Flying snakes & griffin claws : and other classical myths, historical oddities, and scientific curiosities / Adrienne Mayor.
"A collection of short pieces by historian of myth and science, Adrienne Mayor, on a wide array of fascinating and fun classical myths and the reality which often lies behind them"-- Provided by publisher.
"A treasury of astonishing mythic marvels-and the surprising truths behind them. Adrienne Mayor is renowned for exploring the borders of history, science, archaeology, anthropology, and popular knowledge to find historical realities and scientific insights-glimmering, long-buried nuggets of truth-embedded in myth, legends, and folklore. Combing through ancient texts and obscure sources, she has spent decades prospecting for intriguing wonders and marvels, historical mysteries, diverting anecdotes, and hidden gems from antiquity, medieval, and modern times. Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws is a treasury of fifty of her most amazing and amusing discoveries.The book explores such subjects as how mirages inspired legends of cities in the sky; the true identity of winged serpents in ancient Egypt; how ghost ships led to the discovery of the Gulf Stream; and the beauty secrets of ancient Amazons. Other pieces examine Arthur Conan Doyle's sea serpent and Geronimo's dragon; Flaubert's obsession with ancient Carthage; ancient tattooing practices; and the strange relationship between wine goblets and women's breasts since the times of Helen of Troy and Marie Antoinette. And there's much, much more.Showcasing Mayor's trademark passion not to demythologize myths, but to uncover the fascinating truths buried beneath them, Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws is a wonder cabinet of delightful curiosities"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780691217826
- ISBN: 0691217823
- ISBN: 9780691211183
- ISBN: 0691211183
- Physical Description: xv, 420 pages : illustrations (black and white), maps (black and white) ; 21 cm
- Edition: First edition.
- Publisher: Princeton, New Jersey ; Princeton University Press, [2022]
Content descriptions
Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
Formatted Contents Note: | Introduction: The Borderlands of Myth, History, and Science -- Animals: Fabulous, Real, and Extinct -- Formidable Women -- Curious History and Science -- Travelers, Tattoos, and Tyrants. |
Search for related items by subject
Subject: | Folklore. Curiosities and wonders. Folklore. Folklore. |
Available copies
- 8 of 8 copies available at SPARK Libraries.
Holds
- 1 current hold with 8 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gettysburg Library | 398.09 MAYOR (Text) | 35740636026379 | Nonfiction | Available | - |
Glatfelter Memorial Library | Adults 398.09 MAY Nonfiction (Text) | 34216001013616 | Adult Area | Available | - |
New Castle Public Library | 398.09 Mayor (Text) | 31902005465166 | NWCM Non-Fiction | Available | - |
Pottsville Free Public Library | 398.09 M454 (Text) | 30003009112424 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
RPL - Northwest Branch Library | 398.09 May (Text) | 33223008769894 | Non-fiction | Available | - |
Reading Public Library RPL - Main | 398.09 May (Text) | 33223008936881 | Non-fiction | Available | - |
Valley Community Library | 398.09 MAYOR (Text) | 50690111275753 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |
Easton Main Library | 398.09 M473f (Text) | 31901004631554 | Adult Nonfiction | Available | - |