Greek Myths [Hardcover]

Geraldine McCaughrean (Adapter, Author), Emma Chichester Clark (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 1993

The story of Icarus, who flies too close to the sun, of King Midas, whose touch turns everything to gold, and many others, including the adventures of Jason, Odysseus, and Theseus, are included in this collection of 16 favorite Greek myths, illustrated with bright, original drawings.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The heroes and heroines of ancient Greece--and their evil counterparts--come to life in this excellent introduction to mythology. The stories that examine human foibles and were originally designed to explain the mysteries of life and the course of nature have formidably weathered the test of time. Readers meet the curious Pandora, ultra-strong Heracles and the lovesick musician Apollo, among others, in these 16 exciting and mystical tales. McCaughrean's retellings feature modern language and simplified plot lines and genealogical information, while retaining much of the drama of the more classical adult versions. Chichester Clark's playful watercolors are a constant reminder that myths were meant to be shared as entertainment as well as instruction. Her wide-eyed portrayal of life in Greece amuses and informs and may encourage interested fans to visit a museum or check out nonfiction on the topic. This collaboration is solid preparation for the more intricate tellings, as well as a segue into interpretation and analytical skills. Ages 9-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The much-honored McCaughrean (A Pack of Lies, 1989, Carnegie Medal) slyly telegraphs the philosophy behind these grand renditions in describing how Athene turns Arachne into a spider to punish the matchless weaver for her arrogance--yet Arachne's gloriously beautiful fabric depicts the gods doing ``silly things...squabbling, lazing about, and bragging. In fact she made them look just as foolish as ordinary folk.'' McCaughrean is as irreverent, and as delightfully artful, in these 17 stories and epics retold in a contemporary style enlivened with snappy dialogue, whimsical descriptions, dramatic vignettes, and ingenious embroideries and explanations (Heracles gets Atlas to take the sky back because ``These stars do prickle''; Polyphemus gobbled two of Odysseus's men, then ``spat out their belts and sandals''). Beginning with Prometheus's creation of man and concluding with his release, McCaughrean provides enough links to give a sense of complicated community. Important particulars are intact and given in some detail (King Midas's problem with donkey's ears as well as his tactile troubles), though without the more horrendous aftermaths (Jason and Medea simply ``lived together as man and wife''). A deliciously witty reminder that, as McCaughrean says, these myths ``are just too good to forget.'' Clark's lovely, lighthearted watercolors, depicting most of the characters as foolish but appealing innocents, are generously supplied on every page. A splendid offering. (Mythology. 8+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1st US edition (April 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689505833
• ISBN-13: 978-0689505836
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #936,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

It's 30 years now since I first got published, and 50 since I found out how writing let me step outside my little, everyday world and go wherever I chose - way back in Time, to far distant shores, towards my own, home-made happy ending. Not that all my books are an easy ride. I write adventure, first and foremost, because that's what I enjoyed reading as a child. But since I have published over 150 books now, there are all manner of books in among that number - gorgeously illustated picture books, easy readers, prize winners, teenage books and five adult novels.
The White Darkness won the Printz Award in the USA, which, for as Englishwoman, was the most amazing, startling thrill.
Then there was Peter Pan in Scarlet - official sequel to J M Barrie's Peter Pan, written on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hopsital for Sick Children. I won the chance to write that in a worldwide competition, and because Peter Pan is loved everywhere, my book sold worldwide too. I can't say I expected that when, as a child, I dreamed of being like my older brother and getting a book published one day.
These days I have a husband (who's good at continuity and spelling) and a daughter who is an excellent editor. But she's at the Royal Academy of Dramtic Art now, studying to become an actor. So, naturally, I have turned my hand to writing plays. (So many actors, so few plays!)
My Mum told me, "Never boil your cabbages twice, dear," which was her way of saying, "Don't repeat yourself." So I have tried never to write the same book twice. You'll find all my novels quite different from one another. I have also done lots of retellings of myth, legend, folk and fairy tales, and adapted indigestible classics such as El Cid, the Epic of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, Moby Dick, Shakespeare and the Pilgrim's Progress.
Something for everyone, you see, my dear young, not-so-young, eccentric, middle-of-the-road, poetical, sad, cheerful, timid or reckless reader.
All they have in common is that they all contain words. If you are allergic to words, you'd best not open the covers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our favorite book of myths!, January 24, 1998

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[e-mail] (Mesa, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Greek Myths (Hardcover)

I read this book to my 4 year-old daughter when she became interested in Greek mythology, and it quickly became her favorite. The stories are lively and interesting, the pictures colorful and engaging, and each one is just long enough to engage without becoming boring.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another thumbs-up from the four-year-old set, April 27, 2000

By 

Prentiss Riddle "aprendiz de todo" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Greek Myths (Hardcover)

My daughter, too is enthralled by Geraldine McCaughrean's retelling of Greek myths. Her selections are the same stories I was told at a similar age and which I think whetted my taste for narrative and helped turn me into a lifelong reader. McCaughrean manages to get across the failings of her human and divine characters in a way that a child can understand, so the stories have wit and moral resonance in addition to plot. This book has us racing through the bedtime routine so we can read the next story together; I don't know of a better endorsement than that!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction without oversimplification!, October 22, 1999

By 

Elizabeth (Durham, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Greek Myths (Hardcover)

A great introduction to Greek Mythology for adults and 4+ yearolds that flows nicely from one story to the other incorporatingrecurring characters. Well arranged but stories are kept succinct without oversimplification. Cheerful illustrations avoid the gore from cutting heads off multitudinous mythical creatures. A worthwhile book for any complete children's library!