CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY The Romans

This offering from the Modern Scholars series advances the proposition that Roman mythology deserves more attention. Sure, it owes much to the Greeks, Professor Meinek asserts in a London accent, but its variations, additions, and interpolations speak volumes about Roman culture, upon which so much of ours derives. Working extemporaneously from notes, punctuating his remarks with revolting lip-smacking, the author rattles on, unable to inculcate us with his enthusiasm. He makes a potentially fascinating subject dull. He also forgets to give us essential information; for instance, he mentions that the Romans imbued Mars with more importance than the Greeks did Ares but fails to mention that they're equivalent. The attractive accompanying brochure could use some additional proofreading. Y.R. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]