Greek Mythology is considered as a dense and fascinating topic by many. It is full of complex characters and lore which make for wondrous tales. The Greek mythology books use Heroes, Gods, and monsters for describing events for which there used to be no answers earlier. Many of the rich and powerful Greek mythology books have stood the test of time and challenged readers to engage their critical thinking skills.
Choosing the right book on Greek mythology can turn out to be an epic undertaking as there are hundreds of books available on it. To make it easier for you, we have assembled a list of the best books on Greek mythology that is suitable for all age groups.
Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures
Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures is a book written by Stephen Fry. It is a follow-up to Fry’s earlier book Mythos. The main focus of the Heroes is on the Greek heroes and how powerful they were. Stephen Fry talks about how these heroes accomplished awe-inspiring adventures while lasting through dangerous events and powerful creatures. Heroes describe in detail about how the heroes could even outwit gods with their vengeful intentions.
Stephen Fry has written an exciting, funny, and emotional novel that helps in understanding what mortals are capable of- at the best and the worst. Heroes are one of the best books on Greek Mythology for people who want to enjoy wit and humor in the old school heroes.
The Library of Greek Mythology
The Library of Greek Mythology is written by Apollodorus and further translated by Robin Hard. It is one of a kind as this is the only book that has been made through classical antiquity. This unique book is a guide to Greek mythology. The timeline starts from the origin of the universe and goes up to the Trojan War.
The Library of Greek Mythology is an indispensable novel for anyone who has an interest in classical mythology. Robin Hard’s fluent translation is supplemented by a map, comprehensive notes as well as genealogical tables. It has a complete history of the Greek myth and acts as one of the primary sources for Greek myth or Greek mythical references.
The Greek Myths
The Greek Myths is written by Robert Graves and is one of the greatest stories to be ever told. It talks about the excursion of Greek Argonauts, the labors of Hercules, and about king Midas and his golden touch. Robert Graves also talks about Theseus and the Minotaur, the journey of Odysseus back home, and the Trojan War. All the Greek mythologies have been covered in a single book.
The Greek Myths is a collection of different stories that are compiled into a single big story for the readers. The Greek Myths is a complete package that concisely describes these affairs. It is a beautiful edition that serves the reader’s appetite for Greek mythology.
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is an epic poetic series that is written by Ovid and further translated by Charles Martin. The series consists of fifteen books that are divided into six sections. In the first section, the narrator prays to the Gods for inspiration. The second section describes the creation of the universe. While the third section focuses on the Gods and their interaction with mortals, the fourth one moves into the realm of heroes and heroines. In the next section, the readers are introduced to the Trojan War. The last section is the epilogue where the narrator prophesizes a glorious future for the Romans.
Ovid’s Metamorphosis is different from other books as it leaps from one story to another, with no or little connection to each other. It has echoed through the ages and is referred to as one of the most important texts in Greek mythological collection. This is one of the best books on Greek mythology for modern readers.
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology is one of the best books on Greek mythology that gives an overview of the principle Greek and Roman myths along with Norse mythology. Mythology has complete information on Greek myths from ancient times to the present. It has stories such as the Jason and the Golden Fleece, Trojan War, actions of Midas, wanderings of Odysseus, and many more.
Mythology provides great insights into the field of literature, art, and culture. This is a great book to dive into if you want to gather knowledge and information about Greek mythologies. It acts as a huge study guide of Greek mythology for the readers.
Alcestis
Alcestis is a novel written by Katherine Beutner and is based on the life of the Greek woman Alcestis who is considered as the most ideal wife in Greek mythology. She loved her husband so much that she was ready to die and go to the underworld in his place. Katherine Beutner discusses the things that happen to Alcestis in the three days that she spends in the underworld.
Katherine Beutner’s Alcestis is one of the best books on Greek mythology that incorporates ancient mythology into the book. This extraordinary piece of work has been acknowledged and loved by readers across different corners of the world.
For Her Dark Skin
Percival Everett’s For Her Dark Skin is a book that tackles the different problems of real-life straightforwardly. For Her Dark Skin revolves around two characters, Medea and Jason. It weaves both the traditional as well as the contemporary thematic and fictional elements into an ironic tale of ambition, revenge, pride, and passion. The desires and its consequences lead the human characters through a new interpretation of the classic themes.
For Her Dark Skin by Percival Everett has a great storyline that takes a focused approach towards Greek mythology rather than tackling the conventional issues. It is a well-crafted exploration of the characters of the story which gives a message to the readers to love themselves, irrespective of their skin tone.
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break
The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break is written by Steven Sherrill. The plot centers around Minotaur, who figures out that he is in the American South, after spending five thousand years out of the maze. He had been living in a trailer park and had been working at a steakhouse as a line cook. The minotaur had even given up human flesh and had been quite lonely. However, after spending a fortnight into the modern era, he breaks free and finds a possibility of love and happiness.
Steven Sherrill’s The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break is a transformational book on Greek mythology that can bring a great change in the current perspectives of a reader. This makes it an interesting and classic read.
Circe
Circe is written by Madeline Miller and was selected as a Goodreads Choice winner in the year 2018. It follows the titular character Circe, the daughter of the sun-god Helios. Although Circe doesn’t inherit the powers of her parents, she can still rival the gods differently. For this reason, she gets banished to a deserted island where she continues to learn more about herself and practice her magic. Ultimately, she is forced to decide between her divine family and the mortals that she has come to love.
Madeline Miller breathes life into the ancient world through an intoxicating tale of heroes, gods, monsters, magic, transformation, and survival. This is a must-pick novel if you are a fan of Greek mythology.
Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from myths and monsters
Great Goddesses is a collection of poems by Nikita Gill, who is well-known for her poetry collections Wild Embers and Fierce Fairytales. In Great Goddesses, Nikita Gill has applied a feminist’s lens to the old legends and myths of Greek mythology. She has used the history of ancient Greece to share stories of creators, warriors, mothers, destroyers, and survivors who shook the world.
Nikita Gill’s Great Goddesses is a beautiful narrative that centers around womanhood, feminism, and the strength of all females. It is a timeless and articulate collection that has each story woven with precision. This is a must-read if you are looking for the best books on Greek mythology.
AntiGoddess
Antigoddess is the first book of the series- Goddess War by Kendare Blake. It begins with a goddess, Athena, growing feathers inside her lungs and under her skin. On the other hand, Hermes has a fever that is eating away his flesh. Many other Greek deities are suffering similarly. These two immortals then set out to find out the reason behind this and seek out Cassandra, who had once been a prophetess.
Kendare Blake vividly describes how Hera has joined the enemies of Olympus for revenge and how these enemies are also suffering similarly. She describes Greek mythology in a new and modern way. The story flows wonderfully and can be understood even by a novice.
The Goddess of Buttercups and Daisies
The Goddess of Buttercups and Daisies is written by Martin Millar and follows the playwright Aristophanes. Aristophanes is trying to build a comedy that can convince Athens to not engage in war with Sparta for the next ten years. However, several problems continue to hinder his efforts. The Athenian and Spartan generals release Laet, a spirit of poor decisions and foolishness on Athens to spark a war. Martin Millar further describes how Athena tries to stop this chaotic force.
The Goddess of Buttercups and Daisies is a witty and comical romp that is sure to engage readers of all age groups. It is a quick and light read that has some amusing scenes and clever ideas.
If you enjoyed this blog, you will also enjoy our review of The Palace of Illusions, here.