I read the abridged version. I discovered that I have the hardcover full editions of both the [Bulfinch's Mythology] and [The Age of Fable]. The main differences are in "The Age of Fable". A complete section of the Welsh stories has been cut out of the abridged edition. So far, those comprise more stories of Arthur and his Knights. I haven't done a close study of the original mythology, but the man who did the abridgement said that the only thing he left out of it was some of the Victorian poetry which Bulfinch had used to show how modern folks have used the tales. He left in poetry from the more famous poets.

I enjoyed reading this tremendously. It connected many dots for me of classical readings I have done from Dante to Tolkien, and in many less famous readings as well.

I am going through my hardcover full editions and reading the bits which were missing from the abridgement. I probably won't keep the paperback, since I have the full editions, but I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a reference and didn't want to take up so much room on their shelves. ( )

I was having trouble analyzing British poetry in English senior year, but I picked up an illusion here and there to what little I knew of Greek and Roman mythology. So I got myself a used copy of this book, and I was amazed at how mythology is the key to understanding so much literature! I fell in love. ( )