Reviews (3)

A Comprehensive Look at Hawaiian Folklore and Myth
When I first read this book in the 1980s, it was a real eye-opener.I realized that nearly every book I had read about myths and legends of Hawaiians had been "sanitized" - altered to make them more palatable to a broad audience, or to "make nice" and depict Hawaiians in a way that American readers might find acceptable.The other side of that coin was a tendency to cater to Western prurient interests - sexualizing the goddess Pele, is the best example I can think of.You won't find that in Beckwith's book.
Informative and Insightful
This is a great book for delving into the myths, gods, legend and lore of Hawaii's people.For anyone interested in the deeper levels and meanings behind Hawaii's traditions and beliefs.As a student of the culture I return again and again to this book. It can be a bit dry at times, and is suited more for the student than casual reader, but is a great addition to any library.

Hawaiian Mythology
This is a very thorough and interesting book about the ancient Hawaiianmyths. Martha Beckwith's book Hawaiian Mythology leaves no stone unturnedwhen it comes to an extremely comprehensive look at the myths that havebeen passed down by the Hawaiians for hundreds of years. It tellsadventurous tales of deities and those who were in their favor, romanticaccounts of Gods and mortals, and incredible feets of the strong,the stuffof legend. It is truly an incredible account of history and myth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology    2. Fiction    3. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    4. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    5. Sociology    6. Hawaii    7. Myths & mythology   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful!!!
This book was wonderfully done and very useful for the appreciation and study of the ancient gods and the works of art depicting them.This book is chuck full of artwork (375 pages).You will not be disappointed!Great to use along side the study of ancient history, as the art is captivating and really brings the gods to life! Good for all ages.

Mythology and the art that celebrates it
I first saw this book for sale at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for way more than I could afford.Thank goodness for Amazon.This full-color, art-filled guide to Gods and Heroes (including characters from the epics of Homer) has to be one of my favorite books on the shelf.
Full-color plates of masterpiece artworks from human history
400 full-color plates of masterpiece artworks from human history superbly illuminate the pages of Gods And Heroes In Art, which presents the readers with a brief introduction to (and an informative summary of) the legends behind the deities of Greek and Roman mythology that are often depicted in classical art. Gods And Heroes In Art is visual feast as well as a convenient reference for art and mythology buffs. Also very highly recommended is a companion volume from the J. Paul Getty Museum, Saints In Art (0892367172, $..., 384 pages, 400 color plates). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Dictionaries    4. European    5. Fiction    6. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    7. General    8. Handbooks & Manuals    9. Italian    10. Mythology, Classical    11. Mythology, Classical, in art    12. Art & Architecture | History    13. Art / History / European    14. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    15. Iconography, subjects depicted in art   

Reviews (5)

Uneven but fascinating commentary
"Oriental Mythology" is the second in the "Masks of God" series, the follow up to "Primitive Mythology". It covers more of the mind boggling extent of humankind's mythic past, material that is the basis for religion and philosophy. Campbell presents all sorts of details from artifacts dug up by archeologists and some rather long-winded quoted passages. Much of it is rather uneven and challenging to follow, but the payoff is usually Campbell's own commentary which often uses a soaring language to elucidate, to associate and connect different myths of different cultures.
Heavy reading
This book is a massive summary, comparison of, and commentary on oriental mythology.It is divided into 3 major parts: Western Oriental mythology, Indian mythology, and the mythologies of the Far East.Campbell's incredible scholarship is very impressive, and rather overwhelming at times.He obviously had a great familiarity with the mythologies and religions of practically all areas of the planet.However, his explanations for general readers of foreign mythologies weren't always clear, as evidenced in this book.Much of this book focuses on developing the idea that Oriental mythologies had one major origin, in the Egypt of the Pharaohs. According to Campbell, traces of the religion and mythologies of the Pharaohs, as well as implements of their material culture, could subsequently be found in every major culture heading eastward, from Persia to India, from China to Japan. The Inscrutable Orient is Explained
In this second volume of the "Mask" Trilogy, Campbell has moved from the perhistorical to historical.There is and has always been a great divide between the Occident and the Orient on matters of faith and Campbell thinks this has a lot to do with the mythical origins underlying all cultures and religions.Oddly, he begins in Egypt which eventually approached the Occidental viewpoint.But it is in the deserts of that ancient land that we begin with the ideas being set by the changeless seasons and the Nile.Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism    3. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    4. Mythology    5. Mythology, Oriental    6. China    7. Egypt    8. Fiction / Folklore    9. India    10. Japan    11. Myths & mythology    12. Oriental religions    13. Spirituality   

Editorial Review

"My primary reason for writing this book," explainsVictoria Griffin at the beginning of her fascinating study Read more

Reviews (6)

Slow in the middle but interesting
Examining the lives and situations of mistresses from historical times to the present allows the reader to see how things change and at the time see how much they remain the same.I thought this was a very interesting book, but it did slow down quite a bit in the middle.The author did not distribute her subjects evenly, but wound up concentrating a number of examples around the end/beginning of the 19th/20th centuries -- so much so that I started to confuse some of them together, especially when she started discussing multiple generations of affairs in a family. A must read
Especially for those who label themselves as a "mistress" or those who just want a better understanding of the "other woman" this book is a fascinating read. It's interesting to take a historical look at all the women who have gone before us. (And yet somewhat disconcerting that they thought almost the same things in the same words 150 years ago!) I couldn't put this book down. Thanks to this author for bringing light to a little talked about subject.

Learning from history
At first glance, this book looks more like a history textbook, and if someone were looking for a book to help them get over the pain of an affair, they may feel disappointed.BUT, if you read this book with an open mind, no matter what side of the love triangle you're standing on, you have the opportunity to learn about yourself, your side, and what lies behind all of your motivations and experiences.It is more geared toward the other woman than the wife, but I suggest that the wife read this book in order to understand her own power in the triangle by viewing the side of the other woman.Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Marriage    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Marriage & Family    8. Women's Studies - History    9. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (22)

A good collection of "how-to's"
This book is a great catalog of rituals. More than that, it has been a useful basis for rituals of my own creations. I've long used the magic box craft, in fact it's become a favorite ritual of mine. I've created a couple of rituals of my own based upon the information I've taken from the magic box chapter. One thread that permeates Scott Cunningham's books is that everyday magic is a must for your growth. One way you can begin weaving your magic into a daily practice is by working on a spell craft. Pick up a copy and you'll see what I mean.

Beginner friendly
I've had this for years and still find myself going back and using it frequently.Scott wrote beautifully and clearly.It's a great book for beginners and will get you consistent results.I also recommend:Magickal Needlework by Dorothy Morrison and Witch Crafts by Willow Polson.These are wonderful books as well.
Great crafts
Neat craft book - with quite a variety of things to make.Level of difficulty/time required varies on the craft - some like the potpourri are pretty easy, while others like candle making are a bit more time consuming.There are hand drawn pictures throughout and the instructions are pretty straightforward - each broken out in steps.One of the interesting things is that its not just crafts to make, there is also information on how/when to use the thing you made.For example, on the craft of making a broom, there are ideas on when to use the broom (e.g. winter and spring for home purification).Throughout the crafts there are also chants/poems you can say as you complete the craft.As we make things we instill our energy in them and we're reminded of this in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Folkcrafts    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. Handicraft    5. Magic    6. Magick Studies    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Occultism    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Handicrafts    12. Magic & alchemy    13. Mind, Body, Spirit    14. Wicca   

Reviews (5)

throw away your posters...
I first saw this chart on my Greek professor's wall and was stunned by it. So much information, and very clear diagrams indicating the relationships of all the gods. This is a must for any mythology enthusiast. Truly wonderful and informative
I was not disappointed by this wallchart in the least. It has so much information, and really presents the relationships among gods, humans and other beings very well. These relationships are so intertwined and tangled that I doubted whether they could be clearly presented. This chart does. (Now if only the type were just a little larger.)

A Terrific Reference Chart for Everyone
This enormous Wall Chart is a "Must Have" for any scholar of classical literature and mythology, as well as anyone who just loves reading Classical Myths and stories of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.Theartwork is superb, as are the detailed references and "nexi" thatare drawn between the various figures of Classical Mythology--both famousand not so well known! The visual impact of this Wall Chart allows one tounderstand that complex system of mythology and beliefs that described theworld of the Ancients.This is the best Wall Chart of any kind that hasbeen created on any subject both Ancient and Modern.If you wish to hangit in an open space, just ensure that you have a suitable and sizable wallon which to place this wonderful chart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology    2. Fiction    3. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    4. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    5. Sociology    6. Folklore    7. Myths & mythology   

Reviews (4)

the tales that teach
I just love this book. The story from which the book takes its title profoundly affected me the first time I read it: it is the story of an Indian king who has to take part in a quest.This turns out to be an unexpected and thoroughly comprehensive lesson in life and the king emerges from it as a new and wiser person. You will also feel different after reading it. All the stories related in this book are incredibly old but can still connect with the deepest part of our souls. A book to reread.

Shimmering Zimmer
In the tradition of Johann Jacob Bachhofen and in league with those such as Joseph Campbell,Heinrich Zimmer"s "The King and The Corpse" gets about as good as you will findwith respect tocomparative mythology. I highly recommend any Jung readers to visitZimmer's brilliant pages. I also find the melding of Western and Easternmyth systems to be superb. Here is an adventurous path to follow.

Shimmering Zimmer
In the tradition of Johann Jacob Bachhofen and in league with those such as Joseph Campbell,Heinrich Zimmer"s "The King and The Corpse" gets about as good as you will findwith respect tocomparative mythology. I highly recommend any Jung readers to visitZimmer's brilliant pages. I also find the melding of Western and Easternmyth systems to be superb. Here is an adventurous path to follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology    2. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    3. General    4. Philosophy    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Asian and Asian American Studies    8. Fiction anthologies & collections    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Myth & legend told as fiction    11. Religion    12. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Reviews (3)

great book, lively text, fun illustrations
My kids, aged 6 and 10, and I have enjoyed this book for several years. The story is hilarious and clever without trying to be. Because it's a Hawaiian style re-telling of the gingerbread man, it's familiar, yet fresh and different. The illustrations are great and make the story come alive, but are also filled with enough wacky detail to make them enjoyable to look at again and again. My kids and I have read a lot of books together, most only once, but this one is so great we read it again and again.

unique
This is a wonderfully unique spin on an old story.Sandi has a great imagination.I look forward to more of her books.

Clever twist on the traditional Gingerbread Man story.
The author took the traditional Gingerbread Story, changed it to reflect Hawaiian life, and came up with a delightful fairytale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Concepts - Size & Shape    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Single Title    6. Fairy tales    7. Folklore    8. Juvenile Fiction   

Reviews (13)

Good reference
This book is a fairly good who's who of the Goddess realms. While some information is not exactly accurate, most of it is good for a quicky look up for the female deity you haven't heard of! Most blurbs of the deities are 1/4 to 1/2 page, while some are over a page long, again, not a true encylopedia, but still good reference.

Nice
This is a wonderful book despite some mistakes. Like Chandi is the wrathful form of Kali but she spells it Candi and does not state this. Not every goddess is listed here. Like you wont see Dhumavati, or Tripura Sundari, Kaal Ratri. Otherwise its a nice book, pretty big too.

A Great Reference
This book is awesome!It has encyclopedia like entries for Goddesses of the world.The entries are short and concise but it is a great starting point to researching various Goddesses. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Comparative Religion    3. Fairy Tales, Folklore & Mythology    4. Feminism & Feminist Theory    5. Folklore & Mythology    6. Goddesses    7. Mythology    8. New Age    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. New Age / Parapsychology    11. Spirituality - General    12. Witchcraft & Wicca    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Myths & mythology   

Reviews (8)

Founding Myths: Stories That HideOur Patriotic Past
I was aware of some but not all the lies that have been foisted upon students, especially the young. This should be required reading, particularly those who teach History.

A Fun Read About the Truth
As with many books that challenge peoples closely held beliefs, Ray Raphael's Founding Myths is sure to stimulate love and hate.As for myself, having been a student of American history for 40 years, I found this book fascinating, well researched, well written and entertaining.
The small people get no respect
You can't tell a good story about everyone. The writers' for the big winners select a few good characters to create an image that will do more to unify the nation than the deeds themselves. The author does not like the way our story has been neatly trimmed and written, he would like it to more untidy. But then the kids would have read about Paul A, B, C and D riding through night yelling: "The British are coming." And then the author does point out that British were already there anyway. What a spoil sport. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: American    5. Mythology    6. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    7. United States - Revolutionary War    8. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    9. Folklore    10. History / General    11. USA    12. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (5)

A MUST READ
I have only recently began playing the banjo and feel this book has taken me 100% closer to being the well rounded musician I aspire to be. If you are interested in history, music, and the banjo this is where to start!

Retrieving the real Black origin of the Banjo & its Playing
i HAD JUST handed in my MFA thesis to be published. I realized library priviledges I had had for 12 years would be gone in a couple weeks, I went to the music section of the FIU library and bumped into this book. I loved it, it loved me. I read it straight through--didnt go to work the next day.I have been studying and playing traditional American music for 40 years, and this is one of the best books on any level I have ever read. Ater talking about picking up the banjo for 40 years, I bought one right after I read this book and have bought another since.
The only thing better than this book is its accompanying CD!
Cecelia Conway and Scott Odell should be awarded an enormous fellowship from the MacArthur or Guggenheim folks for additional research. This book merits a readership among anyone who so much as owns a "banjer." The accompanying CD (called "Black Banjo Songsters" and available on the Smithsonian/Folkways label) is a bit academic in its notes and its repetition of songs, but hearing the likes of John Snipes and Dink Roberts go to town is thrilling. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Appalachian Region    3. Black Musicians And Their Music    4. Folk Music    5. Folk songs, English    6. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    7. History and criticism    8. History: American    9. Music    10. Music/Songbooks    11. Musical Instruments - Strings   

Reviews (5)

Tales of Olde from a Hidden Country
When this book was written, in 1913, Japan was still a country shrouded in mystery. Mathew Perry and his Black Ships had forced the treaty in 1858, an event that was still very much in living memory.Lafcadio Hearn had published his books on ghostly Japan only a few years earlier, and information was slowly pouring in to a hungry public.
I wish I had found this sooner!
This book is exactly what I had been looking for to quench my thirst for knowledge of Japanese mythology. Each of the 31 chapters covers a different subject and does so very well. My favorite chapters were: V. Fox Legends, IX. Legends of Mount Fuji, XXII. Animal Legends, XXIII. Bird and Insect Legends, XXVII. Legends of the Sea, XXVIII. Superstitions, and XXIX. Supernatural Beings. I highly recommend this to the mythology buff as well as the casual reader looking for something interesting to read.

Very enjoyable and informative.
Of course I am not an expert on "Myths and Legends of Japan", so I cannot judge the accuracy of the book, but nevertheless I do think that this is an absolutely fantastic read. First published in 1913, and thanks to one of my favourite publishing companies, Dover, made available again in 1992. Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore    2. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    3. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    4. Japan    5. Legends    6. Mythology, Japanese    7. Sociology    8. Myth & legend told as fiction    9. Social Science / General   

Reviews (2)

Temenos
This book is an excellent overview of the "inner meaning," thus the psychological value of the unconscious images that are represented in Greek Mythology.If the reader is not interested in that, I would not buy it.The material here is for learning more about the language of the psyche.The book covers all of the major figures of Greek Mythology that are most relevant to understanding the inner meaning of various symbolic forms as they might appear in dreams or other spontaneuous productions from the unconscious.Other reviews of mythology such as Bulfinch's or Edith Hamilton cover the basic "facts" or objective features of mythology, while this book again is focused on relating the figures of Greek Mythology as part of the living heritage of the psyche, the collective unconscious.In this respect, the book is most valuable.

The Psychology of Ancient Greece
In addition to the Greek myths and heroes, the author analyzes the Trojan War, Greek drama (Oedipus), oracles, Dionysus, Orphism, and the Eleusinian Mysteries. Unfortunately, he does not always establish the psychological truth of his interpretations which therefore lack authority. Jungian psychology claims that our dreams are a form of personal mythology in which our private concerns are made into myth. I find this a credible arguement because my dreams frequently contain mythological content, usually a monster that I slay. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    2. Movements - Psychoanalysis    3. Psychology    4. Sociology    5. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Reviews (4)

wjat I feel
this book was okay I thought it was a little better than most of the other treasury of classics for children.I think this book would be pretty good for little children that think they are verry little and are dont really think of thamself really like they are verry emportant even thought every child is loved and emportant.Overall it is probaly a good book for pretty young children.I liked it for a little bet wen I was pretty small.It is a pretty nice book for little children

Lion and Mouse
This book was done very well with good colorful
The Lion and the Mouse
When my daughter was two, this was one of her favorites, alas; she is now three and has put this aside.However, my one year old now likes the book, perhaps it's the way I read it to her.I have caught my older daughter "reading" this book to her sister.This is a good first reader, simple repetitive words. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fables    5. Folklore    6. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Greek & Roman    7. Readers - Beginner    8. English    9. English language readers    10. Italian    11. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General   

Reviews (5)

Spooky and entertaining
I really enjoyed reading this book.It provided not only the entertainment of being spooked, when reading in a dark room, with only a light bright enough to read the pages, however it also provided a great deal of historical information about the area/house/building/etc. that is believed to be haunted.The author writes about haunted locations that she's actually experienced.However, the majority of the book is written about the experiences of others.I think you'll truly enjoy this book, I'm planning on purchasing the author's book about hauntings in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas - a little closer to home!

Exciting and very interesting
Living in Texas made this book much more exciting for me, however, I think it will interest others outside of the Lone Star State as well.The book gives as much detail as possible, while telling the stories that were told to the author.There are some pictures, and those in the San Antonio area should be able to locate many of the locations with just the information in the book.The historical information, including the information about who the ghosts are believed to be at each location, add even more excitement to this already mysterious and intriguing topic.Do I believe in ghosts?I don't think so, but it's still fun to read about others imagination - or maybe their experiences ---- how would I know?Nevertheless, give it a try - especially if you are in Texas - and most definitely if you are in or near San Antonio!I think you'll enjoy it!

THIS IS THE BOOK TO READ IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GHOSTS!
This is a very informitive book. I love the stories about the railroad tracks. I loved it so much that before I moved away from San Antonio I just had to try it out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore    2. Folklore & Mythology    3. Folklore & Mythology - Folklore    4. Ghosts    5. Legends    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. San Antonio    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Supernatural    11. Texas    12. United States - South - Texas    13. Ghosts & poltergeists    14. History / United States / State & Local   

Editorial Review

One dare not even call it seminal, yet in this ground-breaking work, English novelist and historian Marina Warner casts herself as the female Joseph Campbell in a fascinating and lively book that opens with the observation that "storytelling makes women thrive -- and not exclusively women," and then lifts the veil on both tellers and tales ranging from Sibyl to the late, great Angela Carter, from Lot's daughters to Disney's "Little Mermaid." She finds a not-so-hidden history of women, sex, power, fear -- and even healing -- lurking therein. An eye-opening reworking of our common myth pool. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

One of My Favorites
I read this book back in high school when I was just starting to get interested in fairy tale analysis.It's very indepth, well-written, and enjoyable.It's easy to understand and straightforward but offers so much information you're bound to learn something new. I highly recommend From the Beast to the Blonde to anyone that loves fairy tales or mythology.

There is witchcraft in your voice ...
Marina Warner writes absolutely beautiful prose, which alone is worth the price of this book. She is ... well, "enchanting" on the subject of myth as social commentary and psychological revelation. Excellent
Marina Warner's _From the Beast to the Blonde_ is a wonderful and engaging work concerning the cultural history of fairy tales.Warner explores the "stock characters" and stories of traditional tales, and in the process creates an excellent work of scholarship and criticism in an area of literature that has been relegated to the nursery, but didn't start there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Folklore    2. Folklore & Mythology    3. Literary Criticism    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Social Science    6. Literary Criticism & Collections / Children's Literature   

Reviews (4)

The Excellence of Leeming
Leeming is perhaps the premiere authority on comparative mythology today.He is the author and/or editor of numerous titles on the subject. The quality and depth of coverage of "The World of Myth: An Anthology" is no exception to his legacy of excellence.The book is loaded with bibliographies of the finest works ever written on the subject of mythology and religion.It is ideal as a foundation to mythology for anyone who wishes to take a personal journey through history, literature and religion.

Very Readable
Like other reviewers, I would have not given this book a second thought were it not one of my textbooks for English 102. I was pleasantly surprised! It is a very enjoyable introduction to viewing myths from the Jungian perspective. There are stories from all over the world, including the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran. While I am suspicious of a couple of the sources that Leeming uses, most are wonderful, from scholars like Joseph Campbell and Samuel Noah Kramer. I appreciate the most that there are actual translations of important myths like those of Inanna and Pan instead of paraphrasing or summaries: hearing them in their original lyrical form makes a BIG difference! There are few books that I will not sell back at the end of the semester: this is one that I hung on to!

A wonderful weave of mythology and symbolism...
A book I would never have gotten if not for my final course I took in univeristy, a course on Mythology and Symbolism, I went into this book thinking, "Gosh, myths.Yawn."Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    3. History    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Myth    7. Mythology    8. Folklore    9. Literature/English | Mythology & Folklore    10. Myths & mythology    11. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Reviews (3)

Thirteen essays of first level!
To read this book is a real proud . The multiple annotations and clever observations of this renowned master of the mythology make us transport immediately to this unusual universeHe makes an amazing journey from the origins of the myth in the distant past to familiar European medieval legends .
This one also ties for the most important book I've read:
This was another of those synchronist events that happens in the form of the written word.Actually, I got ahold of these videos through my local library at a time when I was searching for questions instead of answers.This book is a tour de force of the mythological evolution of the human species.Campbell addresses what the elemantary ideas of myth are and how they present themselves uniformly throughout all cultures, historical and present, of the world equally.The thesis--there is only one mythology that is inflected in various folk manifestations, comes across beautifully.Campbell will challenge you to rethink about religion and mythology and what it means to you as a human being.This one is a must read.

Transformations of Myth Through Time is Must Read/See
Read this if you can't afford the tapes of this excellent PBS series (though it gets a little dry in some spots)! It is a (now deceased) esteemed archeologists's comparisons of myth with the actual excavationsthat he and other archeologists have made.He can validate or repudiateclaims made by some religions that their version is the best, only, orearliest version, and can also show how some myths evolved from actual realevents or places.Once you are done reading this, go ahead and read theolder workThe Women's Encylopedia of Myths and Secrets (written byBarbara G. Walker), another heavily referenced work, which looks into theliterature of the ancients, right on through to the Middle Ages, highlyexposing information that has been supressed by later religions,politicians, and peoples. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Mythology    5. Sociology    6. Fiction / Adventure   

Reviews (2)

A comprehensive look at much more than Classical Mythology
Do not be fooled by the face on the cover of Zeus (a.k.a. Jupiter), because James Weigel, Jr. looks at much more than "Classical" (i.e., Greco-Roman) mythology in this Cliffs Notes.Before we ever get to the best-known mythological figures Weigel covers Egyptian Mythology (Principal Gods, the Creation and Osiris), Babylonian Mythology (Major Gods, the Creation, the Flood and Gilgamesh) and Indian Mythology (Main Vedic Gods, Indra and the Dragon, Hindu Gods and Concepts, Bhrigu and the Three Gods, Rama and Sita, and Buddha).Consequently, both the Near East and Far East and adequately covered in this volume.Of course, Greek Mythology ends up receiving the most attention, from the Primordial Deities, Titans and Olympians to the Great Heroes (e.g., Heracles, Jason), the Tragic Dynasties (e.g., House of Atreus), and the Trojan War, along with Brief Summaries of Other Myths (e.g., Midas, Sisyphus).The Roman Mythology section focuses on the few gods the Romans added to the classical pantheon along with Patriotic Legends (Aeneas, Romulus & Remus) and Love Tales (e.g., Pyramus and Thisbe, Pygmalion).Continuing the chronological progression, Weigel then covers Norse Mythology and the Arthurian Legends.Throughout there is the traditional Summary/Commentary breakdown you expect from Cliffs Notes.However, because so much ground is covered you do not get a lot of depth to either, and if there are notes available on specific works (e.g., "Iliad," "Aeneid") you will want to avail yourself of them if that is what you are teaching/reading.But what this volume lacks in depth it more than makes up for with breadth.The volume also includes Bibliographical Essay, Review Questions, Recommended Readings and very useful Genealogical Tables.Hopefully access to this book will inspire getting beyond the Classical Mythology that is usually all students receive in class.

This book is incredible!
When I was in 6th grade I did a project on Greek mythology, and the first and only book I looked in was this mythology book. It was so full of information about all the Greek gods (and other kinds of gods too, likeRoman, Egyptian, and Indian) that I didn't have any trouble with myproject. If you are interested in mythology, this is the book to read, andanswer all your questions with. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Book Notes    2. Cliff's/ Monarch / Barron's Book Notes    3. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    4. General    5. Mythology    6. Study Aids    7. Study Guides    8. Classical languages: literary criticism    9. Literary Criticism & Collections / Ancient & Classical    10. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    11. Myths & mythology    12. Study guides, home study & revision notes   

Reviews (3)

Did you know...
...that Shetland fishermen considered "persons deformed at birth" good luck because they were considered God's poor and that if they had good luck they gave the person some of their catch?