D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths [Hardcover]

Ingri d'Aulaire (Author), Edgar Parin d'Aulaire (Author), Michael Chabon (Preface)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: New York Review Children's Collection

The Norse myths are some of the greatest stories of all time. Weird monsters, thoroughly human gods, elves and sprites and gnomes, with grim giants nursing ancient grudges lurking behind—the mysterious and entrancing world of Norse myth comes alive in these pages thanks to the spellbinding storytelling and spectacular pictures of the incomparable d'Aulairse. In this classic book, the art of the Caldecott Award—winning authors of d'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, a longtime favorite of children and parent, reaches one of its pinnacles. It offers a way into a world of fantasy and struggle and charm that has served as inspiration for Marvel Comics and the Lord of the Rings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Out of print for many years, 'Norse Gods and Giants' has been very handsomely reissued by The New York Review Children's Collection and retitled 'D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths'. Featuring a sturdy sewn binding, the book arguably represents the pinnacle of the d'Aulaires' achievement as storytellers and artists." --The New York Times Book Review

About the Author

Edgar Parin D’Aulaire (1898–1986) studied art in Germany and France, and worked with Henri Matisse. In Munich, he met Ingri Mortenson (1904–1980), a Norwegian-born art student. They married, emigrated to the US, and began a long career together, during which they published over twenty picture books for children. The Magic Rug was followed by Ola and East of the Sun and West of the Moon, both of which describe Norwegian folklore. Their work shifted to American history with Abraham Lincoln, a biography which won the 1940 Caldecott Medal. The d’Aulaires were awarded the Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association in 1970.

Michael Chabon is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay and the children’s book, Summerland. He lives in Berkeley, California.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 155 pages
• Publisher: New York Review of Books (May 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159017125X
• ISBN-13: 978-1590171257
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.7 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Norse

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mortal Gods of Asgard, February 27, 2006

By 

James Paris "Tarnmoor" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths (Hardcover)

I remember having this book read to me when I was a child. It was only when I saw a photograph of some of the illustrations in a book review of the NYRB reprint that I ordered a copy for myself and devoured it. All through my childhood, I knew of Odin the One-Eyed, duplicitous Loki, and the willowy Freya -- but I had not recalled where it was that I learned about them.

One of the things that most struck me about the wooing and fighting gods of Asgard was that they were mortal. The world tree, Yggdrasil, was threatened by a dragon in Niflheim that gnawed at its roots; and the giant wolf Fenris was hogtied by a magic cord. Around the same time, both of them cut loose and attacked. What ensued was Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods.

Why the old Norse peoples should have killed off their gods was always a question in my mind. Did it happen before or after Olaf Tryggvason, the Kind of Norway, was converted to Christianity around the year A.D. 1000? It does make some sense to establish the new religion by dusting off the old.

This book has stayed with me for the better part of a lifetime. As a parent, I think you can certainly do worse than sharing this memorable book and its glowing illustrations with your children.

One little footnote: Last Christmas, I sponsored a wolf at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah, NM whose name is Fenris. Look out, world!

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yeah! It's back in print., September 17, 2005

By 

Lynn C (Maryland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths (Hardcover)

Several years ago my husband and I were disappointed to find that the d'Aulaire's book had gone out of print. (We wanted to be able to read it to our children.) We found a very used copy and bought it because, despite this copy's poor condition, the book was very hard to find. Now we will be able to replace it with a copy that is in one piece.

The stories are well researched and well told. The illustrations are great--if you are familiar with other works by the d'Aulaires you will know what I mean. This is a great Norse mythology for children.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's my standard new-kid gift., July 4, 2006

By 

Douglas Palmer "just a guy who likes good books" (Annapolis, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths (Hardcover)

It is impossible to over-recommend this book. It fired my young daughter with a love of literature that has lasted her through grad school and beyond. This book is my standard present for every newborn among my family and friends. "Start reading it to him at two years," I tell them. "You'll think he's too young, but he won't be." The illustrations are perfect for little children, their apparent roughness disguising their artistry, and the stories are kid-fun. A great book, and a great start to a life of loving books.