Age of Fable: Preface

Age of Fable by Thomas Bulfinch

Preface:

The purpose of this collection of mythology is to give happiness and enjoyment to the reader, not to be a slavish study. Why study mythology? Myths are often referenced in English literature of all kinds, especially poetry, and knowing the story behind the allusion paints a full picture in the mind of the reader who is acquainted with the myth. The reader without this understanding will be left feeling dull. But what a delight to participate in the thoughts of a poet or novelist as you share in the common myth!

These myths are told in story form, not in an attempt to translate directly into prose, for that would be clunky, not are they told in verse, because it would be forced and lose it's beauty, but rather the final product is a combination of the beauty of verse and the accuracy of the prose to offer the myths in an engaging story.

Most of the content is taken from Ovid and Virgil. Not all myths are retold here, as some without heroes and noble thoughts are not worth being retold, so it will be no embarrassment to be found unfamiliar with these.

With an index at the back, this volume will be a fit reference for all ages: stories for the young, reference in reading literature for the student, and a return to the joys of childhood for the aged.