Reviewed with B. A. Hoena's Athena.
Gr. 2-3. In elementary language, each of these small, square volumes in the new World Mythology series focuses on a figure from ancient Greek or Roman mythology, placing him or her within both mythological and cultural context. Each tale or topic is covered on a single, well-leaded page, with the violent elements (though not the sexual ones) left in. Readers will learn, for example, that Hercules undertook his 12 labors in expiation for killing his wife and children. Both authors also discuss different types of myth, and they close with modern references to these ancient stories, such as Nike shoes or the various Hercules TV shows. The large color illustrations are a mix of ancient art, modern photos of ruins, and nineteenth-century neoclassical paintings; links gathered on a dedicated Web site supplement brief appended lists of books. Despite the series title, volumes issued so far overlap with titles in this publisher's only somewhat more detailed Greek and Roman Mythology series. Still, the emphasis and reading levels are just different enough to warrant consideration for collections supporting more elaborate cultural studies programs. John Peters
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Product Description
Relates the exploits of Hercules and his importance in Roman mythology, including his connection to such figures as King Augeas and Queen Hippolyte, and describes the role of myths in the modern world.
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