Jason and the Golden Fleece - Hardcover

Grade 4 Up-- Retaining little of the zest of other versions, this variation of the classical myth begins with the young Jason confronting his uncle, the villainous king, to reclaim the throne that is rightly his. When challenged to capture the Golden Fleece from the land of Colchis in exchange for the throne, Jason chooses his crew and sets forth. Successfully completing new challenges set by the king of Colchis, he escapes with the Golden Fleece and Medea, the king's daughter, who becomes his wife. "All was not happy ever after, but that's another story." The watercolor and ink illustrations show expressionless cartoon characters who appear to lack the strength and courage necessary to endure the adventures they experience. This abridgment does not have many of the traditional elements found in other versions; also missing is the sense of adventure and heroism. The short sentences and bland language will leave readers undernourished by the ancient tale. Better interpretations are Evslin's Jason and the Argonauts (Morrow, 1986), Gibson's Gods, Men and Monsters from the Greek Myths (Schocken, 1982), and Padraic Colum's The Golden Fleece (Collier, 1983). For informative background and a well-told story, see Switzer's Greek Myths: Gods, Heroes and Monsters (Macmillan, 1988). --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

For readers who believe that the Greek myths are serious business, Mosley's loose-lined, humorous illustrations will help them laugh off the notion. The book presents Jason's quest for the golden fleece, Medea's help (by providing potions) with the tasks on the island of Colchis, and their subsequent marriage. The last line--"All was not happy ever after, but that's another story"--exhibits some of the wryness of the telling. If there is a clumsy aspect to this book, it is in the presentation of Medea; she is stiffly posed in all her scenes. Nevertheless, this book gives the myth a welcome, comic edge. Ages 6-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.