King Midas is a goodman, and he is adevoted father to hisdaughter, Aurelia. Yet Midasknows no music sweeter than therattling of golden coins, and themore gold he gathers, the morehe desires. When a mysteriousstranger offers to grant the kinga single wish as a reward for akindness, Midas does not hesi-tate: He wishes that all hetouches would turn to gold. Butall too soon, he learns that whatat first seems a blessing can alsobecome a curse.

The legendary man with the magic touch comes alive as a remarkably complex figure in this breathtaking new vision of perhaps the most universal of all Greek myths. Kinuko Y. Craft's radiant paintings glow with human drama, natural beauty, and golden splendor.

King Midas is not a cruel man, but his passion for gold surpasses all else, save his love for his daughter. If only everything he touched would turn to gold! When Midas is granted that single wish, he rejoices -- until he nearly loses his beloved child to his greed. Here is a skillfully retold story of extraordinary resonance and wisdom, with a message no reader will soon forget. Radiant paintings glow with luxurious, golden, splendor.