Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition): Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes

This is fabulous!!!! A beautiful book with a gorgeous cover and illustrations . It would make a lovely gift. I’m more than satisfied.

This book may have it all when it comes to Greek mythology. There is a small section of Norse mythology (18 pages) but it mainly sticks to the Greek Gods and Heroes. I would be hard pressed to find a book better than this one regarding this subject matter.

I really enjoy reading all about the Gods and Heroes of mythology and having so much information all in one book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful as well. This book could be useful for anyone taking a mythology course as well.

The Good: This is an excellent book that tells the stories of the the Greco-Roman gods and goddesses as well as the immortals of Norwegian lore. The prose is well-written and very understandable. I first read Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" well over 50 years ago and the anniversary edition is superior to the original in many ways. The illustrations are very nice and the overall quality of the book is outstanding. If you want a good understanding of mythology, this is an excellent place to start! The Not So Good: Good news is there was little to criticize. Previous reviewers mentioned poorly sequenced pages (none found by me), inadequate packaging resulting in crunched cover corners (relatively minor but present on my edition) and finger prints and smears on an otherwise beautiful dust jacket (unfortunately, obvious on my copy). I hope that Amazon or the publisher considers offering pristine dust jackets to verified purchasers but won't hold my breath. Even with the above criticisms, Edith Hamilton's 75th Anniversary edition of "Mythology" deserves 5 stars.

Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition): Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes is a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of ancient myths that has left me both enchanted and enlightened. This anniversary edition is a visual feast, with its stunning illustrations that breathe new life into the timeless tales. The storytelling prowess of Edith Hamilton is undeniable, and this edition pays a fitting tribute to her classic work. The narratives of gods and heroes come alive on the pages, weaving a tapestry that transcends time and culture. Hamilton's ability to distill complex myths into accessible and engaging stories is commendable. The inclusion of illustrations adds a delightful layer to the reading experience. The artwork not only enhances the visual appeal of the book but also provides a helpful visual reference for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of Greek mythology. The illustrations strike a balance between being evocative and respectful of the source material. One aspect that sets this edition apart is its comprehensive nature. It covers a wide range of myths from various cultures, offering readers a holistic understanding of the subject matter. The organization of the tales is thoughtful, allowing for an immersive reading experience that flows seamlessly from one story to the next. While the book is undoubtedly a treasure trove of mythological knowledge, I withheld one star as some readers may find the content slightly dense. The wealth of information packed into each page can be overwhelming for those new to mythology. However, for enthusiasts and those with a keen interest in the subject, this book is a gem. In conclusion, Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition) is a must-have for anyone intrigued by the timeless tales of gods and heroes. Its blend of captivating storytelling, comprehensive coverage, and visually stunning illustrations make it a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Despite its density, the allure of the myths and the artistry of the illustrations make this edition a four-star read that will transport you to the realms of ancient legends.

Cover is a little deceptive, thought it was going to be like the Greek Philosophers volume, i.e., simulated leather cover, but it's a dust jacket, no matter, still, an interesting addition to the library, and very informative. Nicely priced and printed, will be useful information to me (as a reference book).

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this hardback. Nice jacket. Seems like premium binding. Hefty tome. Color illustrations. It woud be a great Christmas gift. Index and glossary is superb. Thick., nice pages . The original copy made much better. Print is relatively small.

This book is absolutely captivating! The stories are beautifully written and bring ancient myths to life in a way that feels both timeless and accessible. The details are rich, the characters are fascinating, and I found myself completely immersed from the first page. It’s perfect for anyone who loves mythology, history, or storytelling, and it makes a wonderful addition to any library. I know I’ll be returning to it again and again!

Uma grande, ornamentada e nova edição do 75º aniversário da Mitologia clássica foi lançada. Na intitulada "Contos intemporais de deuses e heróis", a autora, Edith Hamilton, narra todas as histórias mais famosas da mitologia grega e romana, com uma pitada de mitos nórdicos (uma boa sobremesa no final do livro). Tudo está aqui, desde esboços biográficos dos deuses olímpicos até interpretações da busca do velo dourado, as aventuras de Jason e os Argonautas, a Guerra dos Troia e, claro, os Trabalhos de Hércules, por onde Hamilton guia os leitores com sua incisiva claridade. História após história é contada sobre suas aventuras. Ele lutou contra o deus do rio, Achelous, porque Achelous estava apaixonado por uma mulher com quem Hércules desejava se casar. Como todos os outros, Achelous não desejava lutar contra ele e tentou resolver a situação com palavras. Mas isso nunca funcionou com Hércules. Só o deixou mais irritado. Ele diz: "Minha mão é melhor do que a minha língua. Deixe-me vencê-lo, pois você pode me ganhar na conversa". Achelous assume então a forma de um touro e o ataca ferozmente, mas Hércules já estava acostumado a subjugar touros. Edith apresenta todas as histórias com uma avaliação prévia e concisa de sua origem; qual fonte clássica (i.e., mítica) ela usou para fundamentar as narrativas. "Esta história é contada apenas por Apuleius, um escritor latino do segundo século A.D", ela escreve sobre Cupido e Psique, por exemplo. "É um conto lindamente narrado, à maneira de Ovídio. O escritor é entretido pelo que escreve, mas ele não acredita nisso". Enfim, esta adorável edição de aniversário apresenta ilustrações de meio tom e imagens em "full-page" desenhadas por Jim Tierney, e tão deliciosas como muitas obras deste tipo são. Sua qualidade irá agradar completamente todos os fãs de mitos dos clássicos de Hamilton. Quanto à própria Hamilton, ela resume sua "nobre" tarefa: "Afinal, quando alguém compra um livro como esse, não se pergunta de que forma divertida o autor contou as histórias, mas o quanto ele trouxe o leitor para o mais próximo do original”. Como de costume, ela está sendo muito rígida. Certamente os leitores perguntarão de que modo o autor narrou essas histórias ... e, como a nova capa dura nos lembra, essa autora nunca falhou, mesmo após 75 anos. Boa leitura!

Read about 50 pages and matches what i expected. Describes the roman/greek gods and matches them, then goes into some origin stories

Beautiful hardcover book. So worth it

El libro es simplemente divino. Las pocas ilustraciones que contiene son sensacionales, la forma en el que está narrado es muy divertida y fácil de comprender. Es uno de mis primeros acercamientos a la mitología griega, y todo lo que el libro contiene me ha ayudado muchísimo. En cuanto a la presentación del libro, la portada llegó un poco doblada, sin embargo todo lo demás lo compensa.

One has to go back in time to find genuine depictions of classical Europe. Indeed this book from the 40s gives a superb view of Greek Mythology (includes also Roman and Norse). One could buy it as a future museum piece because very soon books with these production standards could be rarities. The book has thick hard cover, with thick quality pages, beautiful strong colour plates and stitch binding. It is a joy to hold in your hands and read it. It is a book for a lifetime. My copy arrived in excellent condition and I surely understand those that protest for damaged book delivery. Such a beauty deserves to be unscathed. Even more impressive however is its content. The author has understood the very essence of Greek mythology. In the introduction it lays clearly the key facts about Hellenic mythology: (1) it is not fables but oral transfer of true events (2) part of it is also pure literature but it is not difficult to identify the literature from factual parts, (3) the cosmos made the gods and not the other way around, (4) Greek myths are rational without magic or fear of the world: the only two witches Circe and Medea are beautiful, attractive women and interesting characters, (5) women are as important as men in the Greek myths and the feminine nature is propelled to a major force in shaping world and society without which the world would not be viable (6) there is no mysticism but rather a fresh love of the natural, the visual and the beautiful: monsters are codenames for volcanoes, earthquakes and other geological phenomena not parts of social life, (7) the myths promote upright ethics, heroism and the idea of a meaningful life, (8) they excite reader's imagination without being fairy tales or unrealistic: realism and imagination go hand in hand. One could add many more but overall in this book one can see clearly the basis of a civilisation that was destined to become great and provide Europe with its mind and soul. A perfect gift for young and adult readership. My only complaint is that in her effort to make it light reading perhaps, the author avoided the full range of Greek names and other details in the myths, when she should have kept them and even expand on them with a bit of etymology. Yet it would be unfair not to consider it perfect for what it does, which explains that it continues to sell 80 years after its first publication: how many books can boast such an achievement?