American author Thomas Bulfinch (1796–1867) was steeped in classical culture from an early age, attending the Boston Latin School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard College.

His first book, The Age of Fable, told of gods and heroes as portrayed in the works of Ovid and Virgil. It was later combined with The Age of Chivalry and Legends of Charlemagne in a single volume known as Bulfinch's Mythology, which has entertained and educated generations of children and adults.