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Greek and Roman Art

Background & Context

Cambridge Ancient History
Langsam and Classics Reference & Stacks D57 .C25 1970 (14 Volumes)
Read all about the political, social, and general history of the era in which the art was created. This is very important background from an authoritative, but very readable source.

Larousse Encyclopedia of Archaeology
Langsam Stacks CC165 .C4513 1983
Get the archaeological angle painlessly in here. There will be a very readable chapter relevant to the time and place of your paper. Other archaeology reference books that may also be of interest are shelved nearby.

An Encyclopedia of the History of Classical Archaeology
Classics Reference DE5 .E5 1996
This book bills itself as the first of a kind. Along with articles on individual archaeologists and the history of the excavation of various places, it has pieces on well-known collectors and museums and on the history of famous individual objects like the Portland Vase or the Belvedere Apollo-where they were found, how they ended up where they are now, their importance in art history. Arrangement can be confusing, but it has a full index. Archaeology of neighboring regions like Egypt and the Ancient Near East is excluded.

Masterpieces of Greek Art
DAAP Stacks N5630 .S35 1965
This is a catalog of the most familiar works of Greek art in all forms. Each item comes with a superb illustration and a one page essay. There are, most unfortunately, no bibliographies. It makes for inspirational looking if you haven't selected a topic yet. Any item in here would make an excellent choice.

Atlas of the Greek and Roman World in Antiquity
Classics Reference Oversize G1033 .A84 1981

Atlas of the Classical World
Classics Reference Oversize DE29 .H46
Yes! Atlases! This is not a misprint. Once you have selected your object and/or decided on your topic, see where it fits geographically. It really is very interesting.

Early Greek Myth: A Guide to Literary & Artistic Sources
Classics Reference BL782 .G34 1993
When you need detailed background on a Greek myth, this is the book to use. It tells which ancient authors relate a particular story, how their versions differ, and exactly where in their works you can find their accounts. It also discusses how the myths are represented in ancient art and describes specific examples (vase paintings, sculpture, etc.)

Oxford Companion to Classical Literature
Classics Reference DE5 .H3 1989
Intended to provide background information for readers of ancient literature: the composition and contents (and sometimes judgments) of individual authors' works (useful summaries), and sketches on myths and mythological characters. Includes a useful timeline situating literary works in their historical context. Gives cryptic guidance on pronunciation of classical names.

Civilization of the Ancient Mediterranean: Greece and Rome
Classics and Langsam Reference DE59 .C55 1988 (3 Volumes)
Unlike the Oxford Classical Dictionary or the Oxford Companion, the focus here is on broad themes, not isolated facts. Essay-length articles by leading American and British scholars on topics like "Roman divination," "Food and Foodstuffs," "Book Production" are grouped under headings like "Economy," "Private and Social Life," etc. Very brief chronological overviews of Greek and Roman history precede, along with a timeline from 2000 B.C. to A.D. 529 giving historical and literary milestones.

Dictionary of Classical Mythology: Symbols, Attributes & Associations
DAAP and Classics Reference BL715 .B44 1982

Dictionary of Classical Mythology
Classics Stacks BL715 .Z5

Gods and Mortals in Classical Mythology
Classics and OCAS Stacks BL715.G67 1973
These three are a few of many such dictionaries. Most will be found in the same general area, BL 715. These are particularly good illustrations and work together well. They are useful sources of summary and explanation for you if you are researching an artwork with a classical theme or iconography.

Classical Mythology, Sixth Edition
Online & Classics Stacks BL722 .M67 1999
DYABOLA is the online computer file to accompany the book. The site offers users of the book a large number of resources and information. Chapter-specific activities and links allow students to explore the web and engage in exercises that focus on the key elements of each part of the book. Reference materials such as bibliographies, glossaries, and maps provide support for research and further learning. The site even has a growing list of new translations provided by the authors.

Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art
DAAP Reference N7560 .H34 1974
This is exactly what it sounds like it is. It provides brief definitions on a wide range of subjects, objects, and concepts encountered in Western art.

Dictionary of Pictorial Subjects from Classical Literature
Classics Reference N7760 .P68 1983
This is a truly unique work. It links pictures/scenes with their possible classical literary references.

Research Guides

Greek and Roman Art, Architecture, and Archaeology: An Annotated Bibliography.
Classics Reference N5610 .C65 1987
This is where you find out what's good out there to read! It is a quick way to find out what books are most likely to be helpful without having to look at them all yourself. There are two editions of this, shelved side by side. You should use both as there will be items in either not in both. It is arranged by rather broad subtopics, but not difficult to browse. The annotations are very useful. It is limited to books.

Guide to Research in Classical Art and Mythology
Classics Reference N7760 .V3 1991
This is a rather chatty guide for the novice reader. It identifies the core sources/ authorities in the field. It will tell you whom to go to for what and what's best to use for what!


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This file was last modified on 07/25/08