"I have rarely been in a position to recommend a book with more enthusiasm. It is an extremely lucid introduction to theories of myth and is accessible to those with no prior knowledge. The book is the most comprehensive of its kind - and the most useful." Robert L. Fowler, University of Bristol "An integrated, historical, broad-based, wide-ranging general study of the interpretation of myth that covers all the major schools and shows how they relate to one another, grow out of one another and are still interesting today. He enlightens his deep understanding with wit and delight and a clear, lucent style. A superb achievement." Barry Powell, University of Wisconsin-Madison "What Csapo has done is lucid, illuminating, refreshing and extremely informative. I recommend it to anyone looking for an intellectually engaging overview of theories of interpretation of myth." University of Toronto Quarterly "It should certainly be in all academic libraries." Journal of Classics Teaching "It is a pity that J.G. Frazer appropriated the title "The Golden Bough". This image is far better suited to Csapo's luminous guide through a forest difficult to see for the trees." Phoenix