Greek mythology has fascinated people for centuries, with its colorful tales of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures. Many of these stories have been passed down through time, inspiring countless works of literature and art. In recent years, there has been a surge of exciting books based on Greek mythology, offering readers a chance to explore this rich world in new and imaginative ways.
This article presents a selection of the best books about or featuring Greek mythology. From classic tales to modern retellings, these books offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to learn more about popular myths or simply lose yourself in a fun and fantastical world.
1. A Classic Greek Mythology Anthology
Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes” is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology. The book features stunning illustrations and straightforward explanations, making it accessible to both new and seasoned readers.
The collection not only retells the myths but also analyzes their impact on society today. With its timeless tales of gods and heroes, “Mythology” is a classic anthology that will undoubtedly continue to captivate readers for generations to come. The book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $9.30.
2. “Medusa” by Jessie Burton, Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill
“Medusa” by Jessie Burton, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill, is a captivating retelling of the story of Medusa, the monstrous Gorgon with snakes for hair. In this imaginative tale, Medusa lives a lonely, exiled existence on a distant island until the hero Perseus arrives and unleashes a new destiny of love, desire, and betrayal.
The book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting from $15.68. Accompanied by brilliant illustrations, “Medusa” is a vibrant and engaging read for anyone interested in Greek mythology.
3. A Beautiful Encyclopedia of Greek Mythology
“Classical Mythology A to Z: An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places” is a comprehensive guide to the major and minor characters of Greek mythology.
Written by Annette Giesecke, a Ph.D. holder in Classics, the book offers fascinating insights into the classic Greek tales. The book’s illustrations by Jim Tierney bring to life the 700 characters featured in the book. It is available on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting from $26.72.
4. “Secret of the Broken King” by Eliza Raine
Eliza Raine’s latest book, “Secret of the Broken King,” is a Greek mythology-inspired fantasy romance available on Amazon for 10.99. The story revolves around Almi, Poseidon’s secret bride, who is exiled to the human world.
Almi’s sister is slowly turning to stone due to a sickness, and Almi must escape exile, return to Aquarius, and find a way to save her sister. This slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance is a departure from Raine’s usual style and offers a unique take on Greek mythology.
5. An Introduction to Greek Mythology Perfect for Young Readers
“D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths” by Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire is the perfect introduction to Greek mythology for young readers. The book features simple stories and accompanying artwork that enchant readers and bring the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece to life.
The book is a chronological collection of the ancient stories from the beginning of the Titans through the Trojan War, making it easy for young readers to follow along. It is available on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $17.99.
6. “Olympus, Texas” by Stacey Swann
“Olympus, Texas” is a novel by Stacey Swann that can be purchased on Amazon and Bookshop starting at $12.10. The book is a modern retelling of Greek mythology, with each main character and storyline inspired by a different myth.
The novel centers around the Briscoe family, whose tense dynamic is further complicated by March’s return home two years after he was caught having an affair with his brother’s wife.
The story takes an intense turn when, within days of March’s return, someone is found dead, rivalries ignite, and long-held secrets are revealed, threatening to tear the family apart. “Olympus, Texas” is a captivating novel with a carefully woven plot and engrossing characters.
7. “The Penelopiad” by Margaret
“The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood is a modern retelling of the story of Penelope and Odysseus, with a new voice that focuses on Penelope’s perspective from “The Odyssey.” Atwood’s version of events is a compassionate yet haunting tale that brings to light the previously overlooked viewpoints of Penelope and her 12 maids. This short read is available on Amazon and Bookshop starting from $4.21.
8. Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood
“Daughters of Sparta” by Claire Heywood is a historical fiction novel that retells the story of the Siege of Troy from the perspectives of sisters Helen and Klytemnestra. The novel follows the sisters as they are married off at young ages to cruel and powerful husbands, defying societal expectations and pushing against their roles as mere vessels for producing heirs.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $11.59. Through Heywood’s writing, readers gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of these two important figures in Greek mythology.
9. “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan is the first book in the beloved “Percy Jackson” series, which has become a classic among young readers. The book, available on Amazon and Bookshop starting at $5.97, introduces readers to Percy Jackson, a demigod and son of Poseidon, who embarks on a thrilling adventure when he is sent to Camp Half-Blood.
With action-packed scenes and lovable characters, “The Lightning Thief” is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology.
10. A Brilliant Retelling of a Monstrous Greek Myth
Jennifer Saint’s “Ariadne” is a captivating retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. In this version, the focus is on Ariadne, a princess of Crete who falls in love with Theseus, the Prince of Athens, despite knowing that he has come to kill her brother, the Minotaur. Saint’s storytelling is brilliant, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. The book is available on both Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting from $15.39.
11. An Emotional Story Featuring a Warrior from Greek Mythology
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller tells the emotional story of the friendship between Achilles, a Greek warrior, and Patroclus, a young prince. The book portrays their unique friendship that is tested during the Trojan War.
Miller’s writing style is magical and captivating, drawing readers into the story and making them feel the characters’ emotions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology or emotional stories. It is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting from $10.35.
12. A Classic of Greek Mythology about the Trojan War
“The Iliad” by Homer is a renowned epic poem that dates back to the ninth century. It is a companion to “The Odyssey” and outlines the events that led to Odysseus’ journey.
The poem tells the story of the Trojan War, a ten-year conflict that began when the prince of Troy eloped with a Spartan queen. “The Iliad” is a masterpiece that is full of emotion and violence, and it is available on Amazon and Bookshop for as low as $12.99.
13. The Odyssey
“The Odyssey” is a renowned ancient Greek poem that follows the journey of Odysseus, a hero of the Trojan War, as he attempts to return home to his family. The epic poem is filled with mythical creatures and divine interventions from the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.
Odysseus faces various challenges, including battles, the seductive song of the Sirens, and a trip to the underworld. “The Odyssey” remains a timeless classic and a staple of ancient Greek mythology.
14. “The Greek Myths” by Robert Graves
“The Greek Myths” by Robert Graves is a must-have literary resource for anyone interested in Greek mythology. This book, available on Amazon starting at $19.99, was first published in 1955 and has since become a classic reference guide to Greek myths.
The book is carefully organized to lead readers through the complex histories of Greek myths, and Graves’ poetic voice brings these ancient stories to life. This collection is a beautiful retelling of the major Greek myths and is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
15. “Mythos” by Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry’s “Mythos” is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology. Fry brings a fresh and comical perspective to the ancient tales, making them engaging and entertaining.
The book covers the myths of the gods and their family tree, starting with Zeus. Fry’s wit and humor shine through in every chapter, and the audiobook version, narrated by Fry himself, is an even more enjoyable experience. “Mythos” is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting at $18.69.
16. Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths
One of the most popular and widely read books on Greek mythology is “Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths” by Bernard Evslin. This book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting from $6.79.
Bernard Evslin is a renowned author and playwright who has written extensively on Greek mythology. In this book, he presents a series of captivating stories that bring the ancient myths to life and introduce readers to the gods in an exciting and engaging way. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about Greek mythology.
17. “Lore” by Alexandra Bracken
“Lore” by Alexandra Bracken is a captivating dark fantasy novel that incorporates Greek mythology into its storyline. The book depicts the Agon, a hunt that takes place every seven years where nine Greek gods are forced to live as mortals on earth.
Humans hunt the gods for their power and immortality, and the protagonist, Lore, must decide to whom she will bind her fate when two participants reach out to her for help. The novel is available on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting from $11.34.
18. “Starcrossed” by Josephine Angelini
“Starcrossed” by Josephine Angelini is a captivating young adult romance novel that weaves Greek mythology into a modern-day story. The book follows the life of Helen Hamilton, a young woman with unique strength and intelligence, who has spent most of her life trying to conceal her abilities on Nantucket Island. When a new family moves to the island, Helen finds herself entangled in the secrets of her ancestry and an ancient, tragic play that the Fates are determined to repeat.
The novel’s plot is a perfect blend of romance, action, and Greek mythology, which makes it an intriguing read for young adults. The book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting from $10.99. If you are a fan of romance novels with a twist of mythology, “Starcrossed” is an excellent choice to add to your reading list.
19. “Troy” by Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry’s “Troy” is the third book in his mythology collection, which offers a fresh and entertaining retelling of the Trojan War and the Greek gods that surround it. Fry’s signature wit and humor make the complex ancient history of Troy and the Trojan War accessible to readers of all ages.
Based on extensive research, “Troy” is a detailed and comprehensive retelling that is sure to captivate anyone interested in Greek mythology. Available on Amazon and Bookshop, “Troy” is a must-read for fans of Fry’s previous works and Greek mythology enthusiasts alike.
20. “A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Hayne
“A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Haynes retells the Trojan War story from the perspective of women, as seen through the eyes of Calliope, the goddess of eloquence and epic poetry. This book offers a unique and refreshing perspective on an ancient tale, giving voice to the women who played significant roles in the war. Available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting from $13.99.
21. “The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker
Pat Barker’s “The Silence of the Girls” offers a new perspective on the ancient Greek mythological tale of “The Iliad”. The novel provides a voice to the women who were captured and enslaved by the victors of the Trojan War, a group that was often overlooked in the original tale.
Barker’s work is a powerful dedication to the forgotten women of the ancient world, and it sheds light on the experiences of those who were once viewed as mere spoils of war. “The Silence of the Girls” is a must-read for those who seek a fresh take on a classic story.
22. “Lore Olympus” by Rachel Smythe
“Lore Olympus” by Rachel Smythe is a captivating graphic novel available on Amazon and Bookshop for $11.40 and up. The story revolves around the love story between Hades and Persephone, who meet at a party and feel an instant connection.
The novel follows Persephone’s journey as she navigates the strange politics of Olympus while spending more time with the charming and misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. With stunning illustrations and a gripping storyline, “Lore Olympus” is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology and romance.
23. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
Circe, daughter of the Titans, possesses the power of witchcraft, unlike her powerful parents. Zeus banished her to a desert island where she hones her craft and encounters famous mythological figures, including Odysseus.
In Madeline Miller’s book “Circe,” readers follow her journey as she faces a terrifying danger and must choose between the gods and mortals. The book is available on Amazon and Bookshop, starting at $11.10.
Summary
The world of Greek mythology is vast and fascinating, and there are countless books that explore this rich and complex universe. From classic works by ancient authors like Homer and Hesiod to modern retellings and adaptations, there is something for every reader.
Some of the best Greek mythology books include “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” by Homer, “Theogony” by Hesiod, “Mythology” by Edith Hamilton, and “Circe” by Madeline Miller. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on the myths and legends of ancient Greece, and is sure to captivate readers of all ages.