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Providing a comprehensive introduction to ancient Greek religion, Larson (classics, Kent State Univ.) examines the customary topics--myths, rituals, deities, mystery and hero cults, divination, festivals, games, processions, pollution, sacrifice, and so on--from a thoroughly new perspective: cognitive science. She looks at Greek religion in terms of religion in general, that is, as a persistent, ubiquitous feature of human culture with a foundation in cognition. In introducing topics, she draws on crucial features of cognitive science to demonstrate that in thought and behavior ancient Greek religion was like other religions but distinctive as well: it was a site of mental activity rather than irrational or fanciful "thinking" surpassed in modern times. In addition, Larson shows how the dynamics of religious thought and behavior involve agency, dual processing (distinguishing intuitive and reflective processes), and counterintuitive concepts (making concepts memorable) and how mental tools enable humans to construct representations as the basis of religion. The glossary and bibliographical essay will guide students as they explore this new approach to Greek religion. This volume is a model for the study of the ancient world.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers.