The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology (The A-Z Guide to the Myths and Legends of the Ancient World)

A truly fun reference book! The material is well organized and easy to read. The illustrations throughout are beautiful and numerous but add to the entries without being a distraction. This is a large book--make room on the shelf!

I did not get the opportunity to read this book. It went straight out to the trash due to be unsafe for my severely asthmatic child. Plus these spores can spread to the entire house since I foolishly opened the book in my kitchen.

The pictures are beautiful, and the book is HUGE (hardcover and almost doubt a sheet of notebook paper). Some of the wording seems rushed and careless, but with so many topics and cultures being covered that’s bound to happen. Some pieces are beautiful and story-like while other parts read more like a classic textbook. I am so happy with my purchase, especially for under $10!!

This beautifully illustrated tome on world mythologies now possesses pride of place upon our coffee table. I would call it the "Nearly Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology" because it does not include Australian, African, South American, or North American mythology. Most of the rest of the world is covered, however, and covered rather well. The book is divided into large sections, one on each of the major world traditions (e.g. "The Myths of East Asia"). Within each section you will find encyclopedic coverage of that tradition, including very fine artwork. I give the book the highest rating, despite the omissions, because it is truly an excellent mythology resource (and treats the "major" world traditions in mythology).If you like Bullfinch's, but would like something more pleasing to look at, this book is for you. It's captivating, and fun to peruse.

This handsomely bound work is sure to be invaluable to anyone interested in European mythologies. Written by Arthur Cotterell, a well-respected scholar of mythologies and ancient civilizations, the degree of detail is remarkably complete. Entries vary from a few sentences to over a page, depending upon the subject. In addition, special feature spreads provide more detailed examination of specific mythological themes. The reference is also a work of beauty. Every page is copiously illustrated and the heavy- stock paper is well suited to high-quality color reproductions. The magnificent artwork, almost entirely by well-known and respected artists, is thoroughly cited. Best of all, this wealth of information is easily accessible. A thorough index refers readers to all pages in which a subject name appears, with main entry pages designated by bold-face type. The entries themselves offer effective, yet non-obtrusive, references to related entries or themes. This reference is highly recommended for anyone interested in Classical, Celtic, or Norse mythologies. Undoubtedly helpful to scholars, it should also prove fascinating to casual readers and to all who appreciate fine art.