The Oxford Guide to Classical Mythology in the Arts, 1300-1990s: 2 Volumes

A phenomenal and monumental work of reference for the continuing afterlife of classical Greek and Roman myth in Western arts (chiefly painting, sculpture, music, dance, and literature), these volumes constitute a book of the year by any measure, as well as offering superb value. The text is organized under 300 headings or subheadings by name (e.g., Herakles) or theme (Seven Against Thebes), with instructive headnotes and structured suborganization for major or complex entries like Herakles, which has 15 subheads. Each entry gives chronological listings of works dealing with the theme, and each listing (author-title-date in nature) is sourced for additional information; the result is more than 30,000 citations. A full bibliography and an artist index seem flawless. This is a lifetime's work of richness and vision, much more accessible and extensive in range and inclusiveness than any other publication on the topic. The book is solidly bound in two classically designed blue volumes; it is too bad that the spine lacks Reid's name, for, like other enduring reference titles, that is how librarians will know it. The typefaces and two-column layout are clear, clean, and easy to use. Absolutely essential for any humanities reference collection.
- Jack Perry Brown, Art Inst. of Chicago Lib.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.