Myth: A Handbook (Greenwood Folklore Handbooks) [Hardcover]

William G. Doty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0313326967 | ISBN-13: 978-0313326967

A type of folklore, myth is central to all cultures. Myths convey serious truths learned over generations and provide practical advice for living within a society. And while many myths go back to antiquity, they are also an important part of popular culture. Because they are so fundamental to civilization, myths are studied in a range of disciplines and at all levels. This reference is a comprehensive but convenient introduction to the role of myth in world cultures. Written by a leading authority, this handbook is of use to high school students, undergraduates, and general readers. It defines and classifies types of myth and provides numerous examples, many of which illustrate the significance of myth to contemporary society. In addition, it surveys the history of the study of myth and overviews critical approaches. It examines the relation of myths to larger contexts, such as politics, religion, and popular culture. The volume closes with a bibliography of print and electronic resources and a glossary.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Doty's thorough, academic introduction to the ongoing relevance and study of myth in contemporary culture provides useful surveys of the history of scholarship and criticism of myth, and also discusses recent applications of myth in modern life, such as the Big Bang, Gaia as Earth, the cults of Elvis and Madonna, and the significance of Harry Potter. In clear, elegant prose, Doty conveys competing arguments about definitions and roles of myth in society, and admirably delineates crucial similarities and differences between the approaches of influential myth scholars....[a] useful and candid summary for students and teachers. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.”–Choice

About the Author

WILLIAM G. DOTY is Professor Emeritus of Humanities and Religious Studies at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. His many books include Myths of Masculinity (1993), Mythography: The Study of Myths and Rituals (1986, 2000), Contemporary New Testament Interpretation (1972), Picturing Cultural Values in Postmodern America (1995), and Mythical Trickster Figures: Contours, Contexts, and Criticisms (1993).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (June 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313326967
• ISBN-13: 978-0313326967
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,445,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Myth Resource, July 3, 2006

By 

Dave Alber (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Myth: A Handbook (Greenwood Folklore Handbooks) (Hardcover)

`Myth: A Handbook' by William G. Doty strongly argues the contemporary importance of the study of mythology. With a keen eye on our present culture, Doty writes about myths from the past and their continuity with the mythopoetic imagination of current authors, pop icons, and spiritual movements. Doty explores the functions of myth in societies and with keen discrimination compares and contrasts the methods of study among scholars. His book provides a brief survey of the world's mythological traditions and shows the myths in context with other aspects of cultural life. It ends with a good list of resources and glossary. `Myth: A Handbook' is an excellent overview of a vast topic. An exceptional resource!