Myths of the World: A Thematic Encyclopedia

by Michael Jordan

Book Overview

Divided into mythological themes, rather than in A-Z format, this reference book relates each myth to its culture and period of origin, and has detailed cross-referencing and indexing. It is intended... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1856261565
• ISBN13: 9781856261562
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Terrific cross-selection of world mythology

Mythology is one of my great loves. Although my forte is in Greek and Roman studies, I often delve into the lore of other cultures, as well. So far, the most consistently-bizarre mythos I've discovered is that of the Koryak people of Siberia, a mythos well-represented in Michael Jordan's Myths of the World. As in many cultures, the mythology of the Koryak was carried down through a long oral tradition. Unfortunately, there seem to be many missing bits. What remains of the stories makes certain Ren and Stimpy episodes look meticulously logical in comparison.There is a broad wealth of material in this book: Native American, Polynesian, Japanese, Meso-American, Nordic, Hindu Kush, Hindu, Hittite, Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Celtic, Chinese, Christian and Gnostic, African, Ancient Near-Eastern, and Siberian mythology. Although the stories are generally brief, the writing does not make for an easy read. The prose is very dry, and the book practically screams for illustrations to lighten the mental load.