Myths and Legends

This book is beautiful to look at and interesting to read. It contains lush illustrations of each myth with explanation of the symbolism behind certain stories in the context of their time and place. It's definitely a great book to have at home and enjoy!

I am a fan of Neil Philip and want to own every book he has ever written. Here he takes Myths beyond just story telling and explains over 50 remarkable myths and legends from around the world, using stunning works of art. There are 45 of the world's great painting that are brought to life with explanations. There are cave paintings, classic works of art, tribal sculptures and everything in between. You take a journey from Egypt to Japan. there is also a section on The Greek Gods. An Index is useful for locating your favorite characters. I was especially interested in the Epic of Gilgamesh as it has so many similarities with the Flood Story. Utnapishtim survives the great flood and builds a boat that then runs aground on Mount Nisir. Each painting is surrounded with text or images and even some quotes. My favorite piece of art is on page 64 (Odysseus and the Sirens by Herbert James Draper) and shows Odysseus and his Crew sailing back from the underworld (where ghosts, twittering like bats are held at bay). The picture shows the sirens (mermaids) trying to climb aboard the ship to lure Odysseus with their seductive voices. The Cosmic Serpent story tells of the Fon people in Africa and how the cosmic serpent was a god with two faces. They tell of how the first people were made of clay and water, much the same way as the people would prepare building materials for a house. One of the most beautiful books on myths I have ever seen. A MUST HAVE if you collect books on mythology and love art. The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales by Neil Philip is also a favorite! Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology by Philip Wilkinson Signs & Symbols by Miranda Bruce-Mitford ~The Rebecca Review

First thing you will notice is that this is definitely a picture book. I has pictures of great works of art that depict different interpretations of great legends (and I believe them all) from around the word and throughout time. This book is a keeper. As time passes and your interests move form one location to another this book will get you off the ground with the basics. I checked out Persephone as I have a copy of Dante Gabriele Rossetti's Persoperine in the library. I found references and related art peppered through the book. However, I seem to remember her eating six pomegranate seeds, not one. The book has a clear well organized table of contents (also with pictures), an extensive cross-referenced index and easy to read layout.

Well explained and clear. Lots of the popular stories as well as some not so familliar tales. The art work used to illustrate the myths are beautifully selected from museum works. Due to the nudity nature of many of the paintings, this is not recomended for young children or prudish types. A wonderful gift for the art student, or appriciator of art and literature. A delicious coffee table book- to be served with tea and scones!