A good understanding of mythology can greatly enhance our appreciation of ancient art and literature, not to mention the work of many later painters and writers. Drawing on every stage of classical mythology - from Achilles and Aphrodite to Jupiter and Juno - this acclaimed dictionary is ideal for both quick reference and more in-depth reading, and will delight anyone who loves dipping into the marvellous stories of the ancient world.

• Contains the standard versions (and significant variants) of the myths about the heroes and heroines of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad and other Greek classical works, placing them within their literary context

• Describes the Olympian gods and goddesses (in their Greek and Roman guises), their adventures, disputes and erotic entanglements

• Covers the Roman legends and foundation stories which haunted Virgil's imagination: Dido, Aeneas, Rhea Silvia, Romulus and Remus

• Includes comprehensive cross-referencing and geneaological tables which show the complex links between different characters and myths.