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Don't Know Much About
Don't Know Much About World Myths
Whether it's the adventures of Greek gods and goddesses or Norse trickster tales, we all love to hear a good story. Kenneth C. Davis gives readers a taste of the diverse myths that live on in the cultures and religions around the world today. In his trademark question-and-answer style, peppered with entertaining sidebars and quotes, he also shows how almost every civilization's mythology shares common themes. A wealth of photographs and art reproductions, along with clever black-and-white illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier, helps convey mythology's lasting vitality. This is the perfect young companion to Don't Know Much About® Mythology -- and other titles in Davis's best-selling Don't Know Much About® series.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
1 person is currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth C. Davis
55 books425 followersKenneth C. Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Don't Know Much About® series of books and audios for adults and children. Don't Know Much About® History, the first title in the series, became a New York Times bestseller in 1991 and remained on the paperback list for 35 consecutive weeks. It has since been revised several times and now has more than 1.6 million copies in print. The 30th anniversary edition of the book was published with a new preface, "From an Era of Broken Trust to an Era of Broken Democracy."
Davis is, according to Publishers Weekly, "a go-to guy for historical insight and analysis."
AMERICA'S HIDDEN HISTORY also became a New York Times bestseller. A NATION RISING also uses dramatic narratives to tell the "stories your textbooks left out." His book, THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF AMERICA AT WAR (May 5, 2015) was called "searing" analysis by Publishers Weekly.
Kenneth C. Davis’s success aptly makes the case that Americans don’t hate history, just the dull version they slept through in class. Davis’s approach is to refresh us on the subjects we should have learned in school. He does it by busting myths, setting the record straight, and always remembering that fun is not a four-word letter word.
His IN THE SHADOW OF LIBERTY: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF SLAVERY, FOUR PRESIDENTS, AND FIVE BLACK LIVES looks at the lives of five people enslaved by four of America's most famous Presidents and the role of slavery in American history and the presidency. In May 2018, MORE DEADLY THAN WAR: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War was published.
STRONGMAN: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy was published by Holt. It was named among the best books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews and the Washington Post.
In November 2022 GREAT SHORT BOOKS: A Year of Reading--Briefly was published by SCribner. A compendium of 58 great short works Davis read during the pandemic lock down, it is a joyous celebration of reading.
Coming in October 2024 is THE WORLD IN BOOKS: 52 WORKS OF GREAT SHORT NONFICTION. It is an accessible and comprehensive guide to some of the most influential and important works of nonfiction, from the earliest days of writing to contemporary times. Each entry includes information about the writers behind these consequential books and the time in which they lived.
Davis is, according to Publishers Weekly, "a go-to guy for historical insight and analysis."
AMERICA'S HIDDEN HISTORY also became a New York Times bestseller. A NATION RISING also uses dramatic narratives to tell the "stories your textbooks left out." His book, THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF AMERICA AT WAR (May 5, 2015) was called "searing" analysis by Publishers Weekly.
Kenneth C. Davis’s success aptly makes the case that Americans don’t hate history, just the dull version they slept through in class. Davis’s approach is to refresh us on the subjects we should have learned in school. He does it by busting myths, setting the record straight, and always remembering that fun is not a four-word letter word.
His IN THE SHADOW OF LIBERTY: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF SLAVERY, FOUR PRESIDENTS, AND FIVE BLACK LIVES looks at the lives of five people enslaved by four of America's most famous Presidents and the role of slavery in American history and the presidency. In May 2018, MORE DEADLY THAN WAR: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War was published.
STRONGMAN: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy was published by Holt. It was named among the best books of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews and the Washington Post.
In November 2022 GREAT SHORT BOOKS: A Year of Reading--Briefly was published by SCribner. A compendium of 58 great short works Davis read during the pandemic lock down, it is a joyous celebration of reading.
Coming in October 2024 is THE WORLD IN BOOKS: 52 WORKS OF GREAT SHORT NONFICTION. It is an accessible and comprehensive guide to some of the most influential and important works of nonfiction, from the earliest days of writing to contemporary times. Each entry includes information about the writers behind these consequential books and the time in which they lived.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 1, 2015
If you are looking for a descent, surface, introductory read on mythology this is the book for you. If you are looking for a deeper dive and really exploring the nuances and depth of world myths, you'll be sorely disappointed.
Excellent book - for the right audience. Just set your expectations appropriately ahead of time.
Excellent book - for the right audience. Just set your expectations appropriately ahead of time.
April 1, 2021
Obviously designed for kids, it's a decent whirlwind tour of world mythology, enough just to whet your appetite for more.
September 19, 2011
Okay, this isn't what I thought it was. It's lots of talk, rather like a history professor (but one speaking to 5th graders), with the occasional story sort of blended in as illustrations. Now, that's nice for older kids and me, but my 7 year old couldn't really wait that patiently for the "good parts".
This would be a good homeschool/afterschool history or social studies tool for 5th graders and up. Most younger kiddoes aren't ganna wait that long for the stories.
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January 12, 2025Review: Don’t Know Much About World Myths by Kenneth C. Davis, Illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier
Kenneth C. Davis’s “Don’t Know Much About World Myths” offers an engaging and accessible introduction to the diverse tapestry of myths that have shaped cultures across the globe. With the artistic touch of illustrator Sergio Ruzzier, this book combines thoughtful summaries of various mythological traditions with a visually appealing presentation. It is ideal for readers seeking a general understanding of world myths without the need for extensive scholarly exploration.
Davis’s approach is commendable in its ability to distill complex mythological narratives into digestible segments. The book effectively covers a variety of mythological traditions, ranging from the Greek and Roman pantheons to the rich stories of African, Asian, and Indigenous cultures. Each section presents key figures, themes, and moral lessons, making it easy for readers to grasp the fundamental aspects of each myth. This accessibility is especially valuable for those new to the subject or for younger readers who might be taking their first steps into the world of mythology.
Illustrator Sergio Ruzzier’s whimsical and vibrant illustrations add an extra layer of charm to the book. The visuals complement the text beautifully, capturing the essence of the myths while engaging the reader’s imagination. This artistic collaboration enhances the overall experience, making the book not only informative but also visually delightful.
However, it is important for potential readers to set their expectations appropriately. While “Don’t Know Much About World Myths” serves as a fine introductory text, it does not delve deeply into the nuances, complexities, and cultural contexts of the myths it discusses. Readers looking for an in-depth analysis or a critical examination of the themes and variations within world myths may find themselves wanting more. The book touches on many subjects but does not explore them in great detail, which may leave scholars or avid enthusiasts underwhelmed.
That said, the book excels in its intended purpose as an engaging primer for those seeking to familiarize themselves with global mythologies. It is an excellent resource for educators looking to introduce students to the fascinating world of myths or for casual readers who wish to enhance their understanding in a light and approachable manner. The narrative style invites curiosity, encouraging readers to dig deeper into the subjects that resonate with them, potentially leading them to further exploration outside the confines of this book.
In conclusion, “Don’t Know Much About World Myths” by Kenneth C. Davis, with illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier, is an excellent book for readers seeking a surface-level introduction to the enchanting world of mythology. It offers delightful insights into a variety of cultural stories while engaging a broad audience. However, for those seeking a more profound understanding of the intricacies of world myths, this book may fall short. Overall, it is a thoughtful entry point into a rich field of study, best suited for those who appreciate its accessible format, with the awareness that deeper exploration lies beyond its pages.
Kenneth C. Davis’s “Don’t Know Much About World Myths” offers an engaging and accessible introduction to the diverse tapestry of myths that have shaped cultures across the globe. With the artistic touch of illustrator Sergio Ruzzier, this book combines thoughtful summaries of various mythological traditions with a visually appealing presentation. It is ideal for readers seeking a general understanding of world myths without the need for extensive scholarly exploration.
Davis’s approach is commendable in its ability to distill complex mythological narratives into digestible segments. The book effectively covers a variety of mythological traditions, ranging from the Greek and Roman pantheons to the rich stories of African, Asian, and Indigenous cultures. Each section presents key figures, themes, and moral lessons, making it easy for readers to grasp the fundamental aspects of each myth. This accessibility is especially valuable for those new to the subject or for younger readers who might be taking their first steps into the world of mythology.
Illustrator Sergio Ruzzier’s whimsical and vibrant illustrations add an extra layer of charm to the book. The visuals complement the text beautifully, capturing the essence of the myths while engaging the reader’s imagination. This artistic collaboration enhances the overall experience, making the book not only informative but also visually delightful.
However, it is important for potential readers to set their expectations appropriately. While “Don’t Know Much About World Myths” serves as a fine introductory text, it does not delve deeply into the nuances, complexities, and cultural contexts of the myths it discusses. Readers looking for an in-depth analysis or a critical examination of the themes and variations within world myths may find themselves wanting more. The book touches on many subjects but does not explore them in great detail, which may leave scholars or avid enthusiasts underwhelmed.
That said, the book excels in its intended purpose as an engaging primer for those seeking to familiarize themselves with global mythologies. It is an excellent resource for educators looking to introduce students to the fascinating world of myths or for casual readers who wish to enhance their understanding in a light and approachable manner. The narrative style invites curiosity, encouraging readers to dig deeper into the subjects that resonate with them, potentially leading them to further exploration outside the confines of this book.
In conclusion, “Don’t Know Much About World Myths” by Kenneth C. Davis, with illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier, is an excellent book for readers seeking a surface-level introduction to the enchanting world of mythology. It offers delightful insights into a variety of cultural stories while engaging a broad audience. However, for those seeking a more profound understanding of the intricacies of world myths, this book may fall short. Overall, it is a thoughtful entry point into a rich field of study, best suited for those who appreciate its accessible format, with the awareness that deeper exploration lies beyond its pages.
January 1, 2019
Good beginning to learning about world mythology. I like the inclusion of translations of the original text,in brief, and teaching words, or phrases, taken from these mythological stories. The stories are introduced with a question that is answered by the myth. A very interactive way of remembering the tale that I hope children would recall. The stories are given in highlights so to pack in a full world's worth of stories; every continent is included.
The collection of stories is vast; the most nations, and peoples I have ever seen in one book.
At the end, the full telling of the Building the Walls of Asgard, and an African tale I had never heard is told by a different narrator.
The collection of stories is vast; the most nations, and peoples I have ever seen in one book.
At the end, the full telling of the Building the Walls of Asgard, and an African tale I had never heard is told by a different narrator.
October 24, 2019
I was listening to the audio version and while not bad, after 20-25% of the way through, I just kep finding I also was not that interested. Nothing objectively wrong perhaps, just not my preference.
March 2, 2020
The audiobook narration was too fast, like speed reading. My kids wanted just a bit more detail, as they were left with questions ru almost every myth.
April 10, 2022
Fascinating and fun read.
March 12, 2022
If you want an intro to mythology that addresses girls with any discussion of their low societal status and how it is perpetuated, then this is not the book for you. At the very least the producers could have chosen an adult woman narrator for some part of the book rather than relegating a small, girl's voice to only ask questions of the men.
June 18, 2008
Aimed at the juvenile market but entertaining even for adults, this book tells the tales of major myths from all areas of the world. I had heard about half of them before. I listened to the audiobook edition.
August 31, 2016
Totally loved this book! Even learned something of African folk tales that I can use at our Florida Ren Fest! It's read so well and just a lot of life in these lessons! Not boring at all and well worth as gifts to others!
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October 11, 2007Davis, Kenneth C.
February 22, 2008
Awesome book in the "Don't Know Much About" series. Really entertaining/informative. Can read over and over gain, as well as refer for reference.
June 14, 2016
Yup, this one was interesting too... Too bad it wasn't as colorful as the other ones.
April 22, 2013
An interesting book giving a very brief overview of myths from around the world. Definitely left me wanting more info though!
January 28, 2016
Just okay, but it is interesting how there is similarities between myths from different regions of the world and some of them overlap with Bible stories, etc.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews