Heroes and Monsters of Greek Myth [Paperback]

Bernard Evslin (Author), Dorothy Evslin (Author), Ned Hoopes (Author), William Hunter (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1967

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. A timeless collection of mythical adventures, including the exciting tales of Perseus, Theseus, Atalanta, and Pygmalion.

--This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (1967)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590434403
• ISBN-13: 978-0590434409
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #927,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This book introduces young readers to Greek Mythology., May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Heroes and Monsters of Greek Myth (Paperback)

This book is an excellent introduction to Greek Mythology. I have used it as a novel study for my sixth graders for several years, and they love the interesting and unusual characters contained in the myths. Perseus shows his courage in slaying Medusa and rescuing Andromeda. Theseus displays quick thinking in destroying many monsters including the Minotaur. Readers learn a new side of Daedalus, the father of Icarus, who invented the labyrinth for King Minos. The final stories of Atalanta, King Midas, and Pygmalion teach children universal themes of love and greed which still abound in modern society. Lots of children go on to read many more myths after finishing this exciting collection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and amusing, January 16, 2009

By 

Foodie (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heroes and Monsters of Greek Myth (Paperback)

This is a book I first bought when I was in grade school in the 60s, and I've always loved it. The stories are accurate, yet amusingly written and accessible, so they're vivid and easy to remember. I've kept and even reread my copy all these years, but misplaced it recently, so I'm back to buy a new copy for my sons, 7 and 10. My older son is reading "The Lightning Thief," by Rick Riordan (another book I'd recommend!) which refer to these stories often, so I think he'll enjoy it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning mythology is a critical component of education and this book is a valuable secondary reference, March 2, 2008

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

Although some don't like to admit it, a great many aspects of the Judeo-Christian culture, including religion, have their basis in the myths of the early Greeks. Their principle of superhuman and fickle gods who grant immediate favor or disfavor is clearly apparent in the accounts of the Old Testament. References to entities such as Icarus, Oedipus, Medusa and Midas appear rather regularly in discussions about modern activities. Given this backdrop, a fundamental education in Greek mythology is essential for the modern person. This book can serve as a key cog in that education.
The stories in this collection for young people feature among others Perseus, Theseus, Daedalus, Icarus, Atalanta, Midas, Pygmalion and Galatea. There is little reference to the more powerful Greek gods, which makes it more a secondary reference than a primary one. I strongly recommend this book as a source for the education of middle school students.