Note: One has to wonder if this is indeed a work fiction, or a collection of essays about stories of ancient mythology, and as such a work of non-fiction -especially the Ancient Greek Mythology and the Hindu Mythology parts. As a counterpoint to this argument, this is described by the author as a retelling of the stories as a source of amusement. And some of his original sources are included. Though published in 1855, the republication of 1881 was revised and edited by Edward Everett Hale (per foreword in later editions). No change to the title page or credits appears, and no distinction has been made in the titles.