The Facts on File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend

Dow (German folklore & linguistics, emeritus, Iowa State Univ.) has thoroughly revised and updated the 2004 edition of the late Mercatante's celebrated encyclopedia. Readers will encounter 150 new articles (bringing the total to 3000), an expanded, annotated bibliography including web resources on world mythology, and new images. Impressive in scope, the set takes its title seriously—featured here are not only myths and legends from the Western hemisphere but a large survey of folklore and fables from Africa, India, ancient cultures, and the world's aboriginal and native peoples. The A-to-Z articles run in length from a paragraph to several pages, each including cross-references to other entries and related subjects and crisp black-and-white illustrations that replace some of the earlier editions' murkier reproductions. Previous volumes used a numbered entry system, which has been discontinued; the indexes, including a list of entries by culture, now refer readers to page numbers. BOTTOM LINE Earlier versions have been enthusiastically recommended, and this new edition is even better. Jammed with information and filled with both impressive scholarship and entertaining tidbits (who knew the potato was considered unholy by the Scots?), it is highly recommended for all libraries

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.