Introduction

The powerful gods of Greece, Rome, and Scandinavia, the more mystical deities of Buddhist and Hindu India, and the stern spirits of the African and American continents all reflect very different civilizations, yet they also demonstrate the unity of mankind in its fundamental need for explanations of the unknown.

About the Book

Arthur Cotterell sets out clearly the chief myths of the world and explains why different mythologies arose in different lands.

Features

Comprehensive coverage in seven main sections of West Asia, South and Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania

Clear and informative section introductions highlight the history and lifestyle of ancient peoples and the landscape in which they lived

Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and maps of each key area

Reviews

An excellent reference book, as well as a good book for dipping into at leisure.

Greek Review