Classical Mythology and Childrens Literature... An Alphabetical Odyssey

The book takes readers on a journey through the oceans of children’s books inspired by ancient Greek and Roman mythology. The 26 chapters (arranged alphabetically) discuss elements important in literature for young readers, providing insights into how mythical adaptations, retellings, and allusions connect with aspects of childhood and adolescence. [Elizabeth Hale and Miriam Riverlea], using a method of integrating the approaches of classical reception and children’s literature studies, […] developed the Alphabetical Odyssey. Their shared enjoyment of children’s literature informed their study, as did a deep respect for the authors and illustrators whose works are created with children’s needs so carefully addressed. As a result, a unique amalgam was formed. On the one hand, the Alphabetical Odyssey is a guide showing the breadth of the creative field of children’s literature that blends the ancient and the modern for readers of all ages, thereby making it possible for them to travel beyond time, to learn about new things, but also to rediscover what may already seem familiar. […] On the other hand, this volume stimulates scholarly reflection on what classical culture contributes to children’s literature and, reciprocally, how children’s literature enriches our reception of classical material. (Katarzyna Marciniak, University of Warsaw, From the introduction by the Editor of the Series)

Książka zabiera Czytelników i Czytelniczki w podróż przez morza i oceany dziecięcej literatury opartej na mitologii Greków i Rzymian. 26 ułożonych alfabetycznie rozdziałów omawia najważniejsze aspekty przeznaczonych dla dzieci i młodzieży książek, które adaptują mity, inspirują się nimi czy nawiązują do nich, i związków, jakie łączą te utwory z dzieciństwem i dorastaniem.