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MYTHS AND LEGENDS
This hugely successful range takes a fresh look at classic fiction. Richly illustrated throughout, every book has been carefully compiled and designed to give a rewarding reading experience.
512 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 26, 2025
I took my time reading this book because I wanted to dive in whenever I felt like reading something historical and mythological.
I know this book is mainly targeted at a younger audience because it does not cover too many details. It reads more like a book divided by categories, based on shared traits, often with sub-groupings. It does not read like a textbook or course book.
The book covers a vast diversity of ancient and present cultures. I really enjoyed reading it and exploring both familiar and unfamiliar cultures, traditions, and religions. The colorful illustrations were an added bonus, as they provided a more wholesome reading experience.
Most of these folktales and legends were written by men, so many of them favor male protagonists within their cultures. This is a shame because I’m sure there are many strong women’s legends and influences that have been forgotten or overwritten. There is a section dedicated to women, though, and I enjoyed reading that as well.
Some of the ancient stories and cultures depict very odd “relationships” between family members, and others are downright sexist, but this was not seen as such back in the day. It was mainly normalized as “that’s just what powerful men do.”
I absolutely adored the short stories placed in between the factual sections.
Isn’t it odd how so many cultures and nations have such a vast understanding of how the world “was born” and came to be, even though most of them begin with the world being dark or everything existing in darkness? Isn’t it fascinating that they all share a similar storyline, yet they are centuries apart—or even worlds apart?
Overall, this book is a great introduction to cultures, religions, myths, and legends. If you’re looking for a light read with surface-level information, this is the book for you. I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to share this book with my nieces when they get older.
I know this book is mainly targeted at a younger audience because it does not cover too many details. It reads more like a book divided by categories, based on shared traits, often with sub-groupings. It does not read like a textbook or course book.
The book covers a vast diversity of ancient and present cultures. I really enjoyed reading it and exploring both familiar and unfamiliar cultures, traditions, and religions. The colorful illustrations were an added bonus, as they provided a more wholesome reading experience.
Most of these folktales and legends were written by men, so many of them favor male protagonists within their cultures. This is a shame because I’m sure there are many strong women’s legends and influences that have been forgotten or overwritten. There is a section dedicated to women, though, and I enjoyed reading that as well.
Some of the ancient stories and cultures depict very odd “relationships” between family members, and others are downright sexist, but this was not seen as such back in the day. It was mainly normalized as “that’s just what powerful men do.”
I absolutely adored the short stories placed in between the factual sections.
Isn’t it odd how so many cultures and nations have such a vast understanding of how the world “was born” and came to be, even though most of them begin with the world being dark or everything existing in darkness? Isn’t it fascinating that they all share a similar storyline, yet they are centuries apart—or even worlds apart?
Overall, this book is a great introduction to cultures, religions, myths, and legends. If you’re looking for a light read with surface-level information, this is the book for you. I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to share this book with my nieces when they get older.
Displaying 1 of 1 review