Every civilization has ancient stories and tales that are part history and part myth. They pass on what ancient peoples believed to be essential for future generations.

Many of the West’s ancient stories come from Greece and Rome. The Greco-Roman stories include tales of gods and heroes, such as Prometheus’ gift of fire to humanity, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Hercules’ labors and battles against the giants. The stories help us understand what the ancient Greeks and Romans valued and wanted to be remembered for. They also help us know what has influenced the West.

The Greeks highly valued physical strength, courage in war, and hospitality. They believed that truthfulness, work, marriage, family, and one’s city are sacred. Finally, they believed in a supernatural world, sin, and the need for atonement.

Many lessons can be learned from the ancient tales: curiosity does not always lead to a good end (Pandora’s box); a happy marriage requires more than physical attraction and emotional attachment (Jason and Medea); individual people have dignity and should be treated with respect (Procrustes’ bed); feelings and desires can cause us to do bad things that can lead to destruction (Siren’s call); and the road to greatness requires enormous self-sacrifice (Hercules’ labors).

Roger Lancelyn Green’s Tales of the Greek Heroes entertainingly retells the ancient stories. He is an excellent writer and does a great job weaving the tales into a unified narrative.

These stories provide background for two of the most famous Greek tales, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

Over one thousand Narnian years after the events in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the children are called back to Narnia. They find themselves in a place they do not recognize, near an old, deserted castle. At this time, a dictator rules Narnia, one who no longer believes in the old creatures or Aslan.

However, a young Narnian prince, named Capsian, still believes in Aslan. He is being educated in the ways of leadership by a half-dwarf named Cornelius. One day, he will become king in place of the dictator, his uncle. But suddenly, everything changes, and he must flee for his life. At this point, the most exciting adventure begins.

This story is about the loss and regaining of what is true and good. We see the talking creatures who still believe in Aslan but are in hiding, and those who do not accept the truth and seek to destroy the old beliefs forever. A great battle looms, and the question arises: will Caspian, the young prince, survive, or will Narnia forever sink into darkness?

C.S. Lewis’s imagination and the surprises he weaves into this story are shocking: dancing trees, celebrations, a duel, a heroic mouse. A young leader’s training, courage, and struggle are on full display. This is a page-turning story of leadership and the essence of happiness.

Because of a war, four children journey to the countryside and find themselves in a strange house. Soon they are drawn into Narnia, a world of talking animals and mythical creatures. Suddenly, things become frightening and dangerous when one of them is tempted by an evil witch.

Finding that they can’t accomplish their mission on their own, they flee the wood and journey to Aslan, the great lion. After meeting the lion, something unusual and unexpected happens, and a battle erupts that will forever change Narnia.

C.S. Lewis studied and taught literature professionally at Oxford and Cambridge. He combined fairy tale, travel, adventure, war, marvelous elements, humor, and surprise, creating a unique and unforgettable story. This was the first of seven books that became The Chronicles of Narnia. Over one hundred million copies have been sold.

What did you like most about this book?