His name is in everyday use when we speak of narcissistic behaviour (self-love), but so are the names of a surprising number of other gods and goddesses. We chose this book for a Literary Leaf as it links beautifully to any studies on Greek Myths as part of a topic, theme or historical study of Ancient Greece. This encyclopaedia of gods, monsters, and mortals from Ancient Greece serves as a fantastic entry point or reference guide for those at all interested in mythology. The book highlights 50 key figures, and though the text for each character isn’t exactly exhaustive, we’re given a condensed snapshot of their role within the canon, and a few interesting facts about them. Seasoned myth enthusiasts are unlikely to learn anything new, as such, but having been written by a Classics scholar and Greek mythology expert, the information is succinct and reliable. Dragnea, Mihai. "Slavic and Greek-Roman Mythology, Comparative Mythology." Brukenthalia: Romanian Cultural History Review 3 (2007): 20–27. Print.

les « cycles », qui racontent l’histoire d’un dieu ou d’un héros (Héraclès, Jason ...), sont sans signification cosmique ; I was gonna have to comment on this sooner or later, but what is with the artwork? I won't say that it's bad, because it's not. But it is so out there that it definitely isn't to my tastes. It's also the last thing that I would ever expect to depict the characters of Greek mythology. The style of it all just doesn't match. This is not an art style befitting of these stories. It doesn't fit and I don't care for it. My husband and I are fascinated by mythology but he has so much more knowledge than I. I can now hold a conversation on the topic because of this book! It will get you interested and start your research for all information! Also it’s great because it’s very easy to understand some other books I looked at either are so boring I put it down right away or I can’t seem to understand what they are talking about. So, teenagers then? This is perhaps the only age group that I could really see. The material is far too introductory for this to be a worthwhile read for most adults, especially adults who already know about Greek mythology. At best, I could see this as a great book for an Aunt to gift to a niece or nephew who is interested in these kinds of stories--one who is closer to the ages of 12-15. Still, that artwork, though. Artist Victoria Topping’s artwork is a blend of modern and traditional techniques and the result is quite stunning. Each character has a unique and colorful visual portrayal which has added a unique dimension to the book.

Books recommended by Rick Riordan 

I could see it being perfect to read to your young so they don’t end up like me ( not knowing much) I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•

The epic, heroic and sometimes terrible lives of 50 gods and goddesses, mortals and monsters, are revealed in a spectacular illustrated encyclopaedia of Ancient Greece I held off on this eARC to see a print copy as I feel like these 'coffee table' books require tangible touch to really feel their value. Sadly this one didn't do it for me. Not only was it an awkward large size (even for a book of this type it was odd); but the art in it is not engaging for children at all. I'm not sure why anyone would think that a modern, deco look would appeal to a child. And, at the end of the day, I just don't see this as a book meant for adult readers. There are far better and more informative texts out there to satisfy that curiosity. l'ensemble des divinités et aux légendes qui les concernent, adoptées par une tribu ou une nation: mythologie grecque, mythologie scandinave, etc. ;

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Mythologica is simply incredible. It is a fully illustrated guide to the gods, goddesses, mortals and monsters of Greek mythology and is like nothing I have ever seen before. It is a superb introduction to the world of ancient Greece and a is book that will be pored over for many hours. It is as incredible and as wondrous as the gods and goddesses it is written about. When I started high school one of the lessons on my timetable was Classics. A lesson dedicated to studying Greek Mythology. Set aside from being covered in my usual history lessons, Classics lessons offered me the chance to delve deeper into the world of ancient Greece. Covering the gods and goddesses, the monsters and the mortals that made up that era. Natale Conti's Mythologiae libri decem (" The Ten Books of Mythology"), first published in Venice in 1567, served as a reference book throughout Europe for more than two centuries. Students, artists, poets, opera librettists, doctors, philosophers and the literate public of sixteenth- to eighteenth-century Europe drew from them an encyclopaedic knowledge of the cults and beliefs of antiquity. Overall, it was a little repetitive in places, but a good attempt at summarising the Greek myths. Especially of stories such as the Odyssey. I would definitely recommend this book as a coffee book, or for a child who's into mythology! I myself love mythology and was aware of a lot of these stories already, but still learnt a thing or two. I think this book is also a great introduction to Greek mythology to newbies too! Mythologica’ provides an excellent introduction to Greek mythology for young readers with beautiful and inspiring art.

I'd personally find any other gorgeous Greek mythology book to gift a child. This one is just confusing and feels completely mistargeted. For me it's not a stereotype of art if we have proof that it's a classic artistic time period. Lurker, Manfred. "A Dictionary of Gods, Goddesses, Devils and Demons." London: Routledge, 1987. Print. Aphrodite– was the goddess of love. She grew in the foam of the sea, which the Greeks called aphros, which is where her name comes from. Sarwat Chadda’s Ash Mistry series is an excellent read, in which geeky Ash Mistry gets involved in some seriously demonic shenanigans in Varanasi. Fans of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series on Netflix might also really enjoy the mythic Avatar: the Rise of Kyoshiby F C Yee, in which servant girl Kyoshi is identified as the true Avatar. In Chris Bradford’s The Soul Hunters, the start of a thrilling new series, Genna discovers that she is a First Ascendant, a reincarnating soul from the dawn of humankind. Of course, for a more tongue-in-cheek take on a mythological adventure series, Maz Evans’ Who Let the Gods Out books are super funny with a good heart, too. For epic non-fiction on gods and goddesses It gets even more confusing when you realize that much of the imagery, some of the beasts and people described are not Greek at all. Who writes a book, markets it as Greek mythology and then has no Greek influences in the art and design; and then adds in beasts like the Phoenix? It's just all very confusing.Dr. Stephen Kershaw highlights what the god, mortal, or monster is known for, where they live, and summarizes their biography with two or three interesting details in call out boxes such as information about their animal companions, weaponry, or typical attire. The book also includes a summary of the Twelve Labors of Heracles, the Odyssey, the Trojan War, and the story of the Argonauts. Superstar athletes have the Midas touch, fashion designers have their muses, we undertake Herculean tasks, we make personal odysseys, and we all have our Achilles heel. This book gives you a selection of some of the greatest mortals, immortals, and monsters in Greek mythology.”

Overall, this is an absolutely gorgeous book on legendary characters and creatures from Greek mythology. The book is both exciting and informative and it will make you want to learn more about Greek Mythology.Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters, and mortals from ancient Greece is as the title suggests, an illustrated encyclopedia of Greek mythology. Mythologica features stunningly beautiful portraits of mythological characters from the Greek Mythology stars rounded up--I'd buy Mythologica for the artwork, but I'd probably turn to another source to help a tween gather information about Greek mythology. An electrifying visual portrayal of each figure transports you directly into their wild world. Victoria Topping’s artwork is a fusion of technological and traditional techniques that combines photography, painting and cut-paper collage to perfectly express the blending of human and fantastic traits from which mythical beings are made. The author, Dr Steve Kershaw, wrote a piece for TeenLibrarian about how his fascination developed, and who remain his favourite Gods, Heroes and Monsters!