Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 5^-8. Rather than stories, this ready-reference title provides basic no-frills answers and explanations for homework assignments about Middle Eastern, African, Mediterranean, Asian, Pacific, Northern European, and North and Central American mythology. The information is usually clear, concise, and nonjudgmental, but the sections on Hinduism and Buddhism make the religions seem extinct. Sometimes the choices seem odd: North American Indian coyote myths are presented, but the only ravens here are Norse. Charts and boxed facts break up the text with interesting, useful facts, and black-and-white reproductions of sculptures, paintings, and tapestries add a few visual representations of mythic figures. Well-organized for quick use, this also has an excellent index that includes major figures and themes such as creation myths. A glossary, a selective bibliography, and a recommended reading list are also appended, but there is no pronunciation guide. A worthy addition to the reference shelf, but not a replacement for the fine old retellings. --Linda Perkins
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-This resource presents an overview of the prominent mythic beliefs of five cultural areas: the Middle East and Africa; the Mediterranean; Asia and the Pacific; northern Europe; and North and Central America. The text is arranged in question-and-answer format. Discussions of creation myths and mythological events are offered as are explanations to such queries as how Thor retrieved his lost hammer, how Theseus defeated the Minotaur, and why Ganesha has an elephant head. Background information on the various cultures is also given. Framed insets highlight additional information regarding specific tales, major deities, and historical events. Black-and-white photographs and samples of period art illustrate the differences among various cultural beliefs. A 14-page index facilitates access to the information. Readers will find this introductory text helpful as they begin to familiarize themselves with unique aspects of these mythologies.-Karen Patricia Smith, Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, Flushing, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
