Greek Myths

Olivia E. Coolidge

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1949 - Juvenile Nonfiction - 243 pages

A classic, accessible, handsomely produced collection--a great next step for Rick Riordan fans ready to delve deeper.

From the terror of Medusa and the Minotaur to the Labors of Heracles and journeys of Theseus, the stories in this collection have thrilled and enthralled people for centuries with their high drama, hazardous quests, and unforgettable characters (both mortal and immortal).

Under Olivia Coolidge's skillful pen, the landscape of early Greece and its famous legends bloom with vigor and are perfectly suited to the adventure-seeking reader.

Greek Myths includes appealing black-and-white spot art; a list of the Greek gods, with their Latin names, their symbols, and a brief description of each; and a pronunciation guide.

"This volume of familiar myths is both readable and attractive. The author provides a happy introduction to classical mythology." (New York Times Book Review)

Contents

• The Trickery of Hermes: 3
• The Loves of Apollo: 9
• Phaethon Son of Apollo: 12
• Athenes City: 18
• Arachne: 22
• The Origin of the Seasons: 28
• The Mysteries of Dionysus: 36
• THE LOVES OF THE GODS: 41
• Cupid and Psyche: 43
• The Spring Flowers: 59
• Eternal Youth: 64
• EARLY HISTORY OF MANKIND: 67
• The Creation of Man: 69
• The Coming of Evil: 73
• The Great Flood: 76
• MENS RIVALRY WITH GODS: 79
• Niobe: 81
• Daedalus: 87
• Midas: 93
• LOVE STORIES OF THE HEROES: 103
• The Great Musician: 105
• The Lover of Beauty: 111
• The Fortunate King: 114
• Pyramus and Thisbe: 124
• Baucis and Philemon: 129
• ADVENTURE STORIES: 133
• Atalantas Lovers: 135
• The Killing of the Chimera: 146
• Medusas Head: 154
• The Golden Fleece: 166
• GREAT HEROES: 191
• Theseus: 193
• Heracles: 213
• A LIST OF PROPER NAMES AND PRONUNCIATION GUIDE: 254

About the author

Olivia Coolidge was born in London, England, in 1908. She received her education at Somerville College, Oxford University, where her main subjects included Latin, Greek, and philosophy. These studies helped her earn her place in the pantheon on children's literature through her mythological retellings demonstrating careful research and the adriot capacity to bring the past to life.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Greek Myths
• Author: Olivia E. Coolidge
• Illustrated by: Edouard Sandoz
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1949
• ISBN: 0618154264, 9780618154265
• Length: 243 pages
• Subjects: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General; Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical; Juvenile Fiction / Classics; Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman; Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Folklore & Mythology; Young Adult Fiction / Action & Adventure / General; Young Adult Fiction / Animals / Mythical Creatures; Young Adult Fiction / Classics; Young Adult Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / Greek & Roman; Young Adult Fiction / Literary