Book update: mythology

A Gift From Zeus: Sixteen Favorite Myths. Written by Jeanne Steig, Pictures by William Steig (Joanna Cotler Books, 2001).

These retellings of some of the major myths are amusing, but it requires a certain kind of humor to enjoy William Steig's illustrations. I personally don't think his illustrative style adds enough humor to the text; and I wouldn't consider the retellings "juvenile literature" but I do think the book is fun for adults and young adults. The 16 stories are Prometheus, Demeter, Midas, Daphne and Apollo, Leda, Pygmalion, Europa, Venus and Adonis, Daedalus and Icarus, Arachne, Hero and Leander, Perseus, Echo and Narcissus, Bellerophon, Theseus, and Orpheus & Eurydice.

Gods and Goddesses [Ancient Greece] by John Malam (Peter Bedrick Books, 1991)

I really like this version because it covers not only some mythology but also has information about religious practices and superstitions, including temple design and oracles; the picture book is illustrated with primarily classical era art (ceramics, sculpture, etc) and studded with quotes from classical literature. Also includes a nice family tree of the gods, something most mythology books seem to be skipping these days.

The Book of Goddesses by Kris Waldherr (Beyond Words, 1995)
A juvenile book based on a subset of the goddess illustrations in Waldherr's Goddess Tarot, and absolutely gorgeous. I'm not 100% happy with the goddess profiles, because they seem to pick and chose their facts, but the book is worth it for the variety of goddesses -- a number we don't usually talk about-- and for the gorgeous illustrations.

Briefly noted: this is sparta! (book)

The Fire of Ares by Michael Ford. (Walker & Company, 2008)

I picked up this first in a juvenile series called "Spartan Quest" think it would be Percy Jackson knockoff fantasy. It turns out, however, to be classic juvenile historical fiction, and rather well done at that. The hero is born a Helot, the Messenian serf-class in Sparta; however, it turns out that he has connections, and perhaps a destiny, connected with the ruling-class Spartans. Rather rough stuff here, with lots of bullying and combat, but with a wealth of detail and tackling complex social history with skill. Not for fantasy fans, or those who don't like 'boy fiction' but still quite good. Not sure whether I'll look for sequels.