While Rome illuminates the formation of governments and societies, Greece illuminates the human condition. Introduce your students to the kinds of characters they will surely meet in life through the entertaining and exaggerated stories of the Greek gods. You will want to read it to your family first and then let your children read the stories again and again. The beautiful artwork is a wonderful teaching tool that allows you to ask questions about each detail. Greek myths are timeless and universal stories that serve as archetypes for the human character and the search for the divine.

Use alongside Introduction to Classical Studies by Memoria Press; or

Study with the D'Aulaire's study guides by Memoria Press

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What originally struck me as so fantastic (and still does) is that the D'aulaires don't write down to their audience or edit out details important to the original myth that some parents might not approve of. The end result? An all ages storybook and mythological primer that no one should be ashamed to own.

The drawings are an acquired taste, falling somewhere between Classical pottery paintings and Art Deco, but they do grow on you. My only quibble is that there's no pronunciation guide, which can really hamper you if this is your first exposure to these stories.

Buy this for for your children or even for yourself, you will never regret it.

93 of 94 found the following review helpful:

A treasure from my childhood.May 12, 2002
By John Brosseau
This book has been in print for at least 40 years. It was my introduction to Greek mythology when I was in elementary school in the early 60s. Now, a very educated middle aged man who has read Homer, Hesiod, Ovid, the Athenian playwrights, and all the great literature based on the mythology, I can tell you that 75% of my basic knowledge of these myths still comes from my devouring, re-reading, absorbing D'Aulaire in what can only be called a child's fantasy paradise. I have no children, but if I did and could gift them as I was gifted, I would count myself a successful parent if I did nothing more than introduce them to this book. The gorgeous illustrations are still burned in my memory. How any team of writers could depict Kronos devouring his children, Arachne being transformed into a spider, and so forth, and not make it frightening to a small child--well, this book is a miracle. Check it out and may your family cherish it.

72 of 73 found the following review helpful:

Great for a child�s understanding of the world.Nov 10, 2000
By Zack Davisson "japanreviewed"
I think this book introduced me to the idea of studying. When I was young, I devoured this. I knew every story, every character, and every adventure. This was the foundation for more book reports and special projects than I could list. The myths are presented in an easily understandable format that does not talk down to children. The illustrations, while simple, are full of life and charm. This is a perfect children's book.

"D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths" also gave me a great insight into a more adult world, and a curiosity, which I still carry to this day. Astronomy was no problem, as I already knew the names of things. Science also held fewer mysteries than it might have. (Hippocratic oath anyone?) My interest in Greek Myths lead to interest in Rome, which was followed by Shakespeare's Roman plays. Greek statuary lead to an interest in art, and a trip to the British Museum. Someday I hope to travel to Greece itself, and view the stomping grounds of Heracles and Belpheron.

All starting from this book. I think that is a pretty good recommendation.

26 of 26 found the following review helpful:

Great for the younger readerJan 08, 2004
By Liz
I still have my copy of this book from my early childhood. It's a wonderful introduction to Greek mythology for the younger age groups. It doesn't go into tedious detail that most children would find boring, but it covers important highlights of major myths. It is a very whitewashed version of the mythos -- especially the story of Hera and Zeus, but since it's geared towards younger reader, that's only appropriate.

This book is a great way to get children interested in the classics, in mythology itself. Highly recommended.

22 of 22 found the following review helpful:

Finally I know who is whoJan 22, 2001
By Daniel Gladis
Through my whole life I was hearing bits and pieces from the Greek mythology - the stories of Prometheus, Hades, the Argonauts. I liked those stories, but altogether the whole Greek mythology was a mess to me. And now finally, when I read this book, everything connected and a clear picture was formed.

The book covers in (what looks like) a chronological sequence events from the birth of Titans and Zeus, through strories on the "major Gods" like Hera, Poseidon or Hades, then "minor Gods" like Prometheus, Dionysus, Pandora to The Golden Fleece story and finishes with the "end of Gods".

The book is amusing and also very educative. We come across referrals to the Greek mythology almost every day. And this book helps us understand the relations. Read about Apollo, Orion, Echo, The Nine Muses, Orpheus, Sisyphus, Heracles and others. It is a good fun.

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