Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, Heroes

This book came perfectly packaged. Delivered on time right before Christmas. The book was brand new in perfect condition. My daughter was so happy with her Christmas present. I recommend anyone buying this book it was well worth the price.

Recommended in Well-Trained Mind but WAY too difficult for that age-level, and the writing is somewhat old-fashioned and dry. This one was the most readable of the set for us, but still better as adult reading.

My 11 year old daughter tore through this book. If you or someone you know has fallen in love with the Percy Jackson books, and you want to add a supplemental read to your roster. This is one you should consider. If you don't know how to read, we'll perhaps this isn't for you...

Ordered this for my son for school required reading. It promptly came and was in the stated condition. I would recommend this seller and I guess I would recommend the book though I haven't read it. My son likes it - he is 14 and really into Greek Mythology.

There is a lot of territory between Bulfinch's "Mythology" and Riordan's Percy Jackson series, and this book very nicely commands the high ground between those two.

The Bulfinch end of the spectrum is authoritative, thorough and elegant, but for sustained readability I don't know many middle graders who would have the stamina to make it all the way through. The Percy Jackson books are an inspired popularization and revitalization of the Greek heroes, but it does take a little patience on the reader's part to get all of the players straight and to wait for the pantheon to come into focus.

For the in between, it would be nice to have an introductory volume to set out the heroes and their relationships in a memorable way. Almost like a reader's guide to all of the other books that are based on the Greek myths. Well, this book is worthy candidate. From its charming and insightful introduction to its concluding pages, the book displays a deep but not cloying affection for the heroes and their stories. The author summarizes and streamlines while staying true to the tales and sharing their excitement and power. It is fairly easy to write thorough and plodding tellings of these tales. It is easy to draft shallow summaries. It is a real challenge to make the stories accessible, exciting, and relevant to modern kids, and yet still display their authenticity and wonder. Evslin gives real life to this material, which is just about the best you could ask for.

So, if you'd like a solid intro to Greek mythology, this volume is quite certainly worth serious consideration.

Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to the author or the publisher of this book.

I have read this book with my sixth grade students each of the last twenty years. Every year I have the pleasure of watching Bernard Evslin's book cast its spell upon a new and enthusiatic audience. His clear, straightforward narrative resonates with wit and humor all at a level that my students can appreciate. Mr. Evslin's book is highly entertaining. What a lovely way to introduce children to Greek Mythology. Three cheers for Bernard Evslin!

This is girl here, *points to self* totally in love with mythology! I probably don't have to repeat that since pretty much everyone who knows me know how much I love it, but there ya go!

And this book? *points to Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths* Way awesome!

This book talked about some of the more known myths, the main gods, and most famous monsters. The way the stories were told was just amazing! So much imagery and it did NOT read like a reference book! You'd actually have fun reading this while you simultaneously learn something about the Greek myths and their characters! The voice of the book was just great!

There were some things even I didn't know about! Now, I am no expert in Greek mythology, but I'd like to think that I know quite a lot about it ;) So, surprising me with new info on Greek mythology is pretty rare. But I like learning new things! However, there were some parts of some stories where I was just like, "Uh, no. Pretty sure that's not how it went," or, "Um, wrong. That's not how I heard it." But you know, there are some myths that have many different versions, and I'm assuming these stories came from versions I have not seen or read before.

One of my favorite parts about the book was, of course, the Apollo section! Why? Because Apollo is my freakin' favorite Greek god! I'm a nursing student, he's the god of medicine and healing (among other things)...makes sense, right? My other favorite god, err goddess, is Hecate, and I was hoping something about her would pop up. But no such luck :( I did mention that this book included some of the more known myths and gods, though, and Hecate isn't as known as the 12 Olympians are. She is the goddess of crossroads, magic, and witchcraft (among other things). And one of my favorite supernatural creatures is the witch (and I love magic!), so you can see why Hecate is also a favorite of mine.

One of the stories I loved the most in this book was the one with Narcissus and Echo. It is just a very sweet yet sad story, but I love it! I've always said that Aphrodite isn't one of my most favorite goddesses out there, but this story she is just awesome in, so I might change my mind about her ;)

So, whether you are just a fan like me, or you are actually doing research for school or something, you'll get a lot from this book without it getting boring! I highly recommend this amazing Greek mythology read!

Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths
Author: Bernard Evslin
ISBN: 9781453264485

If you asked someone their background in Greek mythology, most would list the obvious...Zeus, Poseidon, Aphrodite. They are the most popular among movie makers, thrill seekers, and children because they teach us valuable lessons, or are just genuinely fun to learn about, but what about the rest of the Gods, Demi Gods, Fables and Nature Myths?

Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths are lauded by educators because the story telling makes learning Greek mythology easy and fun. Evslin is clear and concise in his writings, yet always finds a way to keep it fresh and interesting.

Bernard Evslin is a celebrated author specifically known for his mythological works and even though he is no longer with us, his works still continue to inspire, educate and enthrall readers of all ages.

I bought this book for my daughter's school assignment, and the book was all amrked up with notes in pen by a previous owner. She couldn't even read some of the lines on the page, because of all the markings.

I found this book browsing in a bookstore. At first glance it looked like a cheap knock-off under the guise of mythology. However, I was captivated by the authors introduction, in which he explains how as a child the myths were read to him in Greek, and much was lost in the English translations he later heard- so this book is his way to communicate the myths as comprehensive and story-like as possible. He succeed on all levels.
I have read many English versions ancient Greek texts, and this one has an excellent flow that is not acheived by mere translation. This book helped me to learn about the characters in the Greek myths and legends better than any other, in the sense that the stories are presented in a MEMORABLE way. Now I can read other texts with a real sense of knowing who everyone is.
The book is a quick and captivating read, could be done in one day. I thank the author for his outstanding job. He has acheived a book which compliments the myths of the Greeks, and other translations can compliment this book.

I used Evslin's work to "flesh out" Edith Hamilton's mythology text in ways that my high school students could remember. When I used Hamilton only, I found my students were often lost, bored, or confused. Adding Evslin's storytelling genius and my performing delivery, the stories became more enjoyable and memorable for the classes. I think I gained insights from Evslin's work that I would not have had I used only original texts or Bullfinch or Hamilton alone.

I read this book for my sixth grade reading class, and liked it so much that I nabbed it. It's incredibly entertaining. The author makes the myths completely captivating. The price, though, is accuracy. He does take some liberties with the stories, and occasionally stops half way through--I think he did this with the myth of Eros and Psyche: he cut off at the bit where Eros flew away and the castle disappeared. No idea why, the next bit's the best. Anyway, it's a really wonderful introduction to Greek mythology, not dry in the least. I highly recommend it. If you do get it and end up interested, though, you really should pick up another book that's more complete and true to the original myths.

Evslin does an oustanding job telling the most famous of the greek myths and does it with his hands tied or does he? Evslin wrote this book, I think, intending it for a young audience, and so does not delve into the prose that others have when attacking these greek myths. Yet with simple language and direct verse, he quite excellently brings out a depth in the characters and a second meaning in stories which have rung hollow or been lost by other, supposedly great poets. Even if you don't fancy yourself a myth lover, this is an excellent read and easy, yet thoroughly satisfying.

This text was my first major teaching assignment and both I and the students enjoyed this book of mythology. Evslin is an easy read and a very compelling storyteller. It's wonderful beginners book as well as an excellent reference. The book contain all of the major gods, concentrating on their origins and major myths that involve each one. Heroes such as Perseus, Theseus, Atalanta, and Daedalus are included. I was disappointed that Hercules was not included; however, his mythology is rather long and widely known, which is probably why it was left out. Other myths included: King Midas, Pygmalion, Echo and Psyche, Phaethon and many others. This is an excellent source for beginners and students. If you are already versed in Greek mythology, you may find the lack of certain myths discouraging, but I do encourage you to revisit a wonderful telling of myths that probably got you interested in Greek mythology in the first place.

This book is a pretty good introduction to Greek Mythology. It includes the myths for most of the main gods on Olympus, plus other mythological heroes like Perseus, and other myths such as Echo and Narcissus, and Atalanta. Generally, it's good for middle school and early high school kids because it does not have most of the sexual content that the original myths have. ~A. Brown

This book is a pretty good introduction to Greek Mythology. It includes the myths for most of the main gods on Olympus, plus other mythological heroes like Perseus, and other myths such as Echo and Narcissus, and Atalanta. Generally, it's good for middle school and early high school kids because it does not have most of the sexual content that the original myths have. ~A. Brown

I used this recording for many years in sophomore and junior classes, teaching basics of the Greek myths. Evslin makes the myths interesting and relatively easy for beginners to understand and appreciate. One playing of a particular myth sank into their minds better than multiple lectures and readings. Furthermore, no matter how many times I'd listened, they were still enjoyable to me decades later. Having left my record and tape versions behind when retired (purchased with school funds), still miss hearing them.

While this is not as sophisticated as Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" or as academic as other texts, this one adapts the Greek tales in a very reader-friendly way. One can easily get a sense of the drama, intensity and personalities of these ancient heroes and anti-heroes.

Though it is not as jam-packed as others, the vocabulary is accessible and the long list of vocabulary in the back shows the clear link between the Greeks and modern civilization.

This book carries exciting adventures of the Greek Myths. It does not lack entertainment and it doesn't have blunt information like most books do...most of those will put you to sleep. This one, however, will leave you wanting more; you're not going to want to put it down, if need be.

Also, the best thing I find of this book is that the author, as he mentions in the beginning, that his Greek grandfather told him these stories, so I'm assuming it was passed down through his family for a while.

Why is that important? well, that makes the Greek Myths in this book a lot more original, and probably a lot more accurate, if passed down. Think about it ;). This is the book for you.

I have read this book with my sixth grade students each of the last twenty years. Every year I have the pleasure of watching Bernard Evslin's book cast its spell upon a new and enthusiatic audience. His clear, straightforward narrative resonates with wit and humor all at a level that my students can appreciate. Mr. Evslin's book is highly entertaining. What a lovely way to introduce children to Greek Mythology. Three cheers for Bernard Evslin!