Mythologica: An Encyclopedia of Gods, Monsters and Mortals from Ancient Greece
by Stephen P Kershaw (Author) Victoria Topping (Illustrator)
Uncover the colorful lives of 50 powerful gods and goddesses, earth-dwelling mortals, and terrifying monsters as you journey back in time to ancient Greece. From the fearless Athena and her meddlesome ways to the brave and bold Odysseus and his remarkable journey home, discover why these incredible stories are still a part of our culture today. Listed alphabetically, each boldly designed spread presents a figure from the myths, including their name in Greek, their defining attributes, and a summary of their story, along with multiple sidelights that provide additional facts. Interspersed with the profiles are summaries of famous mythological tales and historical events, like the Odyssey, the Trojan War, and the story of the Argonauts.
The thrilling images and digestible text provide the perfect introduction to the lively world of Greek mythology and a beautiful display reference for the whole family. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the epic, heroic, and sometimes terrible lives of mortals, monsters, and gods.
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Publishers Weekly
In this oversize collection, 50 Greek gods and goddesses, monsters, and other characters are rendered in lavish, stylized collages, one spread for each entity. Scholar Kershaw provides a straightforward description of each character or group's origins, traits, and their role within the tapestry of Greek mythology ("Gaia belonged to the first generation of divinities who came into existence out of Chaos"). Figures--from the Twelve Labors of Heracles, "The Odyssey," the Trojan War, and the Argonauts--include the Harpies, the Minotaur, the Muses, and well-known deities. Debut illustrator Topping brings a wealth of energy and richness to each composition, infusing them with individuality and diversity; the spreads carry the graphic boldness of poster art. Rather than creating a comprehensive telling of the tales, Kershaw provides a veritable who's who of the pantheon and a solid introduction to primary figures; the enigmatic art further captures the mystery, passion, and intrigue of Greek mythology. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Gr 2-5—Classical Greek myths meet edgy art in this encyclopedia. The vibrancy and saturated color of Topping's combined collaging and digital art pull readers in; Kershaw's easily accessible writing style will keep them engaged. Opening with an introduction and table of contents, the encyclopedia covers gods, then human heroes, and finally monsters. Each being has a profile that includes their common and Greek name, where they reside, their status, what they are known for, a brief history, a quote from the text, and facts accompanied by a colorful, multilayered collage portrait. The book features 50 powerful characters of Greek mythology and includes four central myths such as the Odyssey, which amounts to two pages. While each group (immortals, mortals, and monsters) may have benefited from a separate section heading to allow readers time to acknowledge the difference in categorization, the characters in Greek mythology are woven together to provide context. VERDICT Fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series and those who enjoy nonfiction with eye-catching collages will be captivated by the world of ancient Greece.—Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Library-Reynoldsburg, OH
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Victoria Topping has worked as an artist and illustrator since graduating with a BA in Illustration in 2008. She uses multiple textures and images to create her work and uses a fusion of technology and traditional techniques - often using photography, painting, gold-leafing and cut up collage which is then digitally scanned and arranged on the computer. Her work is heavily influenced by music and Victoria aims to give each piece of her artwork its own unique soul, through harnessing a blend of spirituality, culture, the cosmos and mother earth.
Stephen Kershaw wrote his PhD under Richard Buxton, arguably the leading scholar on Greek myth in the world. He has taught Classics in numerous establishments, including Oxford University Department for Continuing Education and Warwick University. He runs the European Studies Classical Tour for Rhodes College and the University of the South.
Victoria Topping lives in Bath and has worked as an artist and illustrator since graduating with a BA in Illustration in 2008. She uses multiple textures and images to create her work and uses a fusion of technology and traditional techniques - often using photography, painting, gold-leafing and cut up collage which is then digitally scanned and arranged on the computer. Her work is heavily influenced by music and Victoria aims to give each piece of artwork its own unique soul, through harnessing a blend of spirituality, culture, the cosmos and mother earth.
Stephen Kershaw wrote his PhD under Richard Buxton, arguably the leading scholar on Greek myth in the world. He has taught Classics in numerous establishments, including Oxford University Department for Continuing Education and Warwick University. He runs the European Studies Classical Tour for Rhodes College and the University of the South.JNF052030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Science | Folklore & Mythology
