Chosen by April 2012 Guest Editor, Charlie Higson: "I’ve always loved myths and legends. Greek, Roman, Norse (not so interested in the Egyptians, it must be said), as well as those closer to home – our very own King Arthur and Robin Hood. These ancient tales are such archetypal stories, the basis for all western fiction. Roger Lancelyn Green did so much to popularize these stores for my generation. I particularly love the tales of the Greek heroes, where the gods behave like petty-minded humans and the humans behave like gods. I also love the way they pop up in each other’s stories – like Marvel superheroes – so that, for instance, you find Hercules tagging along with Jason and the Argonauts. A big influence on my own adventure stories – it's no coincidence that a character in The Enemy is called Achilleus."
Julia Eccleshare's Comment: Great feats of both heroism and cruelty are recorded in these powerful and dramatic stories which have influenced storytelling ever since. In this collection the myths are gathered together into a sequence starting with the making of the universe and ending with the death of Heracles. Included are stories about the mighty Poseidon the god of the sea, Zeus the king of heaven and Hades the lord of the underworld. In addition to a terrific Introduction by contemporary writer Rick Riordan, there is also additional material detailing information on the main characters as well as a glossary of unusual Greek words.
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Discover our collectable Puffin Clothbound Classic edition of Tales of the Greek Heroes.
Puffin Clothbound Classics are stunning collectable gift editions of some of the best-loved classics in the world - including this striking edition of Tales of the Greek Heroes.
Roger Lancelyn Green's classic retelling of the adventures of the Greek Heroes features the mysterious and exciting legends of the gods and heroes in Ancient Greece.
From the adventures of Perseus, the labours of Heracles, the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, to Odysseus and the Trojan wars, this special collector's edition features tales for readers young and old.
Puffin Clothbound Classics is a series of much-loved stories from classic children's literature, brought together by Puffin Books. These special hardback editions are bound in linen covers decorated with dazzling foil prints. The perfect keepsake gift for readers young and old, made to be passed down for generations to come.
Collect our Puffin Clothbound Classics: 9780241444313 The Little Prince 9780241663554 The Jungle Book 9780241568811 Charlotte's Web 9780241688243 Little Women 9780241688250 Peter Pan 9780241688267 The Railway Children 9780241688236 Chinese Cinderella 9780241411216 Treasure Island 9780241411209 The Wizard of Oz 9780241655702 Watership Down 9780241663578 The Worst Witch 9780241663547 David Copperfield 9780241663561 The Neverending Story 9780241623909 Stig of the Dump 9780241623916 The Dark is Rising 9780241411162 The Secret Garden 9780241411148 Black Beauty 9780241411155 Dracula 9780241425121 Frankenstein 9780241425138 Wuthering Heights 9780241425114 Tales from Shakespeare 9780241425107 Tales of the Greek Heroes 9780241411193 A Christmas Carol 9780241621196 Grimms' Fairy Tales 9780241425145 Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales
Roger Lancelyn Green was born in 1918 in Norwich, England. He studied under C. S. Lewis at Merton College, Oxford, where he obtained a B.Litt. degree. He died in October 1987.
Chosen by April 2012 Guest Editor, Charlie Higson: "I’ve always loved myths and legends. Greek, Roman, Norse (not so interested in the Egyptians, it must be said), as well as those closer to home – our very own King Arthur and Robin Hood. These ancient tales are such archetypal stories, the basis for all western fiction. Roger Lancelyn Green did so much to popularize these stores for my generation. I particularly love the tales of the Greek heroes, where the gods behave like petty-minded humans and the humans behave like gods. I also love the way they pop up in each other’s stories – like Marvel superheroes – so that, for instance, you find Hercules tagging along with Jason and the Argonauts. A big influence on my own adventure stories – it's no coincidence that a character in The Enemy is called Achilleus."
