Medusa (Monsters of Mythology)

Rating:
Summary: The complete story of Medusa, the Gorgon
Review: Most mythology books deal with Medusa as the creature decapitated by Perseus, but in this extended look at the youngest of the Gorgons writer Bernard Evslin we get the entire story. Evslin begins with the creation of the Gorgons and how the lovely Medusa was cursed by a jealous Athena into the ugliest creature imaginable, then picks up the story of Danae and Perseus, which includes the rescue of Andromeda. At the end Evslin goes for a somewhat more romantic ending for Medusa's head then being on aegis, the shield of Zeus carried by Athena. Evslin manages to give a sense that this is a classic tale without becoming embroiled in arcane language and syntax. As a result, this is the not only the best book on Medusa I have found to date, but the best telling of the tale of Perseus as well. The Monsters of Mythology series consists of 25 volumes mostly devoted to Hellenic creatures from Cerberus to the Sphinx, with a couple of Norse and Celtic monsters added for good measure. The book is illustrated with most ancient art, but also some more contemporary pictures dealing with the story of Medusa.

Rating:
Summary: The complete story of Medusa, the Gorgon
Review: Most mythology books deal with Medusa as the creature decapitated by Perseus, but in this extended look at the youngest of the Gorgons writer Bernard Evslin we get the entire story. Evslin begins with the creation of the Gorgons and how the lovely Medusa was cursed by a jealous Athena into the ugliest creature imaginable, then picks up the story of Danae and Perseus, which includes the rescue of Andromeda. At the end Evslin goes for a somewhat more romantic ending for Medusa's head then being on aegis, the shield of Zeus carried by Athena. Evslin manages to give a sense that this is a classic tale without becoming embroiled in arcane language and syntax. As a result, this is the not only the best book on Medusa I have found to date, but the best telling of the tale of Perseus as well. The Monsters of Mythology series consists of 25 volumes mostly devoted to Hellenic creatures from Cerberus to the Sphinx, with a couple of Norse and Celtic monsters added for good measure. The book is illustrated with most ancient art, but also some more contemporary pictures dealing with the story of Medusa.

Rating:
Summary: A darn good episode in the phenomenal series
Review: This is, as are all the books in the *Monsters of Mythology* series, an awe-inspiring tale told beautifully in Evslin's rich voice meant for storytelling. He brings to life all the ancient tales of classical myth. All his works are filled with that wonder, that marvel at the vastness of the culture from which the story originated. Granted, I think this series should be meant for a higher reading level, as there are complex threads running beneath the tale, concepts of morality and honour that youngers won't understand. Such great talent and fine tale-spinning should not be wasted on an uncomprehending audience. I love this series. I love every story and I love Evslin's style and I love the world of myth.

Rating:
Summary: Really good
Review: Very nicely written with great pictures.
Evslin turns a tale of monster into a great jouvenile fiction
which will amaze anyone who reads the book