Greek Mythology Books Best
It’s commonly known that Ancient Greece was the birthplace of science, democracy and western civilization as we know it. And, of course, was Greece that influenced the Roman civilization afterwards. Greek philosophy was the basis of the western European enlightenment. Whether or not you’re a fan of philosophy, you’ve heard at least one in your life about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Greek Mythology books best for children and greek mythology books best classic are discussed later in this write up so scroll down to skip the history lesson.
Athens was named after the goddess Athena, and its amazing architectonic buildings and excellent detailed sculptures were used to highlight the beauty of the Greek society and the richness of sanctuaries around the city. Known as the capital of Ancient Greece, Athens is still today a popular destination. For those who enjoy History, is highly recommend visiting Athens and see for themselves the Agora (the centre of commerce and government), The Acropolis, served originally as a fortress that later became the heart of temples, theatres, and much more.
The people of Ancient Greece were ahead of their times, caring about democracy, the arts and literature, and their wellness and activities. That is why they celebrated multiple dated festivals, an opportunity to maintain good health and perfect physical condition for potential wars, being the most popular the Olympic Games, that would gather people from all over the Mediterranean basin.
Apart from being interested in culture and democracy, ancient Greek society was much devoted to their gods and goddesses. From honouring their gods through festivals and worships to passing from generations-to-generations epic stories about them, the Greeks thought it to be important to honouring their gods in order to be rewarded on their daily basis.
The Ancient Greeks loved to tell myths involving their favourite gods, wars, and conquests. Mythology was a popular topic in literature, and many books were written and had readers from different parts of the world. Still today, books from many centuries and decades ago keep being edited and republished.
If you recently got interested in Greek Mythology but don’t know what greek mythology books best for a beginner to read first or want to get the best present ever for a friend or family member, this list is for you. Divided in two, this list provides you information about the classics (perfect for a conversation topic) and easy to ready, perfect for the kids but also for every range of age that will make you learn a lot about Greek Mythology.
Starting with the classics, including poets from well-known poets such as Hamilton and Homer.
Greek Mythology Books Best Classics
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Hamilton
Greek Mythology Books Best: The classic of the classics, this book was written by Edith Hamilton and although it’s not limited to Greek mythology, it portrays the Greek gods of Olympus and the major myths of the Greeks. It’s written in clear and lucid but poetic prose, excellent for any person to easily get attached to the story.
Iliad by Homer
Greek Mythology Books Best: Regarded as one of the greatest poets, Homer wrote an ancient Greek poem set during the Trojan War. Telling the story of the conquest of the city of Troy, Iliad received adaptations in films, series and even for theatrical plays. One reference from the Iliad that almost everyone gets is the famous “Trojan Horse”.
Odyssey by Homer
Greek Mythology Books Best: Odyssey, an epic poem is one of the major ancient Greek poems. It follows the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the Trojan War.
Theogony by Hesiod
This poem, written in the Epic dialect of Ancient Greek, describes the origins and genealogies of the Greek gods, composed c. 700 BC.
Homeric Hymns by Homer
For the third time in this list is Homer. Originally, composed for recitation at festivals, these 33 songs were written in honour of the gods and goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon. This collection of 33 anonymous Ancient Greek hymns celebrates individual gods.
Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes
The Argonautica is a Greek epic poem written by Apollonius Rhodius in the 3rd century BC. It tells the myth of the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts to retrieve the Golden Fleece from remote Colchis.
The Library of Greek Mythology by Apollodorus
Also known as the Bibliotheca of Pseudo-Apollodorus or simply Bibliotheca is a compendium of Greek myths and heroic legends, arranged in three books. It covers the birth of the gods and the creation of the world. It includes Hercules, Perseus and the people of the Trojan War.
Greek Mythology Books Best for Children
The Complete World of Greek Mythology by Richard Buxton
Greek Mythology Books Best: Written in 2004, this book covers much of the same as Hamilton’s Mythology, but it contains less literary style and more emphasis on the geographic and historical context and has over 330 illustrations!
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
Greek Mythology Books Best: First published in 1962, this comprehensive book on Greek Mythology is written in a simple, colourful, clear, and easy-to-follow style. Perfect for kids!
The Greek Gods by Bernard and Dorothy Evslin and Ned Hoops
Greek Mythology Books Best: Written in 1966, this short but fun book features colourful and simple stories about the different gods and goddesses. The Greek Gods also explain the ancient Greek myths.
The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin
This book can be described as a readable version of the Odyssey. The Adventures of Ulysses is a great form of introduction to Ancient Greek Mythology because it’s short, descriptive and strong characters at the same time that is full of action, suspense and drama.
Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders by Michael Townsend
Published in 2010, this 160-page book is perfect for those who like to read funny cartoon at the same they are learning something, this is a wonderful choice. Michael Townsend stayed loyal to the original myths while delivering comical kids-friendly stories.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Complete Series by Rick Riordan
The books of Percy Jackson are popular among kids, teenagers, and even adults. The story about a “normal” kid that finds out he is the son of a Greek God, got its own series of films. But because the films have vast differences from the original plot, it might be worth giving the books a try.