A Book of Myths: Illustrated - Paperback

by Jean Lang (Author)

Most mythology books are boring. A Book of Myths is an attempt to solve this problem by telling the stories of mythology in such a way as to make them a genuine source of enjoyment. Intended for readers who encounter unfamiliar mythological names in their reading and wish to understand them, it offers a lively introduction to the great stories in which the same humanity runs that we recognize in our own lives.

Though we live in a modern world of technology and rapid change, the old gods of Greece and Rome, the heroes of the North, and the legendary figures of ancient traditions have never disappeared. Even in everyday speech and modern writing, their presence endures: we speak of "panic" without remembering the god Pan, and the story of Icarus still serves as an image of daring flight and human ambition.

In this engaging retelling, Greek and Roman myths such as Pygmalion, Psyche, and Icarus appear alongside Celtic, Teutonic, and Northern legends including Baldur, Beowulf, and Deirdrê. Jean Lang presents these ancient traditions in a form accessible to modern readers while preserving the richness and poetry of the original sources. The narratives are accompanied by the author's own reflections and by quotations drawn from classical and modern writers.

This illustrated edition is presented in a clear and easy-to-read layout and offers an inviting introduction to the myths that have shaped European imagination for centuries.