This informational text is a mythology look-it-up guide to the monsters of Greek mythology. The book includes family portraits, family trees, glossary, constellations, further reading, web sites and index.

The text is accompanied by colourful illustrations and stock photos.

The following beasts and themes are mentioned: introduction, illustrated map of specific locations (such as Delphi, Rhodes), Amazons, Balius and Xanthus, Centaurs, Cerberus, Chimera, Cyclopes, Gigantes, Harpies, Hecatoncheires, Hydra, Medusa, Minotaur, Pegasus, Prophets and Oracles, Python, Satyrs, Sirens, Sphinx, Triton, Typhon.

The introduction briefly discusses the character, purpose and relevance of myth, and the nature of a beast. Each entry includes the name of the character in Greek letters, a profile, family, a brief explanation, short myths and modern reference (for example in the Amazons section there is repeated reference to Wonder Woman). There are also amusing “quotations”, supposedly uttered by the characters. For example, in the Python section, it declares, “I was born bad and ready to fight”; “Apollo was treated like a hero and I was dead. Doesn’t sound fair to me.” (pp. 88–89).

There is also an introductory two-page illustration which is titled, “welcome to Ms. Sphinx’s class” (pp. 102–103) in which the Sphinx resembles an angry teacher, wearing glasses and sitting in a class, eating a student. This shows that the book strives to appeal to the cultural world of the young readers and connect the ancient myths to their own modern world and definitions. The Sphinx was likely chosen due to her knowledge and wisdom.

Each entry also contains links to further relevant information, such as to earthquakes or particular constellations, providing further material on the natural phenomena which are discussed in the entry. Some entries demonstrate a connection to other cultures, as in the Chimera entry, where additional information about Chinese fire-breathing dragons and their alleged inspiration by dinosaurs is provided.

Next to the text there are “reality check” sections in different colours which refer to the reality behind the myth, considering topics such as whether the Trojan War really happened, the source of the phrase Achilles’ heel, and the Cyclops character in X-MEN. These provide information on classical reception that connects the ancient characters and myths to modern history, language and pop culture.

This book aims to provide various information on Greek mythological creatures in a fun and colourful way. There are several first-person references in each entry, as if the beasts themselves speak. There are also general references written in a more attractive way for the young readers.

For example, in the Python entry, it is noted under “here’s looking at you” title: “what an image! Smelly, slimy, huge, and territorial- where does a beast like that come from?” (p. 88).

Each entry is filled with information, and the organization of the facts appeals to younger readers although some might be distracted by the different colours and assortment of photos.

The illustrations and photos also appear more associative at times. For example, in the Pegasus entry, there is a photo of a real horse’s head after the information which compares Pegasus to regular horses (“most horses are beautiful… Pegasus was beyond simply beautiful – he was spectacular”, p. 78). There is also a photo denoting the fly which was sent by Zeus to stung Pegasus when Bellerophon tried to reach Olympus.

Overall, this book provides plentiful interesting information on the beasts and their related myths and connects them to our modern-day lives using the “reality check” sections, which relate to classical reception of the various beasts and show the relevance of the ancient myths and their influence today. The information is delivered in a light and humorous tone, using bright and colourful settings.

Content adviser:

William Hansen, professor emeritus, classics and folklore, University of Indiana.