A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys

Wonder-Book, 1880

A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys is a compilation of Greek myths retold for children by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was first published in 1851 and has since become a classic in the genre of children's literature. The book is notable for its engaging narrative style and the way it introduces young readers to the legendary tales of ancient Greece.

Content

A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys covers several famous myths, reimagined by Hawthorne with a 19th-century American sensibility. The stories included are:

• The Gorgon's Head - the story of Perseus and his quest to slay the Medusa, a monster with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people to stone.
• The Golden Touch - recounting the tale of King Midas and his wish that everything he touched would turn to gold, a wish that comes with unforeseen consequences.
• The Paradise of Children - a retelling of the story of Pandora and her box, which, when opened, releases all the evils into the world but leaves hope inside.
• The Three Golden Apples - the adventures of Hercules in his quest for the golden apples of the Hesperides.
• The Miraculous Pitcher - based on the myth of Baucis and Philemon, an elderly couple who show hospitality to the gods and are rewarded.
• The Chimaera - detailing the journey of Bellerophon and his battle against the Chimera, a fearsome creature that is part lion, part goat, and part serpent.

Each story is framed by a narrative involving a group of children at Tanglewood, an estate in the Berkshire Mountains, who are told these tales by Eustace Bright, a student from Williams College.

Themes and Analysis

Hawthorne's adaptation of these classic myths is infused with themes of morality, the consequences of one's actions, and the pursuit of true happiness. He skillfully blends the fantastical elements of the myths with lessons that resonate with children and adults alike. The stories emphasize the importance of wisdom, kindness, and humility over greed, pride, and folly.

Reception

Since its publication, A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys has been praised for its imaginative retelling of Greek myths and its ability to make these ancient tales accessible and enjoyable for a young audience. Hawthorne's lyrical prose and the moral underpinnings of the stories have made it a beloved classic in children's literature.

Legacy

The book's success led Hawthorne to publish a sequel, Tanglewood Tales, which further explores Greek myths for young readers. Together, these works have contributed significantly to the popularization of Greek mythology in the English-speaking world and have inspired countless adaptations and retellings in various forms of media.