D'Aulaires' Norse Gods and Giants

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Summary: Lasting Memories
Review: For years I've believed that I was alone, but after reading the other reviews I realize that I am not. I also loved this book and checked it out of my elementary school library over and over, along with their book of greek myths. Over the years the images in the illustrations stayed with me. I've recently purchased the book on greek myths but cannot afford the asking prices on this one. It is not often that one book is able to linger in the hearts and minds of so many. This must make those of you who have never seen this book (or the other) wonder. There is a magic here.

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Summary: PLEASE REPRINT THIS WONDERFUL BOOK!
Review: I read this when I was much , much, younger and I enjoyed it so much that I would read it over and over again. This book with its great text and excellent illustrations is a must have for every child and parents will enjoy it also. I really wish they would reprint this book so I could buy it for my son who loves Norse mythology ( thanks to me his mom). I wonder why the Greek myths are still in print and the Norse is not??? Seems a bit bias to me , after all these tales are just as entertaining as the Greek myths.

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Summary: The best children's book of Norse mythology...ever!
Review: I remember checking out the D'Aulaire's illustrated books of the Greek and Norse gods over and over again at our school library about 22 years ago and I never got tired of them. It's a testament to how good they are that I still remember them after all this time. It's a real shame that this book can't be found for under $100 used. They republished the Greek Myths book; why can't they do the same for the Norse version? I want to share this book with my kids.

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Summary: A true classic
Review: I remember this book from way back in the day. I was still in elementary school when I first read it. The stories and illustrations were vividly implanted in my brain. Particularly that of Thor, the red bearded god of thunder and Odin, father of the gods. And Ragnarok of course. Although I always thought that Odin went out like a chump. Eaten in one bite by the Fenris wolf, for shame. Recently, I found an old copy at a local libaray. It was a refreshing trip down memory lane. Too bad it is out of print. Oh well, there will always be the memories.

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Summary: Its being reprinted at last!!!!!!!!!
Review: It being reprinted! Its being reprinted at last, and in hard cover!!!!!

It is being retitled "D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths" and can now be pre-ordered from Amazon.

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Summary: A welcoming door into the Old Norse Worldview is closed!
Review: Like so many folks, I had a copy of this book as a child and it always fascinated me, mostly because of the beautiful and unusual art. The stories puzzled me, being raised in the modern Christian and scientific tradition, and I found them strange as a child. But as I grew into a greater and more open minded appreciation of my Norwegian heritage, I decided to re-read them as a way of sampling some fond memories from my childhood. Reading the book anew and enjoying the artwork all the more, I realized they were a most wonderful introduction to an ancient worldview of a people who lived in a very harsh climate. All the forces of nature that can make us feel so small, a raging sea, an avalanche, a vast and beautiful forest, the towering peaks of an awsome fjord, have been personified in the old Norse pantheon. It is fascinating still to read of the explanations this culture offered for the harsh forces of nature in their worldly experience. The worldview of the ancient Norse is presented in this book so clearly and so accesibly, it is a wonder and a treasure to read. I sure do wish I could share it with my children. I am sorry their youth is passing and this book is not in a reprinted version. It is unfortunate that the book about the Greek Gods and Heroes by the same author can be reprinted but this one cannot. It is a shame that such an important contribution to the traditions of Europe and America, in the form of these tales in this wonderful book, is being neglected. I hope it will be reprinted one day so that I can enjoy this book again and share it with those I love.

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Summary: Norse Gods and Giants
Review: Like so many other readers, I remember this as the first book I ever read in school. The Norse gods were nothing like their immortal counterparts in Greek and Roman mythology--they were true heros who knew their days were numbered, yet fought valiantly against malevolent forces until the bitter end. The D'Aulaires spin these heroic myths into abridged tales that will certainly enthrall any youngster and leave them asking for more. I attribute, almost exclusively, my lifelong love of reading to this book. In fact, some years back I was able to purchase a copy of the book, which had been autographed by the authors. I paid a sizeable sum, but now proudly display the copy on my bookshelf for all to see. I guess the only downside is that I cherish the book so much, I don't let my own children look at it without me being present!

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Summary: The best children's book of Norse mythology...ever!
Review: This book was the first, and to date best, book of Norse mythology I read. I single-handedly read my third grade teacher's copy to pieces, along with the D'Aulaire book of Greek mythology. The beautiful illustrations stuck in my head, and have become permantly associated with the stories. I was influenced so much that I am now studying to be a professional medievalist, with a particular emphasis in Germanic/Northern European literature. The D'Aulaire books are a must have for any parent, teacher, or lover of mythology. Hopefully the publishers will re-print this book so we can all afford it!

Rating:
Summary: Please make this book available again -- and affordable!
Review: This is by far the best children's book on record for Norse mythology. I loved it as a child and have recently searched for a copy to buy -- but can't do the over-[$$$]prices for the rare book thing! Please, Mr. Publisher-who-holds-the-current-copyright-for-this-book: Make it available again in either hardback or paperback! We baby boomers would snap it up in a heartbeat!

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Summary: I can't believe it's out of print
Review: This was one of my favorite books when I was growing up. I can't remember how many times I checked out this book and D'Aulaire's Greek mythology book out of the library.

The illustrations were terrific and 20 years later I still remember them. It really is a crime that the book is out of print.