A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton

Genre:
Retellings, Mythology, Roman Mythology. Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology, Classics, High School Literature, Academia, Reference, Short Stories

Publication Date:
January 1, 1942

Rating:
5 out of 5

Blurb:

There has long been a need for the stories of ancient mythology written to appeal to the twentieth-century mind. Edith Hamilton's orderly and lucid presentation of Greek, Roman and Norse mythology promises the casual reader and the avid student a sound, modern and adult key to the foundation stones of world literature. She has not been content to be merely a reteller of tales. She has blended and organized the sometimes conflicting myths of the early storytellers, molding them with vivid clarity.

Review:

Before Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan, there was Edith Hamilton's version of the myths. This book was meant to be an introduction to the myths - of Roman, Greek, and Norse. This book was part of my high school English class. Required reading to be discussed and tested and I was happy to have this book.

This book was my first introduction to myths. I had not read anything about them in the past as I held no interest in them. They held no interest and certainly were not needed in the three years of high school. This book was placed in my hands during one-afternoon class and told that this would be the subject for the next six weeks.

You know from previous entries that I do not play well when I am told that I have to read a book and that has always held true even in high school. In high school, I fell in love with not only history but with the mythology of all cultures and religions. This book was meant to be an introduction to these worlds, a reference, and short stories packaged nicely into a book.

This is the book that introduced me to one of my favorite myths - Hades and Persephone.

This book has since opened doors to other more detailed books on myths and their stories. Because of this book, I am thankful for it. I am thankful that I did not write this book off as something forced but something to enjoy. I will keep coming back to this book each time I want just a little nostalgia.