Years and years ago, in almost every country of the world, there lived great chieftains who performed noble and heroic deeds. The stories of their accomplishments were told wherever their countrymen gathered for centuries afterward. With each telling greater works were added until at last the adventures, courage, and wisdom of the heroes could be equalled by no living man.

King Arthur, Beowulf, Achilles, Grettir, Sigurd, Cuchulain, the Cid, Rustem, Rama, and all the others still thrill readers and listeners with their deed wherever their stories are told. But more than this, they still represent ideals of courage and character of the nations to which they belong.

The thirty selections Alice Hazeltine has chosen for this book show the epic hero at his best. These, magnificent illustrations, a comprehensive index, and a glossary with pronunciation guide, make this a book to be cherished by young and old alike. 

From the dust jacket