The Dictionary of World Myth - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0816033250 ISBN 13: 9780816033256

Publisher: Checkmark Books, 1995

Synopsis

As Thomas Bulfinch stated over a century ago, knowledge of mythology is vital for the understanding and enjoyment of much of the world's great art, literature and cultural heritage. Without a thorough knowledge of mythology, much of the meaning of the world's great poems, artistic masterpieces and timeless literature is lost.
As a comprehensive, highly illustrated A-to-Z dictionary of all the major figures and places of mythology from around the world, The Dictionary of World Myth provides the key to being culturally literate. Scholarly in content, yet immensely readable, the book covers all major bodies of myth, not just the Greek and Roman. What makes this dictionary unique is its in-depth coverage of global mythology, such as Middle Eastern, Chinese, Indian, African, North American, Slavic, Japanese, South and Central American, and Southeast Asian mythic traditions, both past and present.
The entries reflect the diversity and timeless appeal of mythology. Highlighted feature panels scattered throughout the book focus on universal themes, such as afterlife, chaos, flood myths and the origins of death. Adding to the book's reference value are approximately 200 specially commissioned drawings of mythological figures and symbols, cross references, and a comprehensive index.
Mythology has provided profound interpretations of the mysteries of the world surrounding us, from the seasons to the major life cycles of birth and death, even life itself. Without a proper grounding in mythology, we are not only ignorant of much of our culture, but adrift from a sense of history that can keep us rooted to our past. The Dictionary of World Myth will serve as a useful guide both to past traditions and to the larger world around us.

About this title

Review

For as long as people have told stories, the same themes have recurred in every culture while taking on a distinctive local flavour. This dictionary captures the unity within the diversity of mythic characters and deities from all continents and traditions. It is also attractively illustrated and accessible, suitable for enquiring minds everywhere who want a glimpse of how others have seen the world. Cross-references allow the reader to relate concepts within or across cultures. For example:

Pale Fox, Africa, A trickster and culture hero in the mythology of the Dogon people of Mali. According to the Dogon creation myth, the creator god Amma made the fox bring both order and disorder into the world.

The entry continues with the tale of Pale Fox stealing seeds from Amma to plant in the earth, explaining how agriculture arose. The themes of culture hero and trickster allow the reader to link Pale Fox to figures carrying similar roles in other cultures, e.g., Prometheus, Loki or Father Raven.

Universal topics such as Sacred Mountains or Creation Myths are covered in feature panels, which also point the reader in the direction of specific entries. In addition, there is an index of themes, so that all the entries which concern, say, Fire Deities, Dwarves or Rebirth can be found easily. The succession of snippets from around the world is hypnotic--this is a book to jump into and get lost in. And if it leaves you wanting more, there is a bibliography arranged by regions of the world to guide you to more specialised references. --Frank Pennycook

Synopsis

Identifies key gods, goddesses, heroes, heroines, themes, and symbols from the mythologies of the Middle East, China, India, South and Central America, North America, Japan, Europe, Greece, and Rome.

Edition details

• Publisher: Checkmark Books
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0816033250
• ISBN 13: 9780816033256
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Editor: Bently Peter