A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne
With Original Illustrations
📘 About This Book
A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys. A new, beautifully laid-out edition of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 classic collection of short stories. A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys is Hawthorne's re-writing of well-known Greek myths for children. Included in this volume
📖 Summary
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys, presented in this beautifully laid-out 2021 edition, brings a timeless 1851 classic collection of short stories back to life for modern readers. Within the 168 pages of this volume, the renowned author famously takes well-known Greek myths and reimagines them specifically for children, breathing fresh narrative energy into ancient tales of heroism, tragedy, and divine intervention. Hawthorne approaches classical mythology not as rigid academic history, but as a living, breathing landscape of wonder that can easily capture the imaginations of younger audiences. By softening the harsher, more adult edges of traditional Greek mythology while retaining the core moral and emotional truths of the legends, Hawthorne crafts an inviting bridge between antiquity and childhood wonder. The stories in this collection are framed by charming narrative interludes, wherein a student from a New England college interacts with a group of lively children, setting a cozy, conversational tone that makes the book feel like a shared fireside storytelling session rather than a dusty textbook. Through this engaging framing device, Hawthorne invites readers of all ages to ponder the meaning behind these fantastic tales, blending whimsical atmosphere with deeper philosophical undercurrents. Readers journey through famous mythological landscapes, encountering legendary figures, terrifying monsters, and clever heroes who must navigate seemingly impossible trials. Yet, because the stories are tailored for youth, the emphasis always lands heavily on the human element, the value of cleverness, the perils of hubris, and the enduring power of kindness and curiosity. This modern edition honors Hawthorne's original literary vision by presenting the text in a clean, accessible format that appeals to both nostalgic adults and children discovering these myths for the very first time. Ultimately, A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys serves as a masterclass in classic children's literature, demonstrating how ancient storytelling traditions can be lovingly adapted to spark the imagination across generations.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features beautifully laid-out formatting in this modern 2021 edition.
Brings classic 19th-century prose to life for contemporary readers.
Makes complex Greek myths accessible and entertaining for children.
Includes charming narrative framing devices that enhance the reading experience.
⚠️ Cons
May feel dated for readers accustomed to modern fast-paced children's fiction.
Retellings soften the original myths, which might disappoint purists looking for unedited versions.
✍️ About the Author
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist known for exploring themes of sin, guilt, and morality in Puritan New England, most famously in 'The Scarlet Letter' and 'The House of the Seven Gables'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who is the author of A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys? +
The book was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
When was the original work first published? +
The original collection of stories was first published in 1851.
What is the primary focus of this book? +
It is Hawthorne's retelling of well-known Greek myths specifically tailored for children.
How many pages are in this 2021 edition? +
This beautifully laid-out edition contains 168 pages.
What genre does this book fall under? +
This volume is categorized under general non-fiction literature and classic storytelling.
