The Myth Atlas

 Just picked this up at the bookstore.  It's amazing!  The gods and myths of twelve major regions are illustrated and explained.  I found it fascinating, and I really liked the style of the illustrations too.  Each region has it's mythological world and inhabitants showcased and identified.  A couple main myths are retold as well as some extra tidbits of information.  And there's a handy pronunciation guide in the back (especially helpful for those Celtic names!). I've been pouring over this one for two days!

The Myth Atlas

Thiago de Moraes 2019

Men and Gods

 

Men and Gods

Rex Warner 

illustrated by Edward Gorey 2008

Score at the thrift store!  I'm living with two Latin scholars so we're always drawn to classical myths and history.  Not too many of Gorey's illustrations, but the ones included are just what we like!

Persephone

Anais Mitchell's Hadestown has been on heavy rotation here.  I'm dying to go see the show in NYC!  It's a retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with appearance by Hades and Persephone.  I am always stirred by Mitchell's music (oh, her voice!) and am intrigued by her treatment of this ancient story.

Persephone

Sally Pomme Clayton

illustrated by Virginia Lee 2009

We have a fair collection of Greek and Roman myths- vintage versions, re imaginings, picture books, etc...  Madeleine studied Latin all through high school and is currently minoring in it and getting a teaching certificate for it at University.  I'd like to think it was all this early exposure that set her on her path :)

This straight forward retelling has quite lovely illustrations.  As a mother with daughters, I could completely imagine the grief and desperation of Demeter.  And anytime we buy and eat a pomegranate I always mention Persephone.

After reading this book one night to Charlotte, I showed her the achingly beautiful song by Martha Wainwright.  She sings of the Roman equivalent, Proserpina.  I heard Charlotte humming it all the next day.