Customer Reviews

A Comprehensive Dictionary of the Gods

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This book is a mixed bag. It is a usable resource on non-Greek/Roman mythology, but is marred by the author's essays in regard to the Greek/Roman mythos. Baumgartner's views aren't necessarily invalid and may be an attempt at humor, but personal opinions and humorously incomplete writing have no place in a book calling itself a "dictionary." This is *all* she says about Perseus, one of the most-written about Greek heros: "Son of Zeus and Danae. He cut off the head of the gorgon Medusa, who was minding her own business at the time, and gave the head to Athena. This disgusting homicide won him acclaim and honor." Real funny, huh? It gets worse. This is an example of an error: "Maia - Greek: Daughter of Atlas and Pleione. Mother of Herakles by Zeus." Wrong. Should say mother of Hermes. Herakles' mother was Almene. Only use this book as a last resort. Buyer beware.

Whether you are Catholic, Jewish, Muslim or Aetheist, this book has something for you. "A comprehensive Dictionary of the Gods" briefly and poignantly presents a brief look at hundreds of gods and demi-gods from the various ages and regions of the world.

Best yet, the gods, and all the eccentricities are presented with easy-going humor that makes the books easy reading and a useful reference.

The only criticism that I can offer is that I would have liked to see a detailed bibliography of Ms. Baumgartner's source materials. This would make it a more useful rference tool for those doing research on particular gods or legends.

This book was originally published in 1984 as "Ye Gods."