Orpheus and Eurydice - Hardcover

Sybil Grafin Schonfeldt

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0892366249 ISBN 13: 9780892366248

Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2001

Synopsis

The tragic tale of Orpheus, his gift for music, and his undying love for the oak nymph Eurydice is retold for children is this engaging picture book. This version of the classic story about the origins of singing according to Greek mythology features beautiful yet haunting color illustrations of Eurydice's journey from the forest to the Underworld and back again.

About this title

From Booklist:

Gr. 3-5. In this retelling of an ancient story that uses Greek rather than Roman names, the muse's son and a tree nymph fall in love only to be separated by death. Orpheus uses his gift of music to convince Hades to release Eurydice and promises not to look at her before reaching the upper world. Unable to keep that promise, he loses her forever. The story is poetically told, but its poignancy is somewhat diluted by Schonfeldt's decision to have Orpheus turn back because he's concerned about Eurydice, rather than leaving the rationale open or because the young man is simply unable to resist looking. Iassen Ghiuselev's illustrations are at once lifelike (each muscle and bone is visible in a hand) and artificial (oddly staring eyes), in keeping with the story's humanity and also its mythological roots. The colors, landscapes, and use of brown outlining are strongly reminiscent of Renaissance art, particularly that of Botticelli. A good choice for libraries needing to build their mythology sections. Susan Dove Lempke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From School Library Journal:

Gr 2-5-This Greek myth that describes the love between a sweet-voiced hero and his beautiful wood nymph is one of the best-loved stories of all times. Orpheus, son of a muse and the god of music and poetry, falls in love with Eurydice. When she steps on a poisonous snake and dies, he is so grief stricken that he risks a trip to the Underworld to see his beloved. His songs are so poignant that Hades allows the lovers to leave with the warning that as Orpheus leads Eurydice away he must not turn around to look at her or she will be returned to the Underworld. Tragically, he does and Eurydice is lost to him forever. Sch”nfeldt's narrative is lyrical, but at times wordy. Ghiuselev's detailed full-page and spot-art illustrations filled with figures in classical poses, on the other hand, do a wonderful job of illustrating a complex tale.-Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0892366249
• ISBN 13: 9780892366248
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Iassen Ghiuselev