Illustrated Book of Myths

This is far and away the very best book on mythology -- for young people and busy adults -- that I know of. The illustrations are priceless; the text inclusive, yet concise. It is a table-top book to treasure, and to use whenever a name or a story come to mind.

My daughter received this book at about age 7 or 8. She loved it and read it many times. We let someone borrow it and it was never returned. I replaced it for my daughter who is now 17. She still loves the look. It's great for children or adults.

When Neil Philip and Nilesh Mistry work on a project together, something almost magical happens. I am completely in love with every book either of these highly talented souls have worked on. Myths, these narratives, involving supernatural or fantasy people, embody admired ideas on expected or social phenomena. In this selection, we are given glimpses into the culture from which the myth originated. Background information, color photographs, geographical context and the illustrations by Nilesh Mistry make this a compelling read. The most popular myths from all over the world are included and are retold by Neil Philip who is an authority on mythology and folklore. The stories are grouped together so you can see not only the variations in the same type of story, but also see the similarities between cultures. The myths are divided up into: Creation Myths, Beginnings, Fertility and Cultivation, Gods and People, Gods and Animals, Visions of The End and a special section about who is who in mythology called: Gods and Pantheons. The myths are: Egyptian, Serbian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Native American, Siberian, Sumerian, Indonesia, Sumerian, Finnish, Greek, Norse, Polynesian, West African, East African, Celtic, Hittite, Indian, Anglo-Saxon, Welsh, Haitian, Roman, Aztec, Irish, Inuit. While the Greek story of Midas and the Golden touch is very familiar, the Japanese story of Benten and the Serpent King was completely new to me. More familiar tales include: Gilgamesh, The Great Flood, The Tree of Life, The Sword in the Stone, The Holy Grail, Beowulf and The Fall of Icarus. You will enjoy reading the retellings that evoke a feeling of the original tales, and seeing the amazing full-color illustrations and color photographs that breathe new life into these delightful stories. A Celebration of our Infinite Imaginations. ~The Rebecca Review

The Illustrated Book of Myths is full of wonderful stories from all over the world. I give this book as a baby gift. It is great to read to small children and the stories will reappear for the children as they grow. Characters and stories from myths occur in much poetry, drama, essays, and fiction. This is also a good book to "look stuff up in" as one of my children says. The information is readily available and easy to find. And the illustrations are just fabulous.