Best Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology Literary Criticism Books of 2025

This 75th anniversary edition of Edith Hamilton's Mythology is a must-have for fans of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. Since its publication in 1942, this book has captivated readers with its timeless tales of gods and heroes. This deluxe, hardcover edition is fully-illustrated with all-new, specially commissioned art, making it a true collector's item. Edith Hamilton's celebrated and bestselling books include Mythology, The Greek Way, The Roman Way, and The Echo of Greece, and this edition is no exception. This book is perfect for anyone looking to discover or rediscover the enchanting world of mythology.

The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers is a national bestseller that explores the universality of human experience through the themes and symbols of ancient narratives. With wit and intelligence, the book covers a range of topics from modern marriage to virgin births, and from Jesus to John Lennon. Campbell's unique ability to connect contemporary situations to ancient mythology is impressive, making this book a timeless classic. The engaging question-and-answer format between Campbell and Moyers makes it easy to understand complicated and esoteric topics. Overall, The Power of Myth is an excellent read that continues to influence our culture, making it a must-read for mythology enthusiasts.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic novel set in the Jazz Age on Long Island. Narrator Nick Carraway's encounters with the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with reuniting with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan, form the plot. Fitzgerald's youthful romance with socialite Ginevra King and the lively parties he attended on Long Island's North Shore in 1922 motivated the novel. The Great Gatsby is a literary masterpiece and a contender for the title of the Great American Novel. A Best Seller Classic that belongs on everyone's library shelf.

Alice in Wonderland is a timeless classic novel written by Lewis Carroll in 1865. The story follows a young girl named Alice who falls into a fantastical world full of anthropomorphic creatures after chasing a rabbit. The book is known for its unique blend of literary nonsense and logic, making it a popular read for both children and adults. This edition includes the original black and white illustrations by Sir John Tenniel, making it a must-have for any bookshelf. Overall, Alice in Wonderland is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure and appreciates imaginative storytelling.

This beautifully illustrated, leather-bound volume by David Day is a comprehensive guide to the history, lands, and inhabitants of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. The A-to-Z dictionary provides insight into the battles, history, beasts, and heroes of Tolkien’s stories, accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. Additionally, the book includes an appendix of three primary legends that served as sources for Tolkien’s creations and over 200 illustrations. Although not authorized by the Tolkien Estate or HarperCollins Publishers, this work is perfect for any Tolkien enthusiast looking to dive deeper into the history and mythology that inspired Tolkien's world.

The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore by Michael Dylan Foster is an engaging and accessible exploration of Japanese folklore and its influence on popular culture through the concept of yokai. Foster provides a comprehensive history and cultural context of yokai, interpreting their meanings and introducing readers to the people who have hunted them through the ages. With detailed entries and original illustrations of over fifty creatures, the book invites readers to examine how people create, transmit, and collect folklore. The combination of Foster's writing and Shinonome Kijin's illustrations makes this a fascinating and charming compendium that will appeal to both researchers and enthusiasts alike.

The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth by Robert Graves is a labyrinthine and influential book that explores the meaning of European myths, the relationship between man and woman, and the sources of true poetry. Incorporating Graves's final revisions, replies to reviewers, and an essay about the writing process, this definitive edition is a must-read for anyone interested in folklore, mythology, religion, and magic. Graves's erudite and impassioned prose makes this book a unique and valuable addition to any literary criticism and theory collection.

Gods and Mortals: Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers is a captivating retelling of the ancient Greek myths by Sarah Iles Johnston. The book offers new narrations of all the best-known tales as well as others that are seldom told, taking readers on an enthralling journey from the origin of the cosmos to the aftermath of the Trojan War. The book features captivating original illustrations by Tristan Johnston and stays true to the tales and to the world in which ancient people lived. Overall, Gods and Mortals is a superb retelling that is engaging, entertaining, and unique.

The Greek Mythology book is a comprehensive collection of profiles that covers all the gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everything in between. This book is a must-have for anyone who is interested in Greek mythology and wants to know more about the origins of their favorite characters. With detailed entries that outline each character's name, roles, related symbols, and foundational myths, readers can gain a better understanding of the stories that inspired today's shows and films. This character-focused, handy reference is an excellent addition to any mythology enthusiast's bookshelf.

Origins of The Wheel of Time is a must-read for both new and longtime fans of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time® series. The book provides never-before-seen insights into the creation of Jordan's masterpiece, drawing from interviews and an unprecedented examination of his unpublished notes. Michael Livingston, a professor of medieval literature, tells the behind-the-scenes story of who Jordan was, how he worked, and why he holds such an important place in modern literature. The book also includes a glossary of the real-world history and mythology that inspired the world of The Wheel of Time. This companion to the internationally bestselling series is a unique and accessible text that expands readers' understanding of the series and Jordan's world-building techniques.