The Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends [Paperback]

Arthur Cotterell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995

The Places: How myths and legend arose in cultures worldwide from Greece and Rome to Asia and Oceania.

The Characters: The central figures arranged A-Z for easy access. More than 250 major and over 1,000 minor entires.

The Concepts: The universal themes of love and fertility, war and death, flood and fate.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This survey of trends in U.S. religious beliefs compiled by the Gallup Organization presents tables and graphs that delineate Americans in groups and as individuals, and a variety of tallied responses to support the pollsters' conclusion that "despite a strong, typically Amerian independent streak, the degrees of religious orthodoxy found among Americans is simply amazing." Belief in God is expressed by large numbers; Catholics appear to have become more independent in interpretation of dogma; the educated tend to be analytical about religion. There is a wealth of material here that, although informative, is plodding to read and in the form presented is not likely to interest general readers.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This gorgeously illustrated book is divided into three sections: essays on the role of myth in major civilizations, including non-European ones; an encyclopedia of gods and goddesses; and a micropedia. The essays are far too brief, with little acknowledgment that these myths were once part of a viable system of ritual and faith. The definitions in the characters and concepts section are good but do not reflect the complex interrelatedness of the stories and figures. Some of the inclusions and exclusions are perplexing, and the illustrations are not adequately identified by artist or date. Consequently, this is not an adequate source to use as a reference tool or as an overview.
- Gail Wood, Montgomery Coll. Lib., Germantown, Md.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan General Reference (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028608518
• ISBN-13: 978-0028608518
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,867,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A solid reference to myths and legends around the world, December 2, 2003

By 

D. Norder (Knoxville, TN, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends (Paperback)

This book was an essential reference when I first got serious about studying comparative mythology. It has lots of good information about myths and legends from all the major cultures of the world. Even now, years later as I'm moving on to being being a professional mythology author and folklorist, it is still a good, quick way to look up brief overviews of mythical characters. Obviously other works are needed for in-depth study of specific myths and concepts, but as a general work this is excellent.

The illustrations are adequate but not dazzling and average about one a page, except for the text-heavy Micropedia appendix section in the back. Don't get it for the pictures, though, count on it for the reference value instead.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful!, August 28, 2000

By 

Jenni - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends (Paperback)

When I was writing my term report about dragons in different mythologies, this was one of my biggest aids. Whatever the culture, whatever the myth, it'll be sure to provide you at least with some information! If you're looking for certain things, this might have too short an entry, but that's the thing with encyclopedias. It will still provide you with starting information with anything related to myths!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent book. It is pretty acurate., March 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends (Paperback)

The layout of this book is wonderful. I love mythology and I found a lot of information in this book. I highly recommend it to all mythology buffs out there!