A feat of mythic proportions

Publishers from around the world on Friday unveiled the first titles from an open-ended series of books that retell ancient myths, in one of the most far-reaching and ambitious projects attempted by the industry.

The first five books of “The Myths,” including ones from bestselling authors Margaret Atwood and Karen Armstrong, will be issued simultaneously in 33 countries and 28 languages in what publishers said was an unprecedented coordinated release. The project was unveiled at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany.

At least a dozen authors, including Booker prizewinner A.S. Byatt, Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe and Chinese writer Su Tong, have confirmed that they will write future titles.

Armstrong, who left a British convent to write such books as “Buddha” and “Through the Narrow Gate,” is the author of the first in the series, “A Short History of Myth.” Atwood’s volume re-examines the myth of Penelope and Odysseus, and one by Whitbread prizewinner Jeanette Winterson tackles Atlas and Hercules.

From Reuters