Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 185 Mounds of Books

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What is Greek mythology?

Greek mythology is the body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. Greek mythology has been a source of inspiration for many authors over the centuries. From classic Greek tragedies to more modern works of literature, Greek mythology continues to fascinate.

If you’re looking to learn more about Greek mythology, here are some of the best Greek mythology books to get you started.

Best Greek Mythology Books

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 187 Mounds of Books

Classical Mythology A to Z: An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places by Annette Giesecke and Jim Tierney

Classical Mythology A-to-Z is a comprehensive and engrossing guide to Greek and Roman mythology. Written by Annette Giesecke, PhD, Professor of Classics and Chair of Ancient Greek and Roman Studies at the University of Delaware, this brilliant reference offers clear explanations of every character and locale, and captures the essence of these timeless tales.
 
From the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus and the heroes of the Trojan War to the nymphs, monsters, and other mythical creatures that populate these ancient stories, Giesecke recounts, with clarity and energy, the details of more than 700 characters and places. Each definition includes cross-references to related characters, locations, and myths, as well their equivalent in Roman mythology and cult.

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 193 Mounds of Books

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, 75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition by Edith Hamilton and Jim Tierney

Since its original publication by Little, Brown and Company in 1942, Edith Hamilton’s Mythology has sold millions of copies throughout the world and established itself as a perennial bestseller.

For more than seven decades readers have chosen this book above all others to discover the enchanting world of mythology — from Odysseus’s adventure-filled journey to the Norse god Odin’s effort to postpone the final day of doom. This deluxe, hardcover edition is fully-illustrated throughout with all-new, specially commissioned art, making it a true collector’s item

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 199 Mounds of Books

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

In print for over fifty years, D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers.

Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. 

No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come. 

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 205 Mounds of Books

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton


Edith Hamilton’s mythology succeeds like no other book in bringing to life for the modern reader the Greek, Roman and Norse myths that are the keystone of Western culture-the stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present.

We follow the drama of the Trojan War and the wanderings of Odysseus. We hear the tales of Jason and the Golden Fleece, Cupid and Psyche, and mighty King Midas. We discover the origins of the names of the constellations. And we recognize reference points for countless works for art, literature and culture inquiry–from Freud’s Oedipus complex to Wagner’s Ring Cycle of operas to Eugene O’Neill’s Mourning Becomes Electra.

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 211 Mounds of Books

Mythos by Stephen Fry and Chronicle Books


This stunning book features classical artwork inspired by the myths, as well as learned notes from the author.

• Each adventure is infused with Fry’s distinctive wit, voice, and writing style
• Connoisseurs of the Greek myths will appreciate this fresh-yet-reverential interpretation, while newcomers will feel welcome
• Retellings brim with humor and emotion and offer rich cultural context

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 217 Mounds of Books

Weird But True Know-It-All: Greek Mythology by Sarah Wassner Flynn

Zeus, Hades, Aphrodite, Hera, Poseidon, Hercules, Achilles, Ares, Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Dionysus, Prometheus! Fans of Rick Riordan will find this is the perfect companion book to dive a little deeper into the incredible stories from Greek mythology. Weird-but-true facts accompanied by lush original full-color art cover everything kids need to know about all their favorite Greek gods, heroes, monsters, quests, muses, and famous philosophers. From who gave mankind fire to famous fatal flaws to who stood guard at the Underworld, this book includes all the iconic Greek myths and key characters–and then goes one wonderfully weird step beyond.

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 223 Mounds of Books

So begins Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic–and sarcastic asides–to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who’s who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. “If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that.”

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 229 Mounds of Books

Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook: From Aphrodite to Zeus, a Profile of Who's Who in Greek Mythology by Liv Albert and Sara Richard

In Greek Mythology, you will discover the backstories of the heroes, villains, gods, and goddesses that enjoy popularity in today’s shows and films. With comprehensive entries that outline each character’s name, roles, related symbols, and foundational myths, you can get to know the roots of these personas and better understand the stories they inspire today. With this character-focused, handy reference, you will never be confused about Ancient Greece!

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 235 Mounds of Books

The Mythology of the Night Sky: Greek, Roman, and Other Celestial Lore (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series) by David E. Falkner |

This book is for amateur astronomers who would like to know the mythology behind the names of astronomical objects in the night sky. It covers the lore and legend behind Ptolemy’s 48 constellations, along with significant asterisms, the planets and their moons, the brightest named asteroids and dwarf planets.

The revised second edition includes a host of new moons and dwarf planets discovered since 2011. In addition, it now features a new section on major asteroids and their associated myths. While still primarily focused on Greco-Roman mythology, the book now branches out to cover more recently named objects from other cultures, such as Hawaiian, Rapanui, Tongva and Inuit. 

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 241 Mounds of Books

The Mythology of the Night Sky: Greek, Roman, and Other Celestial Lore (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series) by David E. Falkner |

Apollodorus’ Library has been used as a source book by classicists from the time of its compilation in the 1st-2nd century BC to the present, influencing writers from antiquity to Robert Graves. It provides a complete history of Greek myth, telling the story of each of the great families of heroic mythology, and the various adventures associated with the main heroes and heroines, from Jason and Perseus to Heracles and Helen of Troy. As a primary source for Greek myth, as a reference work, and as an indication of how the Greeks themselves viewed their mythical traditions, the Library is indispensable to anyone who has an interest in classical mythology.

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 247 Mounds of Books

Bulfinch's Mythology (Leather-bound Classics) by Thomas Bulfinch and Stephanie Lynn Budin PhD

Can’t keep all your gods and goddesses straight? Wondering about mythological references in classic literature? Bulfinch’s Mythology offers approachable accounts of ancient legends in a compilation of the works of Thomas Bulfinch, banker and Latinist. This volume includes all three of Bulfinch’s original titles: The Age of FableThe Age of Chivalry, and The Legends of Charlemagne. Bulfinch states his purpose for the book clearly: “Our work is not for the learned, nor for the theologian, nor for the philosopher, but for the reader of English literature…who wishes to comprehend the allusions so frequently made by public speakers, lecturers, essayists, and poets, and those which occur in polite conversation.” This compilation was widely used as the authoritative text on mythology in schools for over a century.

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 253 Mounds of Books

Greek Mythology: A Complete Guide to Greek Mythology, Greek Gods, and Ancient Greece by Andrew Walsh |


If monstrous perils, heart-stirring adventures, and vengeful and scheming gods are something you are interested in, then this book will definitely appeal to your taste. Included inside are a variety of stories detailing acts of real bravery and also cowardice, Gods making selfless sacrifices and, on the other hand, committing brutal murders. All of this and more exists in the fascinating world of Greek Mythology!

Best Greek Mythology Books: 13 Must Read 259 Mounds of Books

Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths: One of the Best-selling Mythology Books of All Time by Bernard Evslin, Todd Haberkorn

The world of Greek mythology contains some of the most exciting and imaginative stories ever told. In Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, bestselling author Bernard Evslin shares his passion for these fabulous tales and the eternal themes they so beautifully express. In this accessible overview, you’ll get to know the iconic gods, heroes, and tragic figures: Zeus, the all-powerful king of the gods; Hera, his cunning and jealous wife; King Midas, whose touch could turn anything into gold; the sculptor Pygmalion, who falls in love with his own creation; and many more.

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