Books in Oxford Myths and Legends series

Written by award-winning children's author James Riordan, this book is a beguiling collection of stories set among the wide rivers and snow-covered forests and steppes of Russia--a land still shrouded in mystery in the eyes of the Western reader. The incomparable beauty of untamed nature and the Slavic gift for storytelling make for a captivating combination. Meet boyars and cossacks, kings and queens, merchants and minstrels, robbers and angels, witches and peasants. Ships fly through the air, princesses turn into frogs, a snowmaiden longs for a human heart, the mighty Firebird steals the golden apples. Folk tales, heroic sagas, legends and myths from villages and towns all across Russia--they are all here in this fascinating anthology. Evocative full-color illustrations accompany each story.

Oxford Children's Myths and Legends bring you the greatest stories ever told, from around the world and long ago. Heroes and villains, witches and wizards, warriors and royalty - there's something here for everyone.This wonderful collection is drawn from a long tradition of story-telling--tales that have been retold and passed down from generation to generation. Read about how the children of Lir were turned into swans, what happens to anyone who dares to look into King Balor's evil eye, and about many more magical characters and heroic adventures.One of four collections being published to launch the Oxford Children's Myths and Legends series - other titles are Stories from Wales, Stories from Scotland and Stories from England

"Odysseus and his men put out to sea in twelve ships of fifty oars, their white sails unfurled and their blue-painted prows thrusting through the waves as the wind filled the sails: nigh on sixty men on board each ship. And the heart of every man was happy as he thought how at last, after ten weary years of battle, he would once again see Ithaca, which was his home." Skillfully retold as clear, unencumbered narratives while retaining the dignity and excitment of Homer's original epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey were critically acclaimed as highly accessible editions for all ages when first published by Oxford in 1952. Now we are proud to reissue them in handsome paperback editions as part of the Oxford Myths and Legends series. The Iliad describes the last years of the war between the Trojans and the Greeks with tales of heroes, battles, quarrels, and especially of Achilles--the greatest warrior among all the Greeks. The Odyssey continues the story after the fall of Troy, as Odysseus begins his exciting journey home. His voyage to Circe's enchanted island, down to the underworld, to the land of the Sirens, and finally home to patient Penelope remains one of the best adventure stories ever told. All of the pride, daring, love, and revenge of these two enduring tales is captured in a way that spans ages and levels of familiarity with the works. Adults will find them the perfect complement to the originals for clarification or for pure reading pleasure. Younger children will love hearing the daring adventures read aloud, and young adults will appreciate a text that does not talk down to them, but is clear, understandable, and enjoyable. Joan Kiddell-Monroe's exquisite black and white illustrations blend a contemporary style with the classical and add to the timeless appeal of the stories. Homer's great epics are brought to life in an immediate and engaging way for every member of the family and for all ages of students of classical literature in these two classic reissues.

This is the exciting story of Odysseus's epic journey home. After the fall of Troy, Odysseus sets sail for his island kingdom of Ithaca, not knowing that his voyage will take all of ten years. Along the way, he is to face many dangers, including the one-eyed giant Polyphemus, Circe's enchanted island, and the sirens who lure sailors to their death. He even journeys down into the underworld and meets the dead Greek heroes. And all the time, his wife and son are waiting, hoping against hope that he will come and help them face the men who have invaded their home. Homer's great epic poem is brought to pulsating life in this critically acclaimed, classic retelling by Barbara Leonie Picard.

Oxford Children's Myths and Legends bring you the greatest stories ever told, from around the world and long ago. Heroes and villains, witches and wizards, warriors and royalty - there's something here for everyone.Stories from England is a lively collection that brings to life the very best English traditional fairy-tales and stories. From Johnny Gloke the giant killer and the frog prince at the World's End, to the better-known characters of Dick Whittington and Tom Thumb, this magical collection is full of adventure and humor.One of four collections being published to launch the Oxford Children's Myths and Legends series - other titles are Stories from Wales, Stories from Scotland and Stories from Ireland

Here's a fresh and readable retelling of the Welsh legends--a story of giants and kings, of mysterious Celtic magic, enchanted castles, Old King Cole, Merlin the eternal magician, and the promise of a once and future king. This is the story of Britain beyond the mists of history, when it was known as Island of the Mighty. Full color and black and white illustrations combine with the text to appeal to young readers while retaining the power and poetry of the old stories.

This lively collection comes from West Africa, a place 'where stories grow on trees'. Here are the famous tricksters: Hare, Tortoise, and the greatest of them all - Ananse the spider. The stories are full of larger-than-life characters and situations; and include the tale of how Ananse got his thin waist, how Crocodile learnt his lesson, and how Monkey managed not to get eaten by Shark.

This lively collection comes from West Africa, a place "where stories grow on trees." Here are the famous tricksters: Hare, Tortoise, and the greatest of them all--Ananse the spider. The stories are full of larger-than-life characters and situations, and include the tale of how Ananse got his thin waist, how Crocodile learnt his lesson, and how Monkey managed not to get eaten by Shark.