Menelaos Stephanides (1923–2007)

Published in Athens, The Myth of Persephone is the fourth title in an 18-volume set of children's books devoted to Greek Mythology. Series A, of which this is one title, focuses on the Gods of Olympus; Series B presents tales of Gods and Men; and Series C examines stories of the Heroes.

The book opens with the story of how the goddess Demeter taught ancient men the art of agriculture (with an unfortunate and anachronistic mention of corn); it continues with the abduction of Persephone, Demeter's subsequent grief and wandering, her stay at Eleusis, and the eventual return of Spring. Also included in this section are the story of how Triptolemus brought agriculture to the Scythians, and the tale of Erysicthon, King of Thessaly and murderer of trees. The second section concerns the goddess Artemis, and includes the story of the two Aloades, the tragedy of Hippolytus, and the tale of Actaeon.

As I mentioned in my review of the first volume of this series, these books are well-told, and copiously decorated with stylized color illustrations. Because they can devote an entire book to each of their topics, the Stephanides Brothers are able to provide a far more detailed retelling of ancient Greek mythology than even the D'Aulaires. I would hesitate in giving this title to the young Greek mythology enthusiast however, as they will immediately want to commence reading the other books, and the Stephanides series is quite difficult to obtain in the United States. I myself have only been able to find volumes 1 and 4.… (more)

Published in Athens, The Battle of the Titans is the first title in an 18-volume set of children's books devoted to Greek Mythology. Series A, of which this is the initial title, focuses on the Gods of Olympus; Series B presents tales of Gods and Men; and Series C examines stories of the Heroes.

This volume begins with Chaos and his creation of Earth, moving through Earth's marriage to Uranus, and the birth of their children the Titans. It continues with the bloody overthrow of Uranus by his son Cronos, unleashing a host of evils upon the world, and Cronos's attempts to forestall his own overthrow by eating his children. The second half of the book is devoted to the story of Zeus, his hidden childhood on Crete, the battle to defeat Cronos and the Titans, his struggle with Typhoon; and concludes with the beginning of Zeus's rule over the earth and Mount Olympus.

This retelling, similar in many respects to the first section of the D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, is well-told, and profusely decorated with engaging, if somewhat stylized, color illustrations. Because each basic topic is given a book-length treatment, the Stephanides Brothers can include more detail. My only reservation in giving this title to the young Greek mythology enthusiast, is that they will immediately want to commence reading the second book, and the Stephanides series is quite difficult to obtain in the United States. I myself have only been able to find volumes 1 and 4.… (more)