The Facts on File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend

by Anthony S. Mercatante

Book Overview

Identifies heros, gods, goddesses, demons, giants, monsters, animals, objects and places featured in the world's mythologies. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816010498
• ISBN13: 9780816010493
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Facts on File
• Length: 807 Pages
• Weight: 4.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 9.0" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

A first class look at the mythology!

Something that has always peeked my interest is the stories of ancient gods and the legends of past. The book covers those topics and many more. The amazing entries in this encyclopedia by Anthony Mercatante is nothing short of amazing.From A to Z you'll find interesting clips about different gods, goddesses, myths, legends, heroes and villains. You find Roman, Greek, Norse, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditional portraits of gods, saints and demons all in this 800 plus page book.Assembled is the most complete set of entries I have ever seen. Am impressive list with an even more impressive explanation of each entry. The author has really done his homework with book. This would make an excellent reference manual for every student and teacher. Check out Facts on files website for more books in all kinds of categories. While this book is a little on the pricey side, I assure you, you'll be hard pressed to find any book that even comes close to this one, this one is in a class by itself.

One of the most excellent resources available

Clearly, one of the most concise resources on the subject available. Layout was very good, with defined entries that would help both those serious students of mythology and folklore and the casual observer equally.Perhaps the best thing to say about this particular resource is that it attempts to present a concise point of reference for the more famous aspects of mythos and legend over the entire span of world culture. The book is not as concise with specifics as some would like, but it does provide a factual representation based upon analysis of the folklore rather than popular culture's influence, and that in itself is worth the price.

A "must have" guide for writers of mytholgy and legend.

An excellent, straight-forward guide to who's who in world mythology, complete with illustrations. I couldn't have written my book without it! However, it does not give a complete listing of all lesser gods, fairies and other devine entities. Only the better known ones.