Theories of Mythology

Csapo (classics, U. of Toronto) introduces the major schools of mythological interpretation along with their theories, methods, insights, and shortcoming: comparative approaches, psychology, ritual theories, structuralism, and ideology. He exemplifies each by one or two key or founding figures; explains their theories, sets them in their social and historical contexts, then criticizes them; and describes, exemplifies, and problematizes their methods of analysis. His samples are all from Greek myth or stories likely to be known to readers without a background in either mythology or the classics. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Eric Csapo is Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Toronto. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles on ancient Greek drama, theatre, myth, religion, and society, including The Contexts of Ancient Drama (co-edited, 1995).