Myths and Modern Man

by Barbara Dodds Stanford, Gene Stanford, Jay Roper (illustrator)

In the eternal search for explanations of the mysteries of creation and existence, man’s imagination has created a vast store of myths. Every culture has had its own interpretation of what happened “in the beginning,” who designed the different sexes, how standards were set for the ideal being, when peaceful living would be possible, and why death might not be the end. Arranged for the first time in thematic groupings, here are the great stories of mythology as they have developed among the varied lands and races. Over 150 illustrations, including many extraordinarily effective original line drawings, add visual significance to the text.

Genres: Mythology, Reference

353 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the textbook for a mythology course I took in high school. It presented the myths to me in a way I'd never thought about them before, i.e., why people felt the need to create them.

[G. Edweird Cheese · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great collection of myths and tales told throughout the world put together in groupings ment to make us think about the links between our modern and the ancient world lost to time.

[Nemo Erehwon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading myths, but I never liked Joseph Campbell. His books seem to be about how Joseph Campbell views the many myths of the many societies. Just tell me the myths. This book does just that.

Published in 1972, "Myths And Modern Man" has a new-agey feel to it, but the myths it contains are competently told. Many standard Greek and British tales are included, plus some Native American, Asian and African ones. It does demonstrate the sexism inherent in many of these myths. I could have done without the Bridey Murphy tale to demonstrate reincarnation, but all is forgiven since it contained a few I had not heard.

Worth picking up if you spot it used.