Greek mythology, where to begin?

Hey I'm interested in reading some Greek mythology such as the story of Icarus who flew too close to the sun and melted his waxen wings or Medusa.

Does anyone know what I should look to read?

Dont forget to read Assops fables...well he was greek anyway!
http://aesopfables.com/aesopsel.html

Robert Graves wrote a book on Greek Mythology I think

Bulfinch

http://www.bartleby.com/181/

Edith Hamilton's Mythology: http://www.amazon.com/Mythology-Edit.../dp/0316341517

Fun to read, witout making things more complicated than they already are.

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Originally Posted by WICKES

Robert Graves wrote a book on Greek Mythology I think

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I have this, it is OK, but I'm sure there are better ones out there, although many people like it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Greek-Myths-...0898108&sr=1-1

Ovid's Metamorphoses

One and only Gustav Schwab.

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Originally Posted by bazarov

One and only Gustav Schwab.

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Yep, a great start.

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Originally Posted by Neely

I have this, it is OK, but I'm sure there are better ones out there, although many people like it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Greek-Myths-...0898108&sr=1-1

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Yes I have this book, its comprehensive and well put together but rather dry, I only tackle it when I'm in a studious mood and have time on my hands.

I have a review of Graves's collection on my blog.

I agree with both its weaknesses mentioned here and its strengths. Though, I add to its weaknesses in the blog review. It's best used as a reference book that will lead you to the Greek and Roman documenters of the written version of the myths. You then can get translations.

I also have Ovid's Metamorphoses trans by Melville from Oxford World Classics which I find more of an enjoyable read. It depends what you are looking for, the Graves is better for reference with some good notes, but if you are just looking to get stuck into the stories then you would be better with this or some of the ones listed above.

Is there a way I can download all the bullfinch stuff as an E-book or will I have to save each bit one by one?

http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/3327

http://www.archive.org/details/ageoffableorbea00bulf

another suggestion is a book called Classical Mythology by A.R. Hope Moncrieff. it is not a refference book. the myths are all in short story form and easy to read. they are a good introduction.