The Golden Fleece And the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles

"Still unequaled as an introduction to the classic myths." — Publishers Weekly
Written for young readers by a great Irish folklorist, this Newbery Award–winning anthology centers on the legend of the quest for the Golden Fleece. Generations of readers have thrilled to these classic retellings of ancient myths, which trace Jason and the Argonauts' voyages and their encounters with the foreseer Prometheus, Medea the sorceress, and other legendary characters. Stories of the heroes who accompanied Jason include "The Life and Labors of Heracles," "Theseus and the Minotaur," "How Orpheus the Minstrel Went Down to the World of the Dead," and other stirring tales.
Author Padraic Colum, who was active in the Irish literary renaissance and a founder of Dublin's Abbey Theatre, was also a popular children's writer. Skilled at recounting tales in a manner that attracts and holds kids' attention, Colum possessed a poetic style that continues to enchant audiences of all ages. His captivating tales are complemented by forty evocative illustrations by Willy Pogány.

Poet, playwright, and a key figure in the Irish Literary Renaissance, Padraic Colum (1881–1972) was a prolific writer. Best known for his adaptations of Celtic tales, and particularly those for younger readers, he also addressed himself to a wider audience.
In addition to his work as an illustrator of classics, Hungarian-born artist Willy Pogány (1882–1955) served as an art director on several Hollywood films, including Fashions of 1934 and Dames. He was also an author and teacher whose instructive manuals include Dover's Drawing Lessons.

Part One. The Voyage to Colchis
  I. The Youth Jason
  II. King Pelias
  III. The Golden Fleece
  IV. The Assembling of the Heroes and the Building of the Ship
  V. The Argo
    The Beginning of Things
  VI. Polydeuces' Victory and Heracles' Loss
  VII. King Phineus
  VIII. King Phineus's Counsel; the Landing in Lemnos
  IX. The Lemnian Maidens
    Demeter and Persephone
    Atalanta's Race
  X. The Departure from Lemnos
    The Golden Maid
  XI. The Passage of the Symplegades
  XII. The Mountain Caucasus
    Prometheus
Part Two. The Return to Greece
  I. King Æetes
  II. Medea the Sorceress
  III. The Winning of the Golden Fleece
  IV. The Slaying of Apsyrtus
  V. Medea Comes to Circe
  VI. In the Land of the Phæacians
  VII. They Come to the Desert Land
  VIII. The Carrying of the Argo
    The Story of Perseus
  IX. Near to Iolcus Again
Part Three. The Heroes of the Quest
  I. Atalanta the Huntress
  II. Peleus and His Bride from the Sea
  III. Theseus and the Minotaur
  IV. The Life and Labors of Heracles
    The Battle of the Frogs and Mice
  V. Admetus
  VI. How Orpheus the Minstrel Went Down to the World of the Dead
  VII. Jason and Medea