Greek mythology is a fascinating subject that covers stories and legends from the ancient Greek civilization. While it is largely considered as fiction, it reflects much of Greek culture and beliefs that have had an extensive influence on modern thinking. Widely read for both academic and leisure purposes, these stories of ancient gods, goddesses, and heroes serve as a wonderful source of philosophical meaning, cultural knowledge, and literary value.
Regardless of whatever draws you to Greek mythology, finding the book that would suit your interests can be challenging with so many versions out there. So, we offer you our 10 recommended Greek mythology books that you can score online, together with our buying guide list to help you make the right choice. Check below to know more!
Quick List - Top Books About Greek Mythology
Edith Hamilton
A Collection of Tales for Academic and Personal Use
George O'Connor
Explores Hera's Life Through Comic-Style Art
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
If you haven’t made up your mind yet and still feel confused with what Greek mythology book to buy, check out our buying guide to help you trim down your options.
Books about Greek mythology may either focus on a collective or individual topic. Below are the distinctions between each type.
The most common kind of Greek mythology book you might find in the market are those with a variety of stories inside. They tackle Greek mythology in general, including tales of gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, mortals, cultures, rituals, and religions — basically almost every topic in one book.
This type may briefly introduce you to each significant character and event in Greek mythology and give you general working knowledge on the subject matter. However, since there are many topics covered in one book, they may lack a more thorough presentation of a particular topic.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more in-depth understanding of characters and stories, you can opt for Greek mythology books with a narrower focus. These are books that discuss only a specific character or event alone in a single book instead of a collection of different stories.
Take Iliad, The Odyssey, Circe, and the crowd favorite Percy Jackson as examples. These Greek mythology books focus on the tale of one specific character or event and provide the reader with more information and a more profound understanding.
Just like any other book, Greek mythology books also come as either illustrated or non-illustrated versions. Both types can offer an excellent reading experience, but one may be advantageous than the other depending on your needs and preference.
Visual learners will understand how fun it is to read books that are embellished with images. This type is known as an illustrated book. It comes with both text and images to depict the stories. The illustrations also help readers to have a clearer vision of the storyline.
Since kids are significantly visual, illustrated books are perfect for them. Pictures help them understand a story even at a young age when they are still learning to read. On top of that, illustrated books may encourage non-readers to pursue reading with the help of the images.
This type of book tells the whole story through text alone. It doesn't have any illustrations that can represent scenarios or characters, but the upside of that is that it challenges your imagination and may help you connect with the text on a deeper level. Additionally, this type is most commonly used in academic and formal reading, allowing readers to focus more on the storyline.
Greek mythology is undoubtedly fascinating, but different people may find different purposes in reading these stories. Some may read Greek mythology for academic purposes, while others are simply interested in reading for pleasure.
If you are to read Greek mythology for academic purposes—of course, apart from what your teacher or your professor requires you to read—books that tackle religion, culture, and rituals help provide a better understanding of Greek mythology and their society in general.
In contrast, if you are to read purely for personal or entertainment reasons, start first with identifying which one you preferーa book that focuses on a narrower subject or one with collective topics. Of course, you can always get both types if you wish. It all boils down to preference.
Apart from the considerations mentioned above, reading the synopsis will also give you an idea about the characters and the plot. Additionally, scanning through the book blurb also helps you determine if the book is interesting and informative enough to purchase.
Even though Greek mythology tells ancient tales, these stories are well-preserved and widely accessible in modern times. You can find both physical and electronic copies for a more convenient reading experience that will suit your needs.
Physical books offer not only a delightful scent of musk but also a more eye-friendly reading experience. Since they come in printed copies, they do not expose eyes to pixels, screen radiations, and blue light, which usually causes eye strain.
However, the common concern with physical books is lighting, as reading in dimly lit spaces makes it difficult for the eye to focus. Also, printed copies are prone to tear and other damages due to their fragile composition.
Thanks to today's technology, you can now access books electronically. One example is the audiobook, a recorded copy of the book that you can listen to. Another one is the e-book, the electronic version of a printed book, which is readable with the help of a device, like an e-reader or a smartphone. Such devices help you bring your books along on your travels, minus the heavy weight.
However, while electronic copies have their fair share of advantages, there are a few drawbacks that you should take into consideration, such as eye strain due to prolonged screen exposure. And since electronic copies utilize technology, there are times that technical difficulties are inevitable.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Topic | Available Format | Page Count | |||||
1 | Edith Hamilton Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes| 75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition (Hardcover) | ![]() | A Collection of Tales for Academic and Personal Use | Illustrated | Gods and Heroes | Hardcover, eBook | 384 | |
2 | Madeline Miller Circe | ![]() | An Extraordinary Tale About a Daughter of the Gods | Non-Illustrated | Circe, the Goddess of Sorcery | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 420 | |
3 | George O'Connor Olympians: Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory | ![]() | Explores Hera's Life Through Comic-Style Art | Illustrated | Hera, the Goddess of Women, Marriage, and Childbirth | Paperback, eBook | 80 | |
4 | Madeline Miller The Song of Achilles | ![]() | A Story of Love and Friendship Between Two Greek Heroes | Non-Illustrated | The Trojan War | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 416 | |
5 | Annette Giesecke, PhD Classical Mythology A to Z| An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places | ![]() | An Encyclopedic Guide to Greek Mythology | Illustrated | Classical Greek Mythology | Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook | 376 | |
6 | Stephen Fry Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined | ![]() | Offers a Modern Retelling of Greek Mythology | Non-Illustrated | Greek Myths | Hardcover, eBook | 352 | |
7 | Homer The Iliad and The Odyssey | ![]() | A Greek Myth Book Showcasing the Pride of Western Literature | Non-Illustrated | The Trojan War, Adventures of Odysseus | Paperback, eBook | 568 | |
8 | Jennifer Saint Ariadne | ![]() | Reinterprets Greek Mythology From a Feminist Perspective | Non-Illustrated | Ariadne, the Goddess of Paths and Labyrinths | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 320 | |
9 | E. M. Berens Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome | ![]() | A Classic Option for Greek Mythology Enthusiasts | Non-Illustrated | Ancient Greek and Roman Myths and Legends | Paperback, eBook | 304 | |
10 | Rick Riordan Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief | ![]() | A Young Adult Book Series About a Demigod's Journey | Non-Illustrated | Demigods, the Half-Human and Half-Divine Beings | Paperback, Audiobook | 416 |
If you're seeking a comprehensive introduction to Greek mythology, Edith Hamilton's book is the top pick! Unlike the original publication, this edition is an illustrated version celebrating the 75th anniversary since 1942. The book retells the significant myths of the ancient Greeks. It also introduces the main gods and goddesses, along with various heroes and demigods.
The overall format of the book and the pages are captivating, featuring full-page illustrations of the main characters with a portrait-like finish. In addition to Greek myths, it also includes a brief introduction to Norse and Roman Mythology. Whether you're reading for academic or personal purposes, this book covers all aspects of Greek mythology.
Type | Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Gods and Heroes |
Available Format | Hardcover, eBook |
Page Count | 384 |
Circe, the daughter of the sun god Helios, is a well-known figure in Greek mythology. She was banished to an island for using magic selfishly. In the epic story of the Odyssey, she is portrayed as a villain. However, this book offers a refreshing perspective on Circe and places her as the heroine of her own tale.
With its bold retelling of her battles and adventures, you'd be surprised to find yourself sympathizing with Circe. The book also explores themes of family rivalry, a sense of belonging, as well as love and loss. It portrays female strength and power in a predominantly male world. Given its rich and intricate themes, this story is truly worth reading and deserves a spot on your shelf!
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Circe, the Goddess of Sorcery |
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 420 |
Type | Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Hera, the Goddess of Women, Marriage, and Childbirth |
Available Format | Paperback, eBook |
Page Count | 80 |
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | The Trojan War |
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 416 |
For those who want an illustrated guide that is easy to navigate and understand, this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia is for you! It covers the entire alphabet from A to Z, offering fascinating definitions of characters spanning from major to minor figures. It also includes mythical creatures and locations found in classical mythology.
In addition, this comprehensive book also incorporates terminologies from Roman mythology. With well-organized entries, it proves to be a valuable resource for experts, students, and hobbyists alike. Overall, this reference guide serves as an essential companion to the bestselling illustrated edition of Edith Hamilton's "Mythology."
Type | Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Classical Greek Mythology |
Available Format | Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 376 |
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Greek Myths |
Available Format | Hardcover, eBook |
Page Count | 352 |
A collection of Greek mythology is not complete without two of the greatest stories of heroism, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey." These tales hold the pride of Western civilization when it comes to literature. "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" tackle the Trojan War and the journey of Odysseus after the fall of Troy, respectively.
Their exceptional literary quality has earned them revered places in both academia and the hearts of Greek mythology fans. If you want a mythology book that delves deeper into topics like war, civilization, society, and personal battles, this is an excellent choice. It also imparts powerful life lessons, making it a must-have collection of epic stories.
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | The Trojan War, Adventures of Odysseus |
Available Format | Paperback, eBook |
Page Count | 568 |
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Ariadne, the Goddess of Paths and Labyrinths |
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 320 |
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Ancient Greek and Roman Myths and Legends |
Available Format | Paperback, eBook |
Page Count | 304 |
Type | Non-Illustrated |
---|---|
Topic | Demigods, the Half-Human and Half-Divine Beings |
Available Format | Paperback, Audiobook |
Page Count | 416 |
Knowledge is limitless, and you can learn almost everything through reading. If you have some time to spare, check and add to your reading list our recommended books that focus on motivational topics, philosophy, business, personal development, and more.
Author: E. Hubilla
Editor: and Re-editor R. Umlas, K. Balingit
No. 1: Edith Hamilton|Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes| 75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition (Hardcover)
No. 2: Madeline Miller|Circe
No. 3: George O'Connor|Olympians: Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory
No. 4: Madeline Miller|The Song of Achilles
No. 5: Annette Giesecke, PhD|Classical Mythology A to Z| An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others