Men and Gods: MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS (New York Review Books Classics)

One reviewer here whines that there are "only about 3" Gorey drawings in the book. The actual number is about a dozen (not counting the front and back covers) and they are delightful, adding considerable atmosphere. That said, the point of the book is Rex Warner's beautiful re-telling of the myths. The Gorey drawings should be regarded as a bonus.

This is quality material, skillfully narrated albeit accompanied by illustrations that did more to confuse me and cause me consternation me than actually to elucidate the tales. The selection is balanced, covering gods and heroes with equal emphasis, though it fails to provide the de rigueur "origin of the Olympians" explanation or--as some would say is critically important--address more mythohistoric material such as the "Seven Against Thebes" (which I, personally, find boring). This isn't as encyclopedic as Schwab's work, and it doesn't provide the umpteen variants and footnotes-atop-footnotes of Graves's work, but it does a better job than, say, the Bulfinch or Hamilton toward which the feet of the uninitiated are typically directed. I still think--regardless of the obvious juvenility (which I prefer to regard as juvenescence!) of the target audience--you can't do better than D'Aulaire. Their coverage is superior, their illustrations are unique and intriguing, the stories are expertly narrated, and you just can't ask for something that looks or feels more comprehensive and thoughtfully knitted together. All of these are available at AMAZON.com! (Gentlemen, you can send my commission checks to my address of record :-)

It came with an unexpected and much appreciated bookmark. On that alone, will definitely be patronising this seller again. 🖤🖤🖤

Entertaining!

I have no comment on the text, as I really bought the book for the Gorey illustrations, as I suspect many will do. In a 281-page book, there are 12 Gorey illustrations, not counting the front and back covers. (There are 36 stories and thus only one-third are illustrated.) I find this a little thin, especially given Gorey's name on the cover is far bigger than Warner's. However, 12 illustrations may still be worth the price of the book; they are marvelous.

good

My Dad read this to me as a bedtime book, and once I could read myself I read it many times. This is a fantastic introduction to the Greek myths for any young adult and perhaps some older ones as well.

Began reading this to the kids while we hiked today. Wow. I love these ancient stories. I know they are intense and graphic, but they have been told for ages to children and my children handle them fine as "read together" material. The stories are incredible jumping off points for a woodland discussion. My 5-year old boy can run forward and back, my 8-year old daughter and I get fresh air and out of doors exposure, we all learn from stories of ancient wisdom. Love.

Perfetto

Classic, written in an easy style for all to enjoy. Good taster to see if you want to further explore the subject.