The Handy Mythology Answer Book

Starred review from September 15, 2014

Leeming (emeritus, myth, religion, and literature, Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs) explains in his introduction that this volume includes myths that he has assessed to be part of "some of the most revelatory mythic traditions." Coverage is global in scope and spans centuries. After an opening chapter that offers a brief discussion of prehistoric myth, the sections that follow each take on a specific geographic area, such as the Middle East, Asia, or the Americas. While the individual regions are given separate treatment, the volume also addresses modern myth and aims to identify and present "larger patterns" related to "cultural traditions" and the "great myths." Black-and-white photos are included in every chapter. A glossary, bibliography, list of mythological characters, and an index round out the volume, as well as an intriguing appendix listing broad mythological themes, each of which is paired with a list of myths that represent it. The material is quite readable, but its brevity may mean that a collection of more focused works (including, for example, titles by the same author such as 2009's Creation Myths of the World) could be of more use to academic libraries. Similarly, those libraries subscribing to Gale's Virtual Reference Library may find their needs already met by included content such as UXL's Encyclopedia of Mythology. VERDICT Leeming's likable and helpful work is recommended for public and high school library collections. Depending on a library's existing holdings, this volume may be better suited for circulating collections to be enjoyed by mythology fans.--Lura Sanborn, St. Paul's Sch. Lib., Concord, NH

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2014

Gr 6 Up-This guide to mythology is everything the title promises and more. After an introduction setting out the book's goals and an initial chapter outlining a working definition of mythology, Leeming delves into the mythological traditions across the world (which include African, Asian, Polynesian, Cletiv, Greek, Roman, and Native American), one chapter at a time. These traditions are covered in great detail, and the author examines the geography, history, and culture associated with them and highlights important figures and tales. There is a great emphasis on the influence of psychology on the study of mythology. Early on, the author discusses the work of Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Joseph Campbell and how they brought the importance of mythology into academic circles. Leeming concludes by discussing the idea of the monomyth, or Campbell's concept that there are certain motifs and themes that are common to many traditions and that transcend individual cultures. The glossary, index, and bibliography make this volume an excellent reference source, and the appendix takes it further, offering lists of characters and stories that fall under categories such as "The Great Earth Mother Goddess" and "The Hero Quest" and the pages where readers can find them. This title is an ideal starting point for reports as well as an entertaining and informative read for interested students.-Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2014
This helpful guide on mythology covers the basic definitions and origins of mythology, with subsequent chapters covering myths by geographic area (e.g., Middle East, Africa, Asia) or major tradition (e.g., Greek, Norse, Celtic). The chapters themselves are broken up into easily digestible paragraphs, each framed as the answer to a question. This format makes the substantial information included seem very accessible to the student or general reader. The volume is rounded out by useful appendixes with parallel myths, texts from selected myths, a list of characters in mythology, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Highly recommended for most libraries serving adults and students high-school age and above who need an update to their general mythology materials.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)