Our Mythical Childhood ─ The Classics and Literature for Children and Young Adults

This work unites contributors in classical studies and literature of various countries, cultures, and languages. They examine works of children’s literature that draw on Greek and Roman myths and history of classical antiquity. Essays are grouped in sections on classical references as a shaper of young readers’ identity, Aesop’s fables, classical antiquity as a filter for critical experiences, and classical references in the mission of preparing children to strive for a better future. Some subjects of discussion include Homeric allusions in Saul Tchernichowsky’s “Elka’s Wedding,” Aesop’s fables in Japanese literature for children, Philip Pullman’s use of classical mythology, and Greek mythology in Israeli children’s literature. A few of the authors discussed include J. K. Rowling, Adam Bahdaj, Margaret Mahy, and Maurice Gee. The book includes color historical and contemporary photos and illustrations. Annotation ©2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Katarzyna Marciniak, Ph.D. (2004), is Professor at the Faculty of “Artes Liberales,” University of Warsaw, and Ambassador Scientist of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She has published monographs and papers both on Cicero and Classical Reception. She is an ERC Consolidator Grant laureate. Contributors are: Jerzy Axer, Elena Ermolaeva, Valentina Garulli, Agata Grzybowska, Elizabeth Hale, Edith Hall, Owen Hodkinson, Katarzyna Jerzak, Joanna Klos, Przemyslaw Kordos, Beata Kubiak Ho-Chi, Bettina Kummerling-Meibauer, Helen Lovatt, Adam Lukaszewicz, Katarzyna Marciniak, Lisa Maurice, Barbara Milewska-Wazbinska, David Movrin, Sheila Murnaghan, Elzbieta Olechowska, Hanna Paulouskaya, Deborah H. Roberts, Ewa Rudnicka, Peter T. Simatei, Wilfried Stroh, Robert A. Sucharski, and Christine Walde.