Mythology The gods, heroes, and monsters of ancient Greece

Touted as a facsimile of an 1825 text by Lady Hestia Evans, an admirer of Lord Byron, Mythology by Dugald A. Steer, newest in the 'Ology series, serves as an interactive primer on Greek myth. Chock-full of flaps, foldouts and such removable goodies as Oak Leaves of the Oracle and a silver obol to pay for a journey across the River Styx, this enticing package also contains concise versions of Greek myths. Historical facts about ancient Greece as well as pictures of its art and architecture are interspersed throughout, while a bejeweled cover helps lure readers to the wealth of information within. (Candlewick, $19.99 32p ages 8-up ISBN 9780-7636-3403-2; Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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.-Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.