Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws
And Other Classical Myths, Historical Oddities, and Scientific Curiosities
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Author
Contributions
- 2022 by Adrienne Mayor - Copyright
- Chris Ferrante - Cover and Text Design
- For Samuel Mayor Angel - Dedicated to
Publication
2022-07-22 - Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Language
English
Word Count
107,500 words, Guess
Page Count
430 pages
Physical Format
Paperback
Identifiers
- Open LibraryOL35882508M
- ISBN-139780691211183
- ISBN-100691211183
- OCLC Control Number1277277940
- Library of Congress Control Number2021042475
and 2 more
- Amazon0691211183
- Goodreads59576731
Classifications
- DDC398.09--dc23/eng/20220124
- LCCGR71 .M39 2022
Description
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 ancient, 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.
Subjects
Other Editions
- Flying Snakes and Griffin Claws
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