Why people recommend it
D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire is a richly illustrated classic collection of traditional mythology that introduces readers to the gods, heroes, and timeless tales of ancient Greece. The book was discussed on The Book Review during an episode titled Jean Hanff Korelitz on The Sequel in October 2024. Guest Jean Hanff Korelitz shared a profound personal reflection about discovering the volume during her childhood, recounting how reading the final pages of the book at age eight or nine directly contributed to her losing her religious faith and shaping her worldview, ultimately calling it the single most important book she has ever read. Korelitz explained how the narrative demonstrates the fall of the gods because the civilization itself died, creating a powerful memory that stayed with her through adulthood. Because of its monumental impact on her life, she also recommended the book enthusiastically as her default gift to give to newborn babies. This heartfelt discussion illustrated how deeply influential children's literature can be, leaving an indelible mark on a reader's intellectual and philosophical development across a lifetime.
Who recommended it
- Jean Hanff Korelitz Recommended
Jean Hanff Korelitz — 3 mentions
“and one of the stories that I tell in that is the experience of becoming an atheist at age eight or nine in the final pages of do's book of Greek myths which I now feel is the single most important book I've ever read”
“and then you turn the page the final page of Del's book of Greek myths the gods have died because the civilization has died”
“but I got to tell you this is my default gift for newborn babies I give them Do's book of Greek Miss”