A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys

Nathaniel Hawthorne presents a multilayered story consisting of six Greek myths that are told from a unique perspective and appeals to all readers, specifically children. His writing style transcends age to deliver a family-friendly narrative.

A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys is a compilation of classic stories inspired by Greek mythology. Hawthorne's interpretation is filtered through the fictional character, Eustace Bright, a college student who's entertaining a group of children. The book features "The Gorgon's Head," a popular epic that follows Perseus and his quest to slay Medusa. There's also "The Paradise of Children," a cautionary tale about Pandora's box, and "The Golden Touch," which recalls the story of King Midas.

Originally published in 1851, A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys continues to stand the test of time. Its stories are literary staples that have been adapted for multiple mediums. The collection also produced the sequel, Tanglewood Tales, which was released in 1853.

With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys is both modern and readable.

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American writer best known for his novels and short stories. Born in Massachusetts, Hawthorne was a descendant of some of the state's earliest settlers. One of his ancestors, John Hathorne, was a judge during the infamous Salem witch trials. As a young man, Hawthorne attended Bowdoin College, where he met many notable figures including future president Franklin Pierce and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He then began his literary career as a magazine editor and sketch writer. Hawthorne would also produce novels such as Fanshawe, The House of the Seven Gables, and his most famous work, The Scarlet Letter.