Greek myths make up the very pillar of Western culture. But they are more than classic stories every child should know. They are rousing tales—rich in character, drama, and high adventure—that have captured readers through the ages. In The Random House Book of Greek Myths, Hugo Award-winning author Joan D. Vinge introduces the Greek gods and goddesses and retells fourteen favorite myths with wit, style, and compassion. This sophisticated but accessible collection is stunningly illustrated with paintings by Oren Sherman that evoke the mystery and majesty of ancient Greece. Perfect for readers of all ages.
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-A fairly comprehensive overview. Vinge begins with Mother Earth and Father Sky and briefly mentions the first gods and goddesses, the Titans, and their defeat by Zeus and his siblings. The balance of the book introduces the 14 gods of Mount Olympus as well as some minor ones, and retells their stories. The selections cover the basics without oversimplifying them and create the right amount of tension and emotion. No sources are listed. Bold, dramatic paintings that vary from spot art to powerful double-page spreads appear every few pages. While not as in-depth as D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths (Doubleday, 1962), which has illustrations that show more of the action, this collection is similar in scope and organization. It is also comparable to Mary Pope Osborne's Favorite Greek Myths (Scholastic, 1989), which is based on Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Vinge, a renowned author of juvenile and adult sf, profiles an array of deities, then presents relatively ingenuous versions of 14 well-known myths, soft-pedaling their more violent and libidinous aspects. Vinge points out the male-centeredness of most Greek myths and creates some gender balance by omitting tales from the Iliad and the Odyssey; by giving the peaceable hearth goddess Hestia a nod; by including the stories of Atlanta, Psyche, and Echo; by giving Medea roles in two episodes; and, in the collection's high point, by brilliantly transforming the legend of Pandora so that what escapes are not Earth's ills but its joys. Vinge does not cite her sources, and Oren Sherman's illustrations, which feature languid figures with modern haircuts and faces turned aside, do little to reflect the vitality of the ancient stories. Still, interest in myths never seems to wane, and younger readers especially will appreciate this engaging gathering's fluid, informal prose, simple plots, and clear-cut emotions. Superfluous index. John Peters
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Greek Myths for kids 8 and up,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Random House Book of Greek Myths (Hardcover)
There hasn't been a wonderfully illustrated book of Greek Myths for over thirty years, until this lovely Random House book came out. Science fiction author (and anthropologist) Joan D. Vinge breathes vibrant life into the ancient stories so that they touched me as though they were brand new. Their universality is clear and powerful, thousands of years later, in the hands of this masterful author. And the illustrations by artist Oren Sherman are vivid and marvelously colorful. I'm eager to re-read them with children, so that I can share the wonder of these timeless tales.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Illustrations!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Random House Book of Greek Myths (Hardcover)
Ideal introduction to Greek mythology, with gorgeous, deeply colored illustrations. This would make a great Christmas gift for bright children.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Greek Myths rule,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Random House Book of Greek Myths (Hardcover)
The illustrations in this book are fantastic. My kids love the book because the artwork brings the stories alive. They are beautiful creations.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product).
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
