The 10 Best Greek Mythology Books
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in February of 2018. Make a cup of tea and get ready to enjoy some of the most enduring stories in Western history with something from our selection of Greek mythology books. We’ve included options for all age groups and every taste, from the serious and scholarly to the light and recreational. Many are beautifully illustrated and feature explanations that make them accessible to the modern reader. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
2. D'Aulaires' "Book of Greek Myths"
3. Ovid’s "Metamorphoses"
Editor's Notes
October 22, 2019:
We wanted this list to run the gamut when it comes to the subject at hand, and so included titles that appeal to children, teens, and adults, as well as beginners, casual readers, and serious scholars. If you have a youngster who is especially enthralled by Greek mythology, chances are they'll love Oh My Gods!, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, and D'Aulaires' "Book of Greek Myths". Depending on their age, consider pairing one of the aforementioned tomes with a colorful fantasy novel to give them an immersive, fantastical experience that's supported by factual information.
While it pained us to remove the Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters, we felt that it was too close to D'Aulaires' "Book of Greek Myths" and featured too many inaccuracies to keep. In its quest to make Greek mythology appropriate for children, the book is at times overly stylistic and waters down or reimagines classic legends.
We also swapped Bulfinch's The Age of Fable with the more comprehensive Bulfinch's Mythology, which includes three respected and beloved volumes concerning myths from ancient Greece, as well as legends surrounding Arthurian England and Charlemagne. It's an excellent selection for those who want a well-rounded account of mythology from many eras and cultures. Since it was written in the 1800s, readers should be aware that it is showing its age these days, and tends to downplay certain perspectives in favor of Victorian values.
4. The Complete and Definitive Edition
5. Bulfinch's Mythology
6. The Complete World of Greek Mythology
7. The Odyssey
8. Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece
9. Percy Jackson's Greek Gods
10. Oh My Gods!
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