You know your arachnes from your ariadnes and all that. More than 80 classic myths retold and explained, from early creation beliefs to classical hero narratives and the recurring theme of the afterlife. Greek mythology is the body of myths and teachings associated with the ancient greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world and origins and significance of their own culture and ritual practices it is slowly and steadily becoming the center of attention for the people who show keen interest in having knowledge of the ancient people as the rich literature and dramatics. If youre still fascinated with greek mythology books, or looking for percy jackson or circe readalikes, youll find the best of them here for adults, teens, and kids alike. The greatest greek mythology tales, including gods, goddesses, monsters, heroes, and much more.
Is there a book which tells the complete story of the. Mythology by edith hamilton 1942 myths of the ancient greeks by richard p. Today i will be flicking through the book treasury of greek mythology by donna jo napoli. List of 10 best books to read about greek mythology. I checked it out several timesthough its an oversize book and was therefore as a hardcover a bit heavy to drag home and back, i always felt it was worth it. Oct 21, 2019 the library of greek mythology is unique among other greek mythology books, as it is the only book to survive from classical antiquity. He hated his children and didnt want to allow them to see the light of day. In print for over fifty years, daulaires book of greek myths has introduced generations to greek mythologyand continues to enthrall young readers. Electra and orestes killing aegisthus in the presence of their mother, clytemnestra. It is a classic book that has dense writings about greek mythology, from the origin of the universe to the trojan war. The iliad is, or contains, the oldest greek literature.
Mythology timeless tales by edith hamilton beautiful book. Timeless tales of gods and heroes, edith hamilton edith hamiltons mythology succeeds like no other book in bringing to life for the modern reader the greek, roman, and norse myths that are the keystone of western culturethe stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present. The new york times called him one of the most widely published authors of classical mythology in the world. The fantastic in every sense of the word books on this list draw from indian, norse, japanese, chinese, and korean myths. Greek mythology are books about or based on the ancient greek myths as well as. For more great fantasy reads, check out our fantasy books for kids and 10 thrilling books for teens who love fantasy. Mythology by edith hamilton is a great book greek mythology novices like me. Online shopping from a great selection at books store. Greek mythology has subsequently had extensive influence on the arts and literature of western civilization, which fell heir to much of greek culture.
The introduction includes commentary on the major classical poets used. Mythology succeeds like no totally different book in bringing to life for the trendy reader the greek, roman, and norse myths and legends that are the keystone of western custom the tales of gods and heroes which have impressed human creativity from antiquity to the present. The complete world of greek mythology by richard buxton it is a must read book in the library of people who depicts a keen interest in greek mythology. Theres more than just greek and roman mythology, too. Thus book travels to the world if the ancient greeks with their gods, heroes, and the paths that they took together. Martin 2003 the penguin book of classical myths by jenny march 2008 the gods of the greeks by karoly kerenyi 1951 the heroes of the greeks by karoly kerenyi 1959 a handbook of greek mythology by h. It retells stories of greek, roman, and norse mythology drawn from a variety of sources. His weapon is the thunderbolt, and his bird is the eagle. Apollodorus library has been used as a source book by classicists from the time of its compilation in the 1st2nd century bc to the present, influencing writers from antiquity to robert graves. Th e rays of sunlight, which might sometimes be seen across a dark cloud, were apollos golden arrows. So, he imprisoned them into the hidden places of the earth, gaeas womb. Favorite greek myths the light which comes from the sun, while helios was the god of the sun itself. Jul 22, 2019 greek mythology books retellings, translations, and commentary continue to be some of my favorite reads. Pdf the complete world of greek mythology download full.
The 10 best greek mythology books norse mythology for smart. The most obvious nod to being aimed at children is the use of married for what many classical scholars describe as rape i. Numerous gods and tales of roman mythology have their origins in greek mythology. Eighty of the worlds greatest myths and characters, from the gods of greek mythology to the norse heroes, retold and explained with engaging text and bold graphics. It provides a detailed description and history of the greek myth and has had a great impact on many writers. If i am going to compare this to the other mythology books i have mythology by edith hamilton, rick riordans greek gods, encyclopedia from az and iliad and oddeyssey and norse mythology by neil gaiman i think this is a more preferable book if you want to know about the greek, roman, norse and other myths very fast and for reference i think.
Though greek myths have been quite common but still they are mentioned repeatedly in an inexhaustible manner with different interpretations and different way of communication. The greek myths reimagined greek mythology book for adults, book of greek myths and hero tales stephen frys greek myths 2. Timeless tales of gods and heroes is a book written by edith hamilton, published in 1942 by little, brown and company. However, this book is a potential reference for readers intferested in enhancing their reading of greek mythology, history, andor literature. The greek myths reimagined greek mythology book for adults, book of greek myths and hero tales stephen frys greek myths 2 fry, stephen on. Greek mythology this is a wikipedia book, a collection of wikipedia articles that can be easily saved, imported by an external electronic rendering service, and ordered as a printed book. List of 10 best books to read about greek mythology penlighten. The library of greek mythology presents greek mythology in its purest form, translated directly from ancient greek works for englishspeaking readers to enjoy. The library of greek mythology oxford worlds classics.
The term mythology can refer to a body of myths or to any traditional story. Greek mythology is the set of stories about the gods, goddesses, heroes and rituals of ancient greeks. This book covers numerous myths, offer lessons about the various gods, gives an insight into greek history, culture, and geography and it does it all in an easy to read and enjoyable manner. Like all greek myths, these fictionalized retellings contain love and sex, poetry and passion, and often buckets of blood. Im looking for something more comprehensive than one with just the. The olympians were twelve and comprised of zeus, hera, poseidon, demeter, athena, apollo, artemis, ares, aphrodite, hephaestus, hermes and either hestia or dionysus. Greek mythology begins with homer, generally believed to be not earlier than a thousand years before christ. Rose 1928 the complete world of greek mythology by. Best greek mythology books to read for adults and kids. Lets go on to your next choice, robert gravess the greek myths. Every single greek myth is in this book, is that right. Here are the greats of ancient greecegods and goddesses, heroes and monstersas freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. The only accessible narrative account of greek mythology, it has long been a standard text for students. This book will serve as a detailed reference to all things in greek mythology, including a bestiary of greek mythological creatures such as the centaur and nymph.
In the first book of the iliad, the son of zeus and leto apollo, line 9 is as instantly identifiable to the greek reader by his. Sep, 2019 this is the book for kids who want to be highly informed on greek mythology. Dionysus greek deity, drama, bacchantes, translations into english, accessible book, medea greek mythology, hippolytus greek mythology, criticism and interpretation, helen of troy greek mythology, greek mythology, greek drama tragedy, hecuba legendary character, iphigenia greek mythology, protected daisy, rhesus legendary. These books will change the way you look at the greek myths. About the mythology book the latest title in the bestselling big ideas series, the mythology book explores the compelling worlds and characters depicted in myths and legends. Apr 12, 2018 this list of books about greek or roman mythology is sponsored by little, brown and company, publisher of circe by madeline miller. About the mythology book from early creation stories to classical hero narratives and the recurring theme of the afterlife, experience each myth and unravel the meanings behind the stories, getting to the heart of the importance of mythology to different cultures worldwide. This list of books about greek or roman mythology is sponsored by little, brown and company, publisher of circe by madeline miller. Inside ancient greeceprovides readers with a comprehensive introduction to one of the most fascinating cultures of the ancient world. The central figure of the myths, zeus epitomizes their complexity. Among these, youll find close historical retellings as well as texts that read like spiritual descendants of the original myths in a completely new setting. She made a harpe, a great adamant sickle, and tried to incite her children to attack uranus. Delve into each myth and discover the meanings behind these stories, getting to the heart of their significance to different cultures worldwide.
In greek mythology, the olympians were the major deities who ancient greeks believed in. However, uranus was a cruel husband and an even crueler father. Download handbook of greek mythology pdf genial ebooks. Greek mythology is among the most famous and well known of the ancient mythologies. The characters, stories, themes and lessons of greek mythology have shaped art and literature for thousands of years. The latest title in the bestselling big ideas series, the mythology book explores the compelling worlds and characters depicted in myths and legends. Not only are they beautiful and a welcome addition to any bookshelf, but the authors approach to showcasing the greek myths as they evolved throughout history is great for anyone with a true passion for greek mythology. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. One of the bestselling mythology books of all time by bernard evslin, todd haberkorn, et al. Works best if coupled with his other surviving epic, the works and days. The main characters in myths are usually gods or supernatural heroes. If you mean ancient literature, there are probably a few things that come close. The 5thcenturybce greek historian herodotus remarked that homer and hesiod gave to the olympian gods their familiar characteristics. A concise guide to ancient gods, heroes, beliefs and myths of greek mythology greek mythology norse mythology egyptian mythology celtic mythology book 1 by hourly history.
But circe is a strange childnot powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Much like edith hamiltons mythology, daulaires book of greek myths was originally published decades ago in 1962, in fact but has yet to be surpassed to this day. As such, its long been one of the main ancient sources that scholars have used to piece together greek mythology. The best books on greek myths five books expert recommendations.
Bernard evslin 19221993 was a bestselling and awardwinning author known for his works on greek and other cultural mythologies. The complete world of greek mythology by richard buxton. This angered gaea, and she plotted with her sons against uranus. Best books for kids and adults interested in greek mythology. As far as i know, every single myth and every single variation, every single little nugget of greek myth that isnt necessarily even complete, is in there. Aug 15, 2016 the greek myths by robert graves i know, i knowif youre a nerd for mythology, you probably know your greek myths already. For those already familiar with bulfinch, the next book to pick up is timothy gantz early greek myths, although this is a 2volume reference work, rather than a book to read.
I first read this in grade school, having found the hardcover version in my school library. Treasury of greek mythology is a pure childrens book, but, makes a nice coffee table book or casual resource. At times he is divine and represents a pure, eternal sense of justice. Greek mythology is not only interesting, but it is also the foundation of allusion and character genesis in literature. In this lesson plan, students will gain an understanding of greek mythology and the olympian gods and goddesses. Hi, im looking for a book encyclopedia on greek gods and deities. This series of greek heroes and gods takes the nonfiction myths of these characters and gives them a youthful feel for kids to read and understand. This book introduced me to greek mythology and ive yet to find its equal in the genre.
If you havent already read the iliad, the odyssey, and hesiods theogony, those are essentials for greek mythology. The lightning thief by rick riordan, the sea of monsters by rick riordan, the battle of the labyrinth by rick riordan. It requires a certain amount of patience to stay with this book as it refers to a multitude of difficult to pronounce and even more difficult to remember names of characters from the greek mythology and of course there is the issue of remembering names of the same. Whether on mythology in general or particular branches, what are the best books you have read on the subject.
This is a fascinating collection of fun facts, insights and stories from roman mythology. A myth is a sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. This is the 75th anniversary illustrated edition and its a work of beauty. The only work of its kind to survive from classical antiquity, the library of apollodorus is a unique guide to greek mythology, from the origins of the universe to the trojan war. Click here to view or buy daulaires book of greek myths at amazon, where its discounted 30% from its list price. Each title focuses on specific aspects of life in ancient greece, and offers vivid closeups of its art and architecture, history, literature, government, religion and mythology, warfare, and more. Greek mythology was part of the religion in ancient greece. From early creation stories to classical hero narratives and the recurring theme of the afterlife, experience each myth. Rival classes of the greek myths by euhemerus, plato. Many stories i have heard before and others that i have not. It has been reissued since then by several publishers, including its 75th anniversary illustrated edition. Score a book s total score is based on multiple factors, including the number of people who have voted for it and how highly those voters ranked the book.
291 1039 343 58 716 706 690 936 1565 612 1595 1543 1127 878 835 636 1250 1686 1351 1395 1080 955 1441 1555 694 850 612 706 1457 643 1338 1477 1278 922 449