Bulfinch's Mythology

by Thomas Bulfinch

"Bulfinch's Mythology" by Thomas Bulfinch is a collection published in 1867 that retells myths and legends for general readers. Drawing primarily from Greek and Roman mythology, Arthurian tales, and medieval romances, Bulfinch rewrote classical stories in accessible prose, removing explicit content while adding quotations from contemporary poets. His innovative approach connected ancient mythology to nineteenth-century literature, helping English-speaking audiences without classical language training understand the countless mythological references in their culture. The work became America's standard mythology text for nearly a century.