The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion

I'm winding down my study of ancient Greek religion with this massive "handbook" - word that seems misplaced in a 750 page analysis of 43 chapters - from the venerable Oxford.  It's been interesting, informative, mostly enjoyable, and very thorough.

With the exception of the last section, which discussed the relationship between Greek religion at the center of the Greek world and that of the outlying regions (The Black Sea, Egypt, the Near East, etc.), I've found it quite compelling.

I thought I might continue on with another book or two on the subject, but the thoroughness of this book renders that unnecessary.

My only criticism is that some chapters spent more time talking about the history of the study of a given topic than the history of the topic itself.  I found this off-putting at times.  I don't need to know how scholars were misinformed during the 18th century; I just want to know what scholars believe now, based on the accumulation of research.

Still a great read, all 43 chapters!

And that brings me to my final topic on Classical Greece: Art & Architecture (coming soon)!