The Dictionary of Mythology: An A–Z of Themes, Legends and Heroes

This book is an absolute must for anyone who is even slightly interested in Mythology and Fantasy. I already had this book when the new BBC series Atlantis started but it just added to the drama of that programme because you could follow the storylines more accurately and sometimes even predict events before they happened!I have now purchased another copy as a Christmas present and I know that it will look as stunning on my sister's bookcase as it does on my own.Once you have this book you will find yourself referring back to it time and again and having found out the piece of information you were originally looking for I defy anyone not to be sidetracked into looking up another interesting fact. You will very quickly be flicking backwards and forwards through the book piecing together mythological family trees that you may have been slightly familiar with but will now know completely inside out.So whether your interest lies with Greek or Roman mythology or maybe you prefer the Arthurian and Merlin legends this book will not let you down and you will be very glad you decided to purchase it.

While not the most detailed book about mythology on the market, this dictionary covers so many cultures and differing myths it is quite brilliant. If you follow the different names given you will find much more information in ways you did not imagine. I have used this book daily since it came and do not know how I worked without it. For anyone wanting a lot of information about varying subjects this is for you. And it does go into considerable detail about certain figures, then and I enjoyed reading these parts the author also talks about the mystical ideas about animals.

Mythology from around the world all in one book. From America to New Zealand and in between.

Excellent

Adorei

Great

Wonderful!!! Great insight

thxs

This is a great reference book. I use it mostly for curiosity, and for brainstorming ideas and mythological links while writing fiction. This particular volume is an abridged version of J.A. Coleman's Dictionary of Mythology. The editor, George Davidson, admits in the introduction that it's terribly difficult to figure out exactly what to include in such a volume, as the things that constitute mythology are sometimes subjective, and that different people are interested in different areas of mythology at that. So, he attempted to include more uncommon mythological entries and references from underrepresented and major cultures alike. There are still major staples, like Arthurian Legend, the Greek, Roman, and Egyptian Pantheons, etc. But there are also fairly unknown South American and African entries as well -- or at least unknown in the sense of a classical mythological review.Speaking of fiction, Davidson specifically highlights proto-Germanic or Norse entries like Balin and Gandalfr that formed the inspiration for characters in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. I personally find that fascinating. Overall, the book offers a fun range of entries. More importantly, the included entries aren't one-dimensional. They all have satisfying descriptions and offer a deeper look than just "X: A god of Y," as Davidson himself says in the introduction.

great

This book is very unique - it is like a little encyclopedia with many entries about ancient gods from many, many cultures. It is especially helpful for looking up information on different religions. It can be used for personal study or as a supplement to a religious studies class. It is not something to read all the way through, but helpful for understanding different teachings and cults, and different religious traditions all over the world. This is a repeat purchase - hoping to use as a gift or for a class.