredible resource.
Loved it

Have you listened to any of the narrator’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I certainly would

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No and I couldn't have the subject is so large

Excellent

I'm a high school literature teacher who is teaching myths and the Odyssey. I found Meineck's lectures very interesting and helpful; I'm on my second listen now. If you know very little or nothing of myths and the Odyssey and Illiad, you would benefit from reading a bit about those before hearing the lectures. You certainly don't need an exhaustive knowledge of the stories though.

It has a lecture on Gender in Greek Myths.

Would you try another book from Peter Meineck and/or the narrator?

It depends what it was about. He narrates really very well indeed.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

He has this weird approach, generally, which seems to leap from "myths can't be taken literally because they're only myths" to fairly detailed extrapolation of the social behaviour of the day from the said myths.

Which scene was your favorite?

When he, an ex-Royal Marine, got the date of the WW1 Gallipoli campaign wrong!

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

There've been loads of movies using the Greek myth stories.

Any additional comments?

Generally great, but a bit weirdly obsessed with gender issues.

Peter is Zeus blessed!

Wonderful insights, incredibly entertaining and truly recreates a world larger than life. My go to scholar to have everything I know about mythology reinforced and reenacted.

Good Course

I enjoyed this course and learned a lot. Professor M has a great voice and excellent style.

brilliant

Beyond academia. Peter Meineck creates lectures that are works of art. Every part of this production is done with excellence.

Very Informative

Professor Meineck is a captivating speaker and this was a great course. It makes me want to go to Greece!

For those who know little about Mythology

This was the only book I had, to listen to at the time, I know very little about mythology, and it is not on the top of my list for knowledge enhancement. I started listening to this book, with the intension of downloading another book when I could...I listened to the whole thing and found I was interested in learning more.