The Simon & Schuster Book of Greek Gods and Heroes [Hardcover]

Alice Low (Author), Arvis Stewart (Illustrator), PhD. Barry R. Katz (Foreword)

Book Description

The gods and heroes of ancient Greece shake heaven and earth in a collection of over thirty stories that breath new life into the myths of Olympus. Here is the triumphant tale of the Trojan Horse, the tragedy of Oedipus, the downfall of Medusa and more. Witness the grand drama of some of the best known heroes of all time in a fresh rendition of these timeless tales.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6 Certainly, these are stories that should dance off the page. Low's treatment is serviceable, but it just doesn't sparkle. Her style is a rather flat descriptive narrative, and it is almost as if she is telling about the stories rather than telling the stories. A goodly number of stories is included, and a good index, and the volume is liberally illustrated with watercolors and pen-and-ink sketches, but readers will be left with an uneasy sense that perfunctoriness has been afoot. D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths (Doubleday, 1962) is venerable, but still the superior book. Christina Olson, Beverly Hills Public Library
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Children's Book Review Service An excellent introduction to Greek mythology as well as an ideal gift.

Booklist An attractive, large format edition of well known myths and legends from ancient Greece...Watercolors...enhance the book's appeal.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishing Company; 1St Edition edition (September 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0027613909
• ISBN-13: 978-0027613902
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most readable anthology of Greek mythology., April 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Simon & Schuster Book of Greek Gods and Heroes (Hardcover)

While selecting books for an elementary school gifted and talented program, I think I scanned virtually every book of Greek mythology that has been published. I selected this book for my program as the most interesting and readable book. Alice Low writes in a clear style and systematically introduces the Greek gods and heroes while also making references to the other stories. Too many books on this topic are written in old-fashioned language that discourages the reader. Most other books fail to link the various stories to one another, leaving the reader feeling a bit disjointed. Low interweaves the tales, which gives a smooth narrative flow. The fact that 10-year-old children became enthusiastic about Greek mythology demonstrates the value of this book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best introduction to its subject that I know of, July 28, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Macmillan Book of Greek Gods and Heroes (Paperback)

When one is trying to get a basic overall grasp of Greek mythology, it can be an overwhelming and formidable subject, and one can be at a loss for the best place to start. Most books I've found either give too much detail too fast or else are hit-and-miss selections that don't give a very comprehensive introduction. If that's been your experience too, this book could be an excellent solution to your problem. It gives a highly readable thorough introduction without overwhelming you with details. As an introduction to or review of Greek mythology, it is therefore highly recommendable. Although probably aimed primarily at children, I suppose grown-ups too, if not already expert on the subject, won't find it too elementary.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book~, May 26, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Simon & Schuster Book of Greek Gods and Heroes (Hardcover)

This book has great myths. At first, it seems boring, but soon your eyes will be glued onto the pages. It is a wonderful book to share around to your classmates and teachers. Each story has a morel that teaches you well on a situation. I recommend this to people around the teens.