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Top 16 Books To Learn About Greek Mythology

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This article showcases our top picks for the Books To Learn About Greek Mythology. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below). We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.

The Complete World of Greek Mythology By Richard Buxton

This product was recommended by Ellie Walters from FindPeopleFaster

This book is most popular, providing an impeccably newbie-friendly introduction to the basics of Greek Mythology. It covers most of the similar ground as Hamilton’s but is mainly written in a nominal literary style. It focuses much more on the geographical and historical contexts within which the myths were described. In addition, the author of this book will teach you the wider society and religion of which Greek mythology was a part, such as how following centuries have utilized Greek mythology.

Mythology By Edith Hamilton

This product was recommended by Ashley Amor from PeopleFindFast

I’ve always been fascinated with Greek and Roman mythology, and I’ve purchased a number of books over the years in the hopes of finding a comprehensive, easy-to-read, and well-formatted version of the tales. This is by far the nicest collection I’ve come across thus far. I’ve been disappointed with all of the past volumes. This is a recounting of the stories in easy-to-understand modern English, rather than a literal translation. This book is simple to read, contains all of the great Greek and Roman tales, and is well-organized. I strongly suggest it.

The Greek Myths: Complete Edition By Robert Graves

This product was recommended by Jod Kapilakan from 1energysystems

The book was initially published in 1955, later revised as well. It acts as the reference guide to learn the past stories of the GOD. The poetic style of the book gives a deep knowledge of the evolution of Greek mythology and its significance in today’s life.

Greek Myths: A New Retelling By Charlotte Higgins

This product was recommended by Jonathan R. Brockman from Brockman Injury Lawyer

Nothing has made me feel more in touch with Greek mythology quite like the Retellings that you find in this book written by Charlotte Higgins and illustrated by Chris Ofili. This truly feels like a landmark retelling, designed as though the stories were being woven into textiles from the perspectives of the women and Goddesses that they feature such as Helen, Circe, and Athena among them.

Heroes: The myths of the Ancient Greek heroes By Stephen Fry

This product was recommended by David Bowen from Bordeaux Undiscovered

I’ve always had a slight interest in Greek mythology, however, when reading all of the classics, the epic poems, and books along those lines, I found myself getting quite a bit bored. However, I then came across Stephen Fry’s ‘Heroes’ and I was hooked. It retells the best Greek mythology stories in the factual, yet entertaining, way Fry is known for. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a slight interest in Greek mythology and wants to turn it into a full-blown obsession.

Mighty Dead Why Homer Matters By Adam Nicolson

This product was recommended by Billie Zeelen from Bzice

In college I loved Greek mythology and read a lot of the classics, however, I was always more of a history buff than a literature buff, so I wanted to know more about the Greek myths in context with the world around them. That’s when I came across Adam Nicholson’s ‘The Mighty Dead’ It is a fantastic journey through both the literature of Homer and the past that surrounds this literature, about what can be taken from the truth and what is pure fiction. If you are a history buff like me that loves the Greek myths, then this is a great book for you.

The Odyssey by Homer By Homer

This product was recommended by Sherrie Ashley from PeopleFastFind

The Odyssey is an ancient Greek poem about Odysseus’ 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Intertwined with Greek myths and interventions from the gods and goddesses, this epic poem tells of Odyeesus’ tumultuous adventure back to his wife and son through intense battles , temptations of Sirens, and a detour to Hades.

Circe By Madeline Miller

This product was recommended by Megan Moore from Photography-Lighting

While this may be a ‘fictional’ retelling of some classic Greek mythology, the creativity that Madeline Miller captures behind some of the most fascinating Greek stories is incredibly engaging. Any person who reads this book is sure to fall in love with the fantastical imagery, as well as learn a great deal at the same time!

The Penelopiad By Margaret Atwood

This product was recommended by Daniel G. Leone from NJ Law Results

This book is part of a larger Mythology collection, but Atwood’s contribution always stood out to me the most. Penelope is one of the most famous characters in Greek myths, and this retelling of her story is even more heartbreaking, and more powerful than this tale has ever been told before. If you are searching for a twist on Penelope’s classic story, then I would fully recommend this book.

The Library of Greek Mythology by Apollodorus

This product was recommended by Diana Vicheva from ExpoBeds

If you’re passionate about the subject and willing to get to the source, Apollodorus’ Library (also known as Bibliotheca) is the perfect read. Dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD, this compilation of Ancient Greek myths has been used as a reference by scholars and novelists alike. The myths (especially those of Perseus and Heracles) and family trees are explored in great detail.

The Iliad by Homer

This product was recommended by Steven Walker from Spylix

Who can claim to be an expert on Greek mythology if they haven’t read Homer’s classics, the Iliad and the Odyssey? Even if you’ve read the summary in introductory literature on the subject, nothing beats reading the original epic poetry (in English translation, of course, unless you can read Homeric Greek). Reading Homer’s works will provide you with experience and understanding of Greek mythology. For a good reason, Homer is considered as one of the greatest poets of all time; his verse is poignantly beautiful without being flowery or effusive, his distinctive rapid pacing makes for an action-packed read, and the stories he recounts involve many of world literature’s most iconic characters and scenes.

Greek Religion by Walter Burkert

This product was recommended by Steven Walker from Spylix

If you want to go beyond mythology and study more about the ancient religions that Greek mythology belongs to, Walter Burkert’s Greek Religion is arguably the best single book on the subject. Unlike a couple of the other books on this list, Burkert digs considerably deeper into the Greek gods and other aspects of Greek Religion directly related to mythology. Greek Religion explains the ancient Greeks’ sanctuaries, rituals, deities, theology (both explicit and implicit), heroism ideal, ideas on death and the afterlife, and much more. The latter two sections are concerned with later developments in Greek Religion, such as mystery cults and the beginnings of the philosophical tradition.

Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook By Liv Albert

This product was recommended by Mary Kate Schulte from SImon and Schuster

In Greek Mythology, you will discover the backstories of the heroes, villains, gods, and goddesses that enjoy popularity in today’s shows and films. With comprehensive entries that outline each character’s name, roles, related symbols, and foundational myths, you can get to know the roots of these personas and better understand the stories they inspire today.

Nectar of the Gods By Liv Albert

This product was recommended by Mary Kate Schulte from SImon and Schuster

In Nectar of the Gods, you can sip Greek mythology-themed drinks while you enjoy your favorite ancient tales (or mythological retellings) with this collection of delicious and fun cocktails written by Liv Albert, host of the popular podcast Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!. Now you can discover new creations along with all your favorites and drink like the God or Goddess you know you are.

Greek Mythology: A Concise Guide to Ancient Gods By Hourly History

This product was recommended by Jennifer Denehy from PeopleSearchFaster

This book discusses the mystery of world creation. The author talks about the first man and woman. You can find an overview of the Trojan war, Greek heroes and the related mythological tales. The content displays the influence of Greek drama and insights on gods to enlighten the readers.

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths By Ingri d’Aulaire & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

This product was recommended by Shiv Gupta from Incrementors

The book is as thorough as one could hope for in a book of this type, with biographies of the gods and most of the heroes, as well as retellings of most of the great stories. Countless gorgeous graphics assist to bring the narrative and characters to life along the way. This book will pique your child’s interest and transport him or her to an intriguing universe filled with exceptional people that perform heroic actions while remaining surprisingly approachable to children.

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