Bulfinch's ambition was to make the myths and legends of antiquity accessible to ordinary readers, believing that familiarity with them was essential to understanding literature and art. His masterpiece, collectively known as "Bulfinch's Mythology," consists of three volumes: "The Age of Fable" (1855), retelling Greek, Roman, and Norse myths; "The Age of Chivalry" (1858), covering the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table; and "Legends of Charlemagne" (1863), recounting medieval romances.
Written in clear, elegant prose, his works became standard reference books in American homes and schools, shaping generations of readers' understanding of mythology. Bulfinch died in Boston in 1867, but his compilation remains in print today, continuing to introduce new audiences to the enduring stories of gods, heroes, and knights.