This mythology was written with the intention of providing children with reading material which would be instructive and educational, but at the same time capable of instilling a love for good books and drawing the child away from the shallow, though often superficially attractive content of some children`s readers. To achieve this aim, an approach was needed which would bring the myth to life without departing from its original, ancient form. We believe that illustrations of high quality go a long way towards achieving such an aim. We have used them freely, in the belief that they will not only encourage the child to read the text, but will lead to a more vivid understanding of the myth itself, and leave a lasting impression on the mind. Special care was needed in the handling of the text. For mythology to make attractive reading must naturally rely on the author`s ability, and certainly we have done what was within our power; but for the book to have educational value it must be based on sound principles. It is on this aspect of our work that we should like to dwell. (...)

[Απόσπασμα από κείμενο του εκδότη]