Dictionary of World Myth: An A-Z Reference Guide to Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, Heroines, and Fabulous Beasts

Willis, Roy (General Consultant)

ISBN 10: 1900131242 / ISBN 13: 9781900131247

Published by Duncan Baird Publishers, London, 2000

About this Item

Textblock and covers immaculate and tight. Covers slightly edge rubbed; 240p., including index. Size: 8vo - Over 7 3/4" - 9 3/4 " Tall.

Seller Inventory # EW5565

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dictionary of World Myth: An A-Z Reference Guide to Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, Heroines, and Fabulous Beasts
• Publisher: Duncan Baird Publishers, London
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1900131242
• ISBN 13: 9781900131247
• Binding: Wraps
• Illustrator: Illustrations
• Edition: 3rd Printing.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Book Type: Paperback
• Seller catalogs:
  • Mythology & Folklore

About this title

Synopsis

240 pages. Book appears to have hardly been read and is in Fine condition throughout.

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