GREECE:  Its History and Mythology

An Annotated Bibliography

by Jodie Apeseche

 

Elementary and middle students can now enjoy locating information on Ancient Greece! Learn about Ancient Greek daily life, Greek Myths, Greek Gods and Goddesses, Greek games, and Archeology.

 

 

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Books

 


Adare, Sierra.  Greece, the Culture.  Crabtree, 1999.  

 


ISBN: 0865053081 (paperback)
ISBN: 086505228X (hardcover)

A cultural influence for thousands of years, this book highlights Greece's mythology, theater, and famous writers, philosophers and artisans.

 

 

 

Adare, Sierra.   Greece, the Land.  Crabtree, 1999.


ISBN: 0865053065 (paperback)
ISBN: 0865052263 (hardcover)

Young readers are introduced to this ancient land of rugged mountains and sunny islands as well as its influential history, politics, and philosophy.

 

 

 

Adare, Sierra.  Greece, the People.  Crabtree, 1999.  

 

ISBN: 0865053073 (paperback)
ISBN: 0865052271 (hardcover)

Colorful photos feature the lives of modern Greeks in the busy cities, hilly countryside, and sunny islands. Daily life in ancient times is also featured.

 

 


Aliki.   The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus.  HarperTrophy, 1997.  

 


ISBN: 0064461890 (paperback)
ISBN: 0060235306 (hardcover)

After retelling the creation myth that explains how the Greek gods and goddesses came to live on Mount Olympus, Aliki offers a brief description of the history and character of each major Olympian. The numerous illustrations include full-page portraits and smaller scenes from various myths. This introduction may well pique the interest of readers unfamiliar with Greek mythology. -- Copyright © 1995 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.  

 

Barber, Antonia.  Apollo and Daphne: Masterpieces of Greek Mythology.  J.Getty Museum, 1999.

ISBN: 0892365048 (hardcover)

From Horn Book

Fifteen Greek and Roman myths about figures such as Midas, Orion, and Narcissus are retold briskly and engagingly and are illustrated with paintings by master artists such as Fra Angelico, Raphael, and Titian. The handsome book, which unfortunately includes no information on the artists and their styles, will be of most interest to those who already know and love the myths. Ind. -- Copyright © 1999 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.  

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Bardi, Piero.  The Atlas of the Classical World: Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.  Bedrick, 1997.  

 

ISBN: 087226369X (hardcover)

From Horn Book

This oversized volume charts the rise and eventual fall of the Greek and Roman civilizations over a thousand years, beginning in the eighth century B.C.E. Each double-page spread contains flatly written historical coverage of the times, including governmental systems, politics, and developments in the arts and technology.  The pages are crammed with captioned reproductions and illustrations as well as maps, making the presentation busy and unclear.   -- Copyright © 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.  

 

 


Blacklock, Dyan. Pankration : The Ultimate Game.  Albert Whitman & Co., 1999.  

 


ISBN: 0807563234 (hardcover)

Set in Greece in 430 B.C., Nic, the spoiled son of a wealthy Athenian family, is on the run. If only he can reach Olympia in time for the Games and find his friend Gellius, he thinks he'll be safe. But the Pankration, the supreme event of the original Olympic games, a bare-fisted, no-holds-barred combat sport, awaits Gellius. And in the end it's the Pankration that forces Nic to choose between the truth and a horrible fear.

   

Brooke, Roger.  Theseus and the Minotaur.  Raintree Childrens Books, 1987.

ISBN: 0817225145 (paperback)
ISBN: 0817225064 (hardcover)

Brave Theseus sails to the island of Crete to confront the Minotaur, the horrible monster to whom Athenian youth are sacrificed every nine years.

 

        




Burleigh, Robert. Hercules.  Harcourt Brace, 1999.  

 

ISBN: 0152016678 (hardcover)

Journey back to ancient Greece and meet the greatest hero who ever lived-Hercules! With eleven difficult tasks behind him, he now must face the last and most terrifying. To bring back the three-headed monster dog, Cerberus, Hercules must enter the Underworld-where the dead go-and come back alive! With a bold storytelling voice, Robert Burleigh takes the reader into the classical world of Greek mythology and reveals the courage and valor of this larger-than-life hero. Award-winning illustrator Raul Colin's dazzling artwork imbues this classical story with magic and power.  

 

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Castile, Gavin.  In Search of Knossos : The Quest for the Minotaur's Labyrinth (In Search Of). Peter Bedrick Books, 1999.  

 

ISBN: 0872265447 (hardcover)

   

 

 

Castile, Giovanni.  In Search of Troy: One Man's Quest for Homer's Fabled City (In Search Of).  Peter Bedrick Books, 1999.  

 

ISBN: 0872265420 (hardcover)

From Kirkus Reviews

A city rose on the banks of the Aegean 5,000 years ago, Troy, the very stuff of legend; in this archaeo-history, Caselli targets all the most exciting material. Using a format that features clusters of text and images, often encircling a larger commanding image set on a two-page spread, Caselli sketches the background of Troy by following the work of Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist whose team unearthed the city.  

 

 

 

Cerasini, Marc.  The Twelve Labors of Hercules (Step into Reading, No 3).  Random House, 1997.  


ISBN: 0679883932 (paperback)
ISBN: 0679983937 (hardcover)

Although he is the strongest man in the world, Hercules must also use his wits to complete the tasks that the jealous king has in store for him. From giant ogres to fearsome Amazons, Hercules tackles his foes gamely. With the rollicking humor of a tall tale, this retelling is an exciting first step into Greek mythology.  

 

Chapman, Gillian.  The Greeks (Crafts from the Past).  Heineman Library, 1998.

ISBN: 1575727331 (hardcover)

   

 

 

 

Chrisp, Peter.  Ancient Greece (My World).  World Book Inc., 1999.  


ISBN: 0716694077 (paperback)
ISBN: 0716694069 (hardcover)

Narrated by a young member of ancient Greece, this book introduces young readers to Cleon and his sister Crytilla, who live in Athens, Greece. Readers visit their home, learn about democracy, join in the Olympic Games, discover ancient Greek theater, and even make a mask.

 

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Chrisp, Peter.  The Parthenon (Great Buildings).  Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers, 1997.  

 

ISBN: 0817249176 (hardcover)

   


Clare, John.  Ancient Greece (Living History).  Harcourt Brace, 1994.

ISBN: 0152005161 (hardcover)

Portrait of ancient Greece encompasses Spartan youth, religion, the Olympic Games, early medicine, women's lives, and military history, from the struggle against Persia to exploits of Alexander the Great.  

   

 

Claybourne, Anna.  The Adventures of Ulysses (Library of Myths and Legends Series).  E D C Publications, 1998.  

 

ISBN: 0746027311 (paperback)
ISBN: 0881109711 (hardcover)

   

 

Claybourne, Anna. Greek Myths : Ulysses and the Trojan War. E D C Publications, 1999.

ISBN: 0746033613 (hardcover)  

 

 

Clement-Davis, David.  Eyewitness Readers: Trojan Horse (Level 4). DK Publishing, 1999.  

 


ISBN: 0789444755 (hardcover)

Proficient Level 4 readers will be totally absorbed by these dramatic stories. The rich vocabulary and factual panels will set them on a lifelong path to reading for information. The highly successful Eyewitness Readers series combines DK's highly visual style with engaging, age-appropriate stories to help children learn to read. The four reading levels feature stunning DK photographs, colorful illustrations, and text guaranteed to capture a child's interest while developing his or her reading skills and general knowledge.

   

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Climo, Shirley.  Atalanta’s Race: A Greek Myth.  Clarion Books, 1995.  

 


ISBN: 0395673224 (hardcover)

From Horn Book

The proud, athletic Princess Atalanta does not believe in love; she declares that she will accept only the suitor who defeats her in a race. When the goddess of love provides Melanion with three golden apples, he uses them to distract Atalanta and win the race. Richly colored illustrations framed in Greek columns help tell the dramatic story of Atalanta's life. Copyright ©1995 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Colum, Padraic.  Children's Homer : The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy.  Aladdin Paperbacks, 1982.  

 

ISBN: 0020425201 (paperback)

 

"Colum's stirring telling of the Greek epics is still unequaled as an introduction to the classic myths for young readers . . . Illustrated with Pogany's superb drawings, full of the driving force of the poetic prose."--Publishers Weekly.

   

 

 


Colum, Padraic. The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1983.  

 

ISBN: 0020422601  (paperback)
ISBN: 002723620X (hardcover)

Describes the cycle of myths about the Argonauts and the quest for the Golden Fleece, as well as the tales of the Creation of Heaven and Earth, the labors of Hercules, Theseus and the Minotaur, etc.

   

 

Colum, Padraic.  The Trojan War and the Adventures of Odysseus (Books of Wonder).  William Morrow & Company, 1997.  

 


ISBN: 0688145884 (hardcover)

From Horn Book

Afterward by Peter Glassman. Several of the twelve watercolors that illustrate this version of the classic tale are expressive portraits of important characters, while other illustrations show battle scenes or depict the gods and creatures Odysseus encounters during his voyage. The formal language of the text may give some readers difficulty, but these stories are worth the effort. -- Copyright © 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.  

 

 


Connolly, Peter and Hazel Dodge.  The Ancient City: Life in Classical Athens and Rome.  Oxford Univ. Press, 1998.  

 

ISBN: 0199172420 (hardcover)

From Horn Book

This in-depth study of ancient Athens and Rome provides details about the history of each city, the lives of its citizens (childhood, marriage, work, recreation), its government, and its religious beliefs. Additionally, illustrations of reconstructed buildings and color photographs of artifacts and artwork enhance the well-written text. -- Copyright © 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

   

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Connolly, Peter.  The Ancient Greece of Odysseus (The Ancient World).  Oxford Univ. Press, 1999.  

 

ISBN: 0199105324 (paperback)

   

 

 

 

Craft, Charlotte.  Cupid and Psyche. Morrow, 1996.  

 

ISBN: 0688131638 (hardcover)

Psyche is the most beautiful woman in the world: she falls in love with an invisible man, betrays his trust, and must achieve three tasks in order to win back his trust. K. Y. Craft's gorgeous illustrations are outstanding and winning embellishments to this myth, setting it apart from any other version.

 

 

 

Craft, Charlotte.  King Midas and the Golden Touch.  Morrow Junior, 1999.  


ISBN: 0688131654 (hardcover)

In this lavish keepsake edition, a king finds himself bitterly regretting the consequences of his wish that everything he touches would turn to gold.

 

 

 

Crosher, Judith. Technology in the Time of Ancient Greece (Technology in the Time Of).  Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers, 1998.  

ISBN: 0817248773 (hardcover)

From Horn Book

This series shows the wide range of technologies employed by ancient civilizations, emphasizing that technology need not involve complicated tools or materials. Color photos and artwork illustrate the books, which feature an uneven collection of activities and handicrafts. Copyright © 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.  

 

 


 

D’Aulaire, Ingri and Edgar Parin.  D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. Doubleday Books, 1962;  Picture Yearling, 1992.  


ISBN: 0440406943 (paperback)
ISBN: 0385015836 (hardcover)

Mighty Zeus, with his fistful of thunderbolts, Athena, goddess of wisdom, Helios the sun, greedy King Midas--here are gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece brought to life in the myths that have inspired great literature and art throughout the ages. Illustrations throughout.

   

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Davis, Kevin.  Look What Came from Greece (Look What Came From).  Franklin Watts, Incorporated, 1999.  

ISBN: 0531159744 (paperback)
ISBN: 0531117448 (hardcover)

   

 

Dawson, Imogen.  Foods and Feasts in Ancient Greece.  New Discovery Books, 1995.

ISBN: 0027263290 (hardcover)  

 

   

 

 

Deary, Terry.  The Groovy Greeks (Horrible Histories).  Scholastic Paperbacks, 1997.  

 

ISBN: 0590031554 (paperback)

A lively portrait of life in Greece more than two thousand years ago describes the origins of the Greek Olympic games, the highly revered god who ate his own children, the people who had the first flushing toilet, and more.

   

Descamps-Lequime, Sophie.  The Ancient Greeks : In the Land of the Gods (People's of the Past).  Millbrook Press, 1996.

ISBN: 0761300961 (paperback)
ISBN: 1562940694 (hardcover)

A glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks explores Greece's unique political organization as well as the worlds of the gods, the theater, and the Olympic games.

   

   

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Dobson, Mary.  Greek Grime (Smelly Old History).  Oxford Univ Pr Childrens Books, 1998.  

 

ISBN: 019910493X (paperback)

Those ancient Greeks tried hard to keep clean--after scraping off the grime, they spread on the grease! The ancient Olympic athletes wore nothing but olive oil! Smells in this book include violet oil, horse dung, sewer drains, jasmine, and sulfur. 50 color illustrations.

 

 

 

Evans, Cheryl and Ann Millard.  Greek: Myths and Legends. E D C Publications, 1986.  

 

ISBN: 0860209466 (paperback)
ISBN: 0881102245 (hardcover)

Presents clear information about common Greek myths and contains a "Who's Who" section in the back. Perfect for looking up things easily.

   

 


Evslin, Bernard.  Adventures of Ulysses. Scholastic, 1989.  

 

ISBN: 0590425994 (paperback)
ISBN: 0808577565 (Turtleback)

The leader of the Greek forces returning from Troy encounters the Cyclops, the beautiful sorceress Circe and more, as he tries to ward off the anger of the gods.  

 

Evslin, Bernard.  Amycus (Monsters of Mythology).  (Out-of-print)

Recounts the myth of Amycus, the brass-headed giant who was summoned by Athena to destroy all who challenged her authority.

   

Evslin, Bernard.  Anteus (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1988.

ISBN: 1555462413 (hardcover)

Recounts the myth of the giant son of Mother Earth who, with his bodyguards, Gobi, Mordo, and Kell, battled Hercules.  

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Evslin, Bernard.  The Calydonian Boar (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1989.  


ISBN: 1555462421 (hardcover)

Recounts the myth of the monster created by Artemis and slain by Meleager and Atalanta.

   

Evslin, Bernard.  Cerberus (Monsters of Mythology).  (out-of-print)

Recounts the Greek myth about the three-headed dog who was employed to guard the portals of the Underworld.

   

Evslin, Bernard.  The Chimaera (Monsters of Mythology). (out-of-print)

Young hero Bellerophon sets out to conquer the fire-breathing chimera and win the hand of Queen Anteia. The eighty-eight illustrations are all works of art covering several centuries.

   

Evslin, Bernard.  The Cyclopes (Monsters of Mythology). (out-of-print)

Describes the origins of the cyclopes, their work as servants to the gods, and their memorable encounter with Ulysses.  

 

Evslin, Bernard.  The Dragon of Boeotia (Monsters of Mythology). Chelsea House, 1987.

ISBN: 1555462464 (hardcover)

A fierce dragon plaguing a region of Greece comes into combat with the young prince, Cadmus of Phoenicia. The book's illustrations are famous works of art covering many centuries.

   

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Evslin, Bernard.  Gods, Demigods, and Demons: An Encyclopedia of Greek Mythology.

(out-of-print)

   

 

Evslin, Bernard. The Greek Gods.  Scholastic Paperbacks, 1995.  



ISBN: 0590441108 (paperback)
ISBN:
0808577557 (Turtleback)

The biography of all the gods of ancient Greece.

   

 

Evslin, Bernard.  Greyon (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1987.

ISBN: 1555462502 (hardcover)

 


Recounts the classical myth about the triple-bodied monster who lost his life and herd of red oxen in a battle with Hercules.

   

Evslin, Bernard.  Harpalyce Princes of Thrace an Insatiable Huntress (Monsters of Mythology).  (out-of-print)

   

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Evslin, Bernard.  Hecate (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1988.

ISBN: 1555462529 (hardcover)

Recounts the myth of the goddess of the underworld known for her witchcraft and black magic.  

   

Evslin, Bernard.  Heroes, Gods and Monsters of Greek Myths.  Bantam, 1984;  Demco, 1995.

ISBN: 0590441108 (paperback)
ISBN: 0606030980 (Turtleback)

In this compelling book, Evslin introduces readers to the wondrous and terrifying world of superhuman beings, such as Medusa and the Minotaur, and the glory of gods like Zeus, Athena, and Poseidon--brought magically to life through exciting retellings of great adventurers such as Perseus, Daedalus, Prometheus, and others.  

 

 

Evslin, Bernard.  The Hydra (Monsters of Mythology).  (out-of-print)

Recounts the myth of the hundred-headed creature which was slain by the hero Hercules.

   

 

Evslin, Bernard.  Jason and the Argonauts.  (out-of-print)

Ekion, the son of Hermes, relates how he came to be one of Jason's Argonauts and the adventures they shared in search of the Golden Fleece.

   

 

Evslin, Bernard.  Ladon (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1990.

ISBN: 1555462545 (hardcover)

   

 

Evslin, Bernard.  The Minotaur (Monsters of Mythology).   (out-of-print)

Recounts the Greek myth about the monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man, which lived in the Labyrinth in Crete until killed by the hero Theseus.

   

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Evslin, Bernard.  The Nemean Lion (Monsters of Mythology). (out-of-print)

From Horn Book

A famed classical mythologist's retelling of the story of the Nemean lion, the killing of which was the first of the twelve Labors of Hercules, is a travesty. The heroic slayer, Hercules, has been changed into a young girl, Heraclea; the origin of the Nemean lion has been completely distorted. The format is handsome. -- Copyright © 1990 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 


Evslin, Bernard. Pig’s Ploughman (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1990.

ISBN: 1555462561 (hardcover)

Recounts the myth of Vilemurk or the Pig's Ploughman, the murderous Hog Who Ate the Sun, who battles the hero Finn McCool in the ancient land of Eire.

   

 

Evslin, Bernard. Procustes (Monsters of Mythology).  Chelsea House, 1987.

ISBN: 1555462391 (hardcover)

Presents the exploits of the monstrous bandit who offered hospitality to travelers on the road from Troezen to Athens, only to perform horrible acts once they went to bed. Liberally illustrated with art works representing many centuries.

   

Evslin, Bernard.  Scylla and Charybdis (Monsters of Mythology). Chelsea House, 1989.

ISBN: 155546257X (hardcover)

   

Evslin, Bernard.  The Spear-birds (Monsters of Mythology).  (out-of-print)

   

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Farmer, Penelope.  Daedalus and Icarus.  Harcourt Brace, 1971.  (Out-of-print)

   

 

 

Ferris, Julie.  Sightseers Ancient Greece: A Guide to the Golden Age of Greece.  Kingfisher, 1999.  

 

ISBN: 0753452197 (hardcover)

 

 

 

 

Fisher, Leonard Everett.  Cyclops.  Holiday, 1991.  

 

ISBN: 0823410625 (paperback)
ISBN: 0823408914 (hardcover)

From Horn Book

A retelling of the cyclops myth from Homer's The Odyssey. Odysseus and his men outwit Polyphemus after being stranded on the cyclop's island. Fisher's dry-brush paintings, full of texture and bright color, capture the essence of the myth, including a truly ugly cyclops. -- Copyright © 1992 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.  

 

 

Fisher, Leonard Everett.  Olympians : Great Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece. Holiday House, 1984.

ISBN: 0823405222 (hardcover)

Offers brief biographical sketches of the twelve gods and goddesses that reside on Mount Olympus including such information as their Roman names, their parents, and the symbols that represent them.

   

 

Fisher, Leonard Everett.  Theseus and the Minotaur.  Holiday, 1992.

ISBN: 0823409546 (paperback)
ISBN: 0823407039  (hardcover)

Retells Greek myth of the hero Theseus and his battle with the bull-headed monster called the Minotaur.

   

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Fleischman, Paul.  Dateline Troy.  Candlewick, 1996.

 

ISBN: 1564024695 (hardcover)

Kids in the middle school grades will appreciate having a lively discourse on Troy which retells the Trojan War in an unusual manner. Newspaper clippings from modern conflicts create intriguing parallels between Homer's world and our own, demonstrating the relevance of past history to modern times.

   


Freeman, Charles.  The Ancient Greeks (Spotlights).  Oxford University Press, 1996.  

 

ISBN: 019521238X (hardcover)

A brightly illustrated introduction to daily life in ancient Greece provides information on development of Greek democracy, the city-states, religion, warfare, sports, theaters, and a typical Greek home.

   

Gaines, Ann.   Herodotus and the Explorers of the Classical Age. Chelsea House, 1993.