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

by William G. Doty (Author)

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 "Required in almost every class I teach. Doty's excellent introduction to myth studies is accessible and clear, comprehensive and full of excellent illustrations and bibliography (plus a glossary and advice on using Internet and other electronic resources).... It is a dynamite 'soft' advance reading for Doty's magisterial Mythography: The Study of Myths and Rituals. But it stands on its own in terms of quality and approachable writing style. The mini-anthology of mythological texts (60 pages) is full of unusual but quite stimulating samples from a number of cultures. I cannot think of another book that accomplishes so much in such tight focus." - Ginette Paris, Mythological Studies Program, Pacifica Graduate Institute "A comprehensive but condensed overview defining and classifying myth, providing examples from numerous cultures, and briefly tracing the trajectory of myth scholarship.... A well-knit, generously illustrated, and accessible text." - Religious Studies Review" --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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

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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.com Sales Rank: #2,055,516 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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 (CA) - See all my reviews

`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!