In this detailed treatment of the myth of Adonis in post-Classical times; Carlo Caruso provides an overview of the main texts; both literary and scholarly; in Latin and in the vernacular; which secured for the Adonis myth a unique place in the Early Modern revival of Classical mythology. While aiming to provide this general outline of the myths fortunes in the Early Modern age; the book also addresses three points of primary interest; on which most of the original research included in the work has been conducted. First; the myths earliest significant revival in the age of Italian Humanism; and particularly in the poetry of the great Latin poet and humanist Giovanni Pontano. Secondly; the diffusion of syncretistic interpretations of the Adonis myth by means of authoritative sixteenth-century mythological encyclopaedias. Thirdly; the allegorical/political use of the Adonis myth in G.B. Marinos (1569-1625) Adone; published in Paris in 1623 to celebrate the Bourbon dynasty and to support their legitimacy with regard to the throne of France.
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Haunting; Disturbing; and FascinatingBy TomsdeId read an earlier edition of this book and like it very much. Although the description says: "A Novel In Pictures" there are really three discrete stories told in this book. The stories involve a factory worker who looses his job; a man who has weird vision on a subway; and a cartoonist who draws an apocalyptic depiction of a flood while it is actually happening all around him. Although the main characters look similar; and they seem to be Mr. Drookers alter egos--after a 2nd reading I realized that they are not the same people. So I think it would be more accurate to say 3 Novellas In Pictures to be more accurate.I like Mr. Drookers artistic style--this edition of Flood has an interview with the author and bonus pictures from some of his other works; plus a cool 3D effect on the cover. If you have an earlier version of this book I dont think that the extra material contributes much to the overall stories; for those who have never read it I recommend this version over the earlier ones. If you have any of the older editions; however; youll have to decide whether the bonus material and nice hard cover presentation is worth the price of admission.Haunting; disturbing; and fascinating this book is not for the squeamish or prudish. There are pretty graphic depictions of sex; so Id not recommend it for young people. It is not a "happy" book; but if youre looking for something thought provoking and very unique then I suggest your give it a whirl.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An amazing graphic novel!By A Book Is A Wonderous ThingThis -- and its sister story found in Eric Drookers BLOOD SONG -- are truly wonderful novels; amazing story; amazing artistic illustration -- visual poetry! I cannot give any graphic novel higher praise than FLOOD! Try to get the volume that has the interview with Drooker at the end; if you can (added insights into the art and artist) -- but definitely experience FLOOD in all its glory!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great! I read this without knowing all the images ...By ChrisGreat! I read this without knowing all the images were done in scratch board; now feel compelled to read again to really appriciate Drookers work.