Theseus and the Minotaur [Paperback]

Leonard Everett Fisher (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1992 | Age Level: 4 and up

Retells the Greek myth of the hero Theseus and his battle with the bull-headed monster called the Minotaur.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The tragic story of the young hero Theseushis meeting with his father, King Aegeus; his battle with the Minotaur; his doomed love for Ariadne (because Dionysus claims her); and the death of Aegeusis well-suited to Fisher's striking illustrations. The idea that great victory can be followed by tragedy is accentuated by the artist's color choices: even bright colors in the spectrum have been darkened appropriately. One particularly effective picture shows a fearful Theseus between oversized skeletons and the grotesque and foreboding shadow of the Minotaur. In addition to the sturdy retelling, Fisher includes a bibliography and a detailed map of Theseus's journey; both of these round out the volume and may prove helpful to readers interested in pursuing further aspects of this tale. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 A retelling of the myth of one of Athens' greatest heroes. Theseus, abandoned at birth by his father-king, emerges in adolescence as courageous, resourceful, and heroic. He volunteers to slay the monsterous Minotaur who lives in a labyrinth and each year devours 14 sacrificial Athenian youth. Theseus, with the help of the beautiful Ariadne, kills the Minotaur and finds his way out of the labyrinth. The king, believing his son dead, throws himself off a cliff; Theseus then gains the throne. Fisher's acrylic illustrations, on each large double-page spread, are exquisitely composed and atmospheric. His use of light and shadow is particularly effective; the pictures project well for group sharing. The narrative, however, lacks the smooth, straightforward style (comfortable for reading aloud) of D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths (Doubleday, 1962). Occasionally Fisher's prose may require a second reading for clarity: ``Dionysus told Theseus that he had long loved Ariadne and wished to marry her; and that if he, Theseus, knew what was good for him, he would depart from the island immediately and leave Ariadne to him, the god, Dionysus.'' Literal-minded children will not discover an illustration of the ``half-man, half-bull'' described in the text. Rather, this Minotaur looks like a large man who wears a bull-hood over his head. Readers will also look in vain for an illustration of the labyrinth itself. These reservations aside, this dramatic presentation conveys the power of ancient legend, especially through the illustrations. Susan H. Patron, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Holiday House (March 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823409546
• ISBN-13: 978-0823409549
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,704,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, February 10, 2012

By 

nom de plume - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theseus and the Minotaur (Library Binding)

It was a bit more childish, written for a younger audience, than I thought it would be. But my dyslexic son had an easier time reading this than the one in school. He understood the story. Having the large spaced out typeface made it easier for him to keep his position on the page. It would appear that this came out of a library and it was in surprisingly good condition.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent retelling, August 9, 2011

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theseus and the Minotaur (Library Binding)

The minotaur is not TOO scary, but noble Theseus's plight will become real to your children as they read this book. Sent as sacrificial tribute to Knossos, Theseus outwits Minos's plans and slays the dreaded Minotaur.

We loved Fisher's "Cyclops," too. The depictions of the Minotaur are not nearly as frightening as the Cyclops, in our opinion.