The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends Is Out NOW!
As I’ve mentioned in a couple of previous blog posts, I recently wrote a nonfiction book called The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends. Why am I mentioning this? And why am I mentioning this TODAY of all days? Because The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends came out TODAY from Quarto Publishing Group’s Wellfleet Press imprint. In this book, I retell a variety of classic myths and legends from all over the world, presenting a truly diverse mélange of powerful, resonant stories about gods, monsters, heroes, and villains. But the whole “retelling” thing? That’s only part of this book. The other part is an analysis of how these ancient tales have influenced and informed modern-day pop culture.
Hey! Want to read a glowing review of the book? Sure you do!
Here are some pictures from the “Epic Myths and Legends” panel I moderated at the San Diego Comic Con back in July. The panel was so much fun! It was a great way to promote the book, and it also gave me a wonderful excuse to hang out with some of my fellow writer friends (aka the panelists)!
And here’s the official publisher description of the book:
In this unique exploration of world mythology, discover how ancient tales across cultures have influenced today’s pop culture, from Beyoncé to Game of Thrones.
Fun and engaging, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends details the influences of classical stories on contemporary popular culture. Without these myths, passed down through the generations over three millennia, many of the stories we enjoy in our current media wouldn’t exist!
Along with colorful illustrations and graphics, author Arie Kaplan makes unexpected connections in our everyday lives. Are you wearing Nike shoes? The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory. Big on astronomy? Most of the planets in our solar system, like Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars, are named after members of the Roman pantheon. Kaplan takes you on a deep dive into mythology from around the world and shows that Superman and Achilles are connected, Frankenstein and Prometheus were cut from the same cloth, and how an Egyptian sun god has inspired video games, the musical stage, and the silver screen.
The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends deftly combines history and modern pop culture to enrich your experience of both worlds. This captivating book covers:
- Not only the Greek Pantheon but mythology from cultures from all around the world, from West African mythology to Egyptian, Roman, Incan, Celtic, Indian, Zoroastrian, Norse, Japanese, Chinese, and British myths, to name a few.
- Unexpected correlations between things we see in our everyday lives and mythology, like Beyoncé’s use of imagery of the Yoruba water goddess Osun, the Marvel Universe and Norse gods Loki, Thor, and Odin, and Superman’s conception through Hercules, King Arthur, and Moses.
- Fascinating sidebars that break down legendary lore such as unicorns, the Tooth Fairy, and Stonehenge, as well as examinations of mythic masters who have expertly woven these timeless tales into pop culture like Neil Gaiman and George Lucas.
- A deep dive into the fascinating folklore from all around the world, and how we all are connected, no matter how far apart we might be.
With countless Easter eggs revealed throughout, The Encyclopedia of Epic Myths and Legends is an exciting way to learn about ancient mythology. You may think you know what
inspired The Hunger Games or Percy Jackson, but now you can truly discover the source of these modern tales.
The Wonderpedia series offers comprehensive, display-worthy illustrated references on a range of intriguing topics, including archeological discoveries, world mythology, pop culture, global superstitions, and the fascinating stories behind signs and symbols. A cross-cultural exploration of what makes humans tick, this series magnifies the connective threads between us across time and geography and demystifies the surprising, confounding sides of life.
You can order the book on the Quarto site if you click HERE.
And you can order it on Amazon if you click HERE.
“Minecraft: Trouble Brewing” is Out NOW!
As I mentioned in my last blog post, I recently wrote a Minecraft children’s book called Trouble Brewing. Well, I’m happy to report that Trouble Brewing was published today by Penguin Random House. It was illustrated by the amazing Alan Batson.
Here’s the official publisher description of Trouble Brewing:
Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time! And now learning to read has never been more fun for players of the game. Readers will get a great introduction to Minecraft’s mysteries and wonders when two players, Emmy and Birch—and their tame wolf Byte— find themselves trapped underground and must brew rare ingredients into powerful potions to survive the dark!
In other mining and crafting news, another Minecraft book I wrote, titled Mobs in the Mansion, was reprinted in a multi-story anthology called Minecraft: The Ultimate Collection, which also came out today.
Minecraft: The Ultimate Collection reprints five Minecraft adventures, all in one big book. The first four of those adventures were written by Nick Eliopulos, and the fifth one – Mobs in the Mansion – was penned by yours truly. All five tales were illustrated by Alan Batson.
Here’s the publisher description of Minecraft: The Ultimate Collection:
Players new and old can join Emmy, Birch, and their tame wolf Byte, as they explore mysterious biomes and encounter scary mobs in this collection of five exciting Step Into Reading Step 3 leveled readers. Features the stories:
• Survival Mode! (Minecraft)
• Mobs in the Overworld! (Minecraft)
• Escape from the Nether (Minecraft)
• The Sky’s the Limit (Minecraft)
• Mobs in the Mansion! (Minecraft)
And to see all of the books I’ve written for Penguin Random House (including these Minecraft books), click HERE.