I always experience a frisson of nostalgia whenever I stumble upon a memorable book from my childhood library. It’s been a long, long time, but I still remember my battered copy of of The Wonder Book of Myths and Legends that I bought at a flea market when I was about seven years old.

Compiled by editor and writer William Byron Forbush , it was published in Philadelphia by the John C. Winston Company, where Forbush served as a consulting editor. The edition is packed with illustrations by Frederick Richardson , an American illustrator best known for his colorful and imaginative illustrations in the works of L. Frank Baum.

The book is a treasure trove of stories of magic and wonder that captivated the ancient world. It explores myths and legends from various cultures, interweaving tales of gods, heroes, and fantastical creatures. The illustrations are a testament to the Art Nouveau movement. His use of striking colors and creative depictions brings the stories to life in a way that genuinely charms the reader.