Myths are integrated parts of our stories. Whether these stories are from the past or of the present age. We cannot even think of Shakespeare’s stories without these myths. There are many interesting Greek mythology nonfiction books. Like stories, these myths have a great influence on our daily lives. To understand the influence, we need to understand those stories and myths. There are some exemplary writers’ nonfiction mythology books. Here are the best of them.
1. The Everything Classical Mythology Book: From the heights of Mount Olympus to the depths of the Underworld – all you need to know about the classical myths by Nancy Conner
Pages: 304
February 10, 2010
Nancy Conner’s The Everything Classical Mythology Book covers all classical myths from greeks to romans, it includes stories of all gods, goddesses, and heroes. It is an easy read and a good start for beginners. The reference charts, tidbits, and side explanation of vocabulary and extra information make the myths more understandable. In addition, Nancy Conner gives a brief analysis of myths in our daily lives.
2. The Mythology Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by Dorling Kindersley (DK)
Pages:352
May 15, 2018
The Mythology Book includes explanations of more than eight famous mythical stories. It gives you meaning, origin, and geographical explanation of myths. From Greeks and Norse legends to Egyptians and carribeans, it covers all tales. In addition, it gives an overview of the difference between the telling of stories by various poets and mythographers. The graphs, timelines, maps, and charts make it comprehensible for every level of readers.
3. Crowell’s Handbook of Classical Mythology by Edward Tripp
Pages: 63
June 1, 1970
Crowell’s Handbook of Classical Mythology includes Greek and Romans Myths. All the mythical characters, tribes, stories, and geographical locations are alphabetically arranged. It includes Greek, Norse, Roman, Celtic, and Egyptian mythology. From beginning to end it gives you a brief analysis of all myths. It is like a crash course. If you are a beginner and want an overview and if you want to fresh your previous knowledge of mythology, in both cases, it is a good option.
4. Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Greek Mythology, Egyptian Mythology, Norse Mythology, Celtic Mythology and Roman Mythology by Matt Clayton
Pages: 204
November 26, 2017
Sometimes reading about myths can be confusing and one may lose track. Matt Clayton’s Mythology: a captivating Guide will help you in understanding myths without getting confused. Matt Clayton explains all myths with simple information that is easy to follow. It includes myths from different cultures and their importance in these cultures. The myths included are from Greek, Romans, Celtic, Norse, and Egyptians. In addition, there are charts, maps, and timelines.
5. The Meaning of Myth: With 12 Greek Myths Retold and Interpreted by a Psychiatrist by Neel Burton
Pages: 220
Nov 5, 2021
Neel Burton in The Meaning of Myth answers some fascinating questions. What do these myths actually mean, how do they affect our minds, how our relationship with these myths have changed over centuries, is there any relation between science, religion, and myths, what is the difference between mythical stories and fairy tales, and monsters, legends, and heroes are some of the questions which Neel Burton has tried to answer from a psychiatrist’s perception. The first part explains the concepts and the second part includes the analysis of 12 Greek myths. The touch of humor makes it more interesting.
6. The Mythology Bible: Everything you wanted to know about mythology by Sarah Bartlett-Fanchi
Pages:400
January 1, 2009
Sarah Barlett’s The Mythology Bible provides comprehensive, compact information about Greece, Rome, Egypt, Scandinavia, and Celtic myths, their legends, gods, and goddesses. It gives a full overview of mythical traditions and themes worldwide like love, quest, and revenge. Its beautiful illustrations make it more interesting and engaging.
7. Bulfinch’s Mythology – All Three Volumes -The Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry, and Legends of Charlemagne by Thomas Bulfinch
Pages: 496
January 9, 2010
Bulfinch’s Mythology is a classical book about mythology. It includes Greeks, Roman, Norse, Asian and medieval myths. The interesting fact about this book is that it includes medieval time myths too. It has a long and detailed glossary. In addition, there are illustrations of myths. Its scholarly style makes it a good reference book for mythology.
8. The Hero With a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Pages: 432
July 28, 2008
Joseph Campbell’s the Hero with a Thousand Faces explains the journey of a hero through different mythical stories. What are the similarities between heroes of different myths. From the start of the journey and the adventures to the end of the journey, it gives a deep analysis of myths.
9. Classical Mythology A to Z: An Encyclopedia of Gods & Goddesses, Heroes & Heroines, Nymphs, Spirits, Monsters, and Places by Annette Giesecke
Pages :535
October 6, 2020
As mentioned in the name, Annette’s Classical Mythology is an encyclopedia of all myths. It includes more than 700 mythical characters and stories. It is an extensively detailed book about mythology. It is a complete book, here, you will find everything about mythology, from Greeks to Romans. In addition, there are beautiful illustrations, diagrams, and charts.
10. Myths to Live By by Joseph Campbell
Pages: 288
February 1, 1993
As the name suggests, Joseph’s Myths to Live By explores the influence of myths on humans. What is their function in society, what gives rise to those myths, where do they come from, and how do they develop. What was their influence in the past and what is their influence in the present world. If you are interested in mythology and want to read more from a philosophical point of view then you definitely read this
