Mythology by Edith Hamilton

There is practically no easier read or convenient reference for Greek Mythology other than Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. Over the years, this book has been published for educational purposes and leisure. A book bound to quell a thirst for knowledge about the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus.

Author: Edith Hamilton

Published: 1942

In 1957, Edith Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Athens

Reading Experience

Mythology; Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, is an authoritative compendium of Greek Mythology. Hamilton effectively collated various Greek poems and stories into fluid, readable texts. Readers can also deduce from her introductions, the meticulous and detailed binding of cohesive and resonant story chunks from various Greek writers. Through this careful undertaking, Hamilton was able to determine certain disparities especially with the Olympians' persona and certain story lines.


She is also consistent in describing the style of Greek literary authorities such as Ovid, Aeschylus and Homer. I find her consistent description of Ovid’s ‘unnecessarily decorative’ style funny, providing timely humor amidst the grim fates of most characters. But she does give credit where it is due not only with Ovid, but also with other Greek writers who were sources for her compilation. In addition, the writing style is straightforward, inclusive only of what is essential. 

I also commend the inclusion of a mythological genealogy at the back of the book. Since the Olympians have a persistent affinity in procreating with mortals, I had a huge temptation of actually jotting down their lineage. Fortunately, I read the table of contents, which is usually overlooked, and was quite surprised that Hamilton has already done it for the readers. This is highly convenient especially for those who have academic endeavours, like a report or an essay about a god or hero.

Furthermore, there is ease of transition between the Greek gods and goddesses and their Roman counterparts. A reader would not be lost in the woods trying to identify who's who.

It also included Norse mythology and the harrowing belief in heroism in the face of defeat, that Odin can only delay Ragnarok but everything is bound to end in ruins.

In Conclusion

If you find yourself facing a Greek mythology report as an academic hurdle, or a hunger for knowledge about the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, you can never go wrong with Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. It’s complete, compact and a clean smooth read. It’s like having a textbook without its daunting read, but a novel’s fluid storytelling.