Mythology by Hestia Evans, Dugald A. Steer (Editor), Various (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

With this entry, the popular Ology series turns to solid gold. The concept is impeccable: An early-19th-century nobleman adventurer sets off for Greece, carrying with him a primer on ancient mythology which he annotates along the way. Eventually, this embellished tour guide encompasses all manner of things, from drawings and notes to a card game portraying the 12 Olympians and a gold obolos coin in case you ever need to cross the River Styx. Mythology is a treasure packet of foldouts, flaps, and other novelties. Arguably the best in the series.

From the Publisher

Presenting the newest discovery in the series with the Midas touch — a mythical exploration fit for the gods

In the early nineteenth century, an English nobleman embarked on a tour of the sites of ancient Greece. He brought as his guide a primer on Greek myths written by his friend Lady Hestia Evans, a devotee of Lord Byron who had recently taken the same voyage. In the true Romantic spirit, Lady Hestia’s book was not only lavishly illustrated but also boasted many paper crafts and novelties, including a card game featuring the twelve Olympians, an oak-leaf oracle of Zeus, a pop-up Pandora’s box (with hope still inside), a booklet retelling the tale of Odysseus, a piece of the Golden Fleece, a gold OBOLOS coin to pay the ferryman on the River Styx, and many more flaps, foldouts, and other surprises. The nobleman added his own witty comments and drawings along the way, but seems to have wished for something odd at the Delphic oracle: as the book nears its end, it slowly begins to turn . . .to gold. Now, for lovers of Greek myths and those just discovering their timeless power, this fascinating volume is faithfully reproduced with all its Romantic ambience, clever wit and novelty features intact.

Children's Literature

Using the approach that the publisher has obtained an old copy of "Lady Hestia Evan's Mythology" containing notes from a John Oro, who tried to "use the book for his own selfish gain," works well to present the mythology of ancient Greece to the young student as well as older readers who will be drawn in by the fascinating presentation. This "‘Ology Book" is beautifully done with "gems" set in the cover and tabs, booklets and surprises throughout. There is a specimen of the Golden Fleece, an illustrated book of serpents, and a Pandora's box complete with warning "Do not open for any reason!" Oak leaves, a silver obol, and game cards of the gods of Olympus are all to found in "sealed" envelopes. A booklet with a short version of The Odyssey and another containing the story of King Midas are to be found as the reader studies the Greek myths. Beautifully illustrated and containing a foldout map and a "Genealogical Table of the Gods, Monsters, & Heroes of Ancient Greece," this volume offers information in an imaginative format. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford

Alana AbbottCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information. - School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up
Fictional Lady Hestia Evans's guide to Greek mythology is sure to please myth and puzzle lovers. Tales of gods and goddesses are framed by the story of Lady Hestia's peer, an antiquities collector who becomes obsessed with greed and is granted the Midas touch by Zeus, eventually leading to his doom. Aside from the mention of Zeus having married multiple goddesses and mortals (rather than producing offspring sans ritual), the stories are well represented and simple enough to serve as an introduction for novices. Illustrations and reproductions of ancient artifacts enhance the text. Friezes bordering the pages show three hero quests: Heracles's labors, Jason and the Argonauts, and Theseus's defeat of the Minotaur. From a pamphlet explaining the Greek alphabet to a bit of the Golden Fleece tucked under a flap, the parts to unfold, lift up, and pull out are delightful. Readers can cast oak leaves to consult an oracle or play "Tartarus" with a deck of cards featuring the Olympians. Explanations of how the Greeks saw their world provide an excellent starting point for putting the mythology into context. With a format that will attract younger readers and content sure to appeal even to high schoolers, this handsome book will be read and explored repeatedly.

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