MYTHOLOGY: The Illustrated Anthology of World Myth and Storytelling

by C. Scott Littleton

Myths are the timeless expression of the imagination born out of the need to make sense of the universe. Moving across the centuries, they resonate with our deepest feelings about the fragility and grandeur of existence. Mythology is a comprehensive, richly illustrated survey of the mythic imagination in all its forms around the world, from the odysseys, quests and battles of ancient Greece and Rome to the living beliefs of indigenous cultures in the Americas, Africa and Oceania. Looking at each major myth-making culture in turn, this book retells some of the most significant and captivating stories in a lively, contemporary style. Generously illustrated with more than 700 color photographs, Mythology brings you the vibrant stories that echo time and again in our lives.

Genres: Mythology, Reference, Nonfiction, History, Religion, Folklore, Art

686 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extensive, but definitely not in any way intensive illustrated reference manual of global, of world mythology, this is a good, decent and basic general introduction, although if you do require, if yoy want more specific and in-depth details, C. Scott Littleton's Mythology might not necessarily be the book for you. And for me personally, although I do indeed find the information presented interesting enough, I also consider the individual sections rather majorly academically frustrating, as there just is never enough detail to satisfy me on an intellectual level (and indeed, I would very much and gladly sacrifice some of the many illustrations, photographs etc. for more historical and folkloristic information, for more in-depth analysis and explanation). However, I still do believe that for those readers (for those individuals) who simply want a very standard and not too intense introduction to world mythology, Mythology might indeed be great reference source to have on hand (although the sheer size of it could also and easily make this book somewhat problematic, as it certainly is not very portable). And therefore, in my opinion, Mythology is actually the kind of introductory mythology tome that begs to be rereleased as a more streamlined version, perhaps one containing just the printed information and maybe a very select few of the accompanying illustrations. For as it stands now, the book is over 600 pages long and seems to weigh a tonne (probably not a tonne, but it sure felt that way when I dropped the book on my poor toes the first time I was reading/reviewing it). Recommended, but with caveats and some reservations (and personally, C. Scott Littleton's Mythology is only a high two star read for me, as in my humble opinion, there are other mythological introductions on the market that are more analytical, more informative and less overly illustrated, less bulky and heavy, and with that, of course, more portable).

[Tlaloc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is why e-books will never replace physical literature: there's nothing quite like opening a big, heavy book and poring over the pages to find exactly what you're searching for.

And if you're searching for world mythology, this is the book for you.

[The Lion's Share · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overall documentation, documenting many different cultural mythological beings, from Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Chinese and many many more.

However, it lacks detail and often piggy backs on the more traditional telling of each mythology rather than discerning other meanings.

[Kali]

PLEASE TAKE NOTE! This book is actually a condensed single-volume version of Time Life's Myth and Mankind series - so if you enjoy Time Life book series, this is a good way to get a nice one all in one GIGANTIC volume. It's especially handy since, more than 20 years since the series was originally released, it can be hard to find all of the volumes!

I grew up on these series, particularly this one and Mysteries of the Unknown. The information was just enough to pique my interest and keep it, but not so extensive that it felt like, you know, book learning ;) Thus, I recommend these books for people just dipping their toes into the waters of mythology - NOT well-versed scholars. Despite the massive size of the tome, please keep in mind that these were originally intended to be a series of slimline coffee table books for casual flipping through. As that, this was a beautiful and very extensive series of books - the giant single volume, however, is slightly less so, as it leaves out some of the lengthier essays and is also missing the gorgeous matching covers. Oh, and it's quite unwieldy, as well ;) I do prefer the series as separate books for those reasons, but this book does fill in the holes in my collection!

[mobydickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! Took me almost a full year to finish reading this book. It is massive, and there is so much information included. It is a rough overview of world Mythology, and lightly covers hundreds of different myths. I enjoyed all the photos of art and artifacts accompanying the stories. Good book overall, and I look forward to finding books that have specific myths in more detail.

[Minna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of my reference library, I haven't really read it from cover to cover. I bought it on sale and find is useful from time to time even if I do find most of my encyclopedias online these days.

[Taylor Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am doing a project on parallel myths about sky gods, heaven myths, and celestial bodies and it was so helpful!

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting, if not entirely comprehensive, collection of world mythology. As they were all written by separate people and then compiled into one massive tome, there can be a very different feeling between the many sections. I particularly enjoyed the cradles of civilisation section (ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece/Rome) and the American section (North America, Mesoamerica, and South America.) Some sections were certainly shorter than and perhaps lacking in comparison to the others, the Celtic and African sections specifically. The book pointed out the similarities, differences, and major connections between world cultures expertly, and had a good balance of analysis/history and actual storytelling. Also, the photographs and illustrations are gorgeous and very visually interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and read it cover to cover (mostly because it had to go back to the library lol) and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in religion and mythology.

[Martijn Janssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik heb dit boek ooit als kleine jongen gekregen en aan flarden gelezen. Dit boek is eerder breed dan diep, maar heeft het speciale voordeel dat het mythen en wereldbeelden van over de hele wereld in een volume samenvat. Als een eerste blik in de wereld der mythen is dit boek daardoor bijzonder geschikt, hoewel de gevorderde lezer beter elders kan kijken.

I was given a copy of this book as a child, and proceeded to read it to pieces. This book is broad more than it is deep, yet has the special advantage of condensing myths and worldviews from all the world into one neat volume. Thus, this book is an excellent introduction to the world of myth - although those already familiar with mythology may better look elsewhere.

[Geert Hofman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leuk en uitgebreid boek over mythologieën. De illustraties maken het ook best verteerbaar. Het boek mist wel wat structuur en eenheid. Het blijft een verzameling verhaaltjes die wel leuk om lezen zijn, maar zelden enige diepgang vertonen. Omdat meerdere schrijvers er aan hebben meegewerkt heeft het ook wat last van verschillen in kwaliteit, maar dat is voor een dergelijke soort boeken wellicht onvermijdelijk.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Finally finished it. This book is a beast. It's interesting, but really long (600+ pages). It covers all areas of the world and many of its diverse population's mythology. I think it's a compilation of an entire Time-Life series of books.

[Jane]

I got this book originally for my The Myths of Greece and Rome class at uni. I also found this to be useful for my research essay.

[Carson G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will give you information on nearly any mythology. Ithas all of the major gods and stories of them. It will last you a very long time since it is over six-hundred pages. It doesn't show much about a lot of minor gods, but is still a very solid anthology.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only a wonderful reference work on world mythology, it is also an interesting and entertaining read. The gods and godesses of ancient mythology were more scandalous than anyone who appears on modern tabloids.

[Vellyslav Petrov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love audio- and e-books, still we need the good old hard copy in most visual/ art research cases.
It's not James George Frazer's black magic science, yet it's a great book, great style - even my 1-year old son started to love it ;-)

[Jenn]

purchased several years ago and needs to be read

[Kurt Koller]

More a browsing book than a read-through book. Number of nice vignettes. Used to research for my Ferryman novel.

[Airi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much all the major mythology of the world, in a convenient 500+ page format. :D

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mythology: The Illustrated Anthology of World Myth and Storytelling
Littleton, C. Scott
various cultures detailed information

[Leah Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This counts as one book. I could not find the green book we read in class, so I marked this one.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good informative book. Having all cultures and their beliefs in one book. It's great to open a thick and heavy book such as this and pour yourself into the past!

[Julie Anne]

Egyptian, more Greek, and more

[D. Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got as far as the Celtic myths. Can you imagine a history of Celtic mythology and no mention of The Green Man? I was shocked! After that egregious omission, I couldn't read any further.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I did not finish it. it's huge and at the moment I needed the Norse and Mesoamerican myths. I intend to check it out again and read the other sections.