Gods and Goddesses

by Time-Life Books

Time Life Book

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Folklore, Fiction, Reference, Egypt, Paranormal

143 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for all of these books in this series is the same.

Time-Life has once again done an outstanding job putting together a series. From cover to cover they are thoughtful, beautiful books. I'm starting to sound generic, but it's true.
I'm a DK fan, I like white backgrounds and side notes with clear sections for every subject. This series has none of that. What they do have is an old book feel. Timeless artwork, thoroughness, and very well written makes these a must on my occult/paranormal bookshelf at home. I've been collecting the series slowly over several years and still have a few books to go. I refuse to go on amazon and buy them. It's all in the hunt for me. There is no subject they have left untouched. I highly recommend them.

[Rex Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a title like Gods and Goddesses it doesn’t take much to figure out what the theme will be for the 21st and final volume of Time-Life’s Enchanted World series. It’s a fitting conclusion to this incredible series. So many of the stories revolve around the deities of our dead ancestors that it's only fitting they become the object of speculation in themselves.

Four chapters are presented here, each dealing with a different pantheon. The mythology of Egypt, Greece, India, and Norse peoples are explored in depth. Occasionally a story from a different culture is inserted between chapters, but these four are the primary tales. They are in depth and as true to the original myths as I can tell. In the end, I preferred the chapter on Indian mythos - simply because I was very familiar with the creation mythos of the other three chapters, and the Indian one was something relatively new.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to world mythology, this final installment of the Enchanted World Series focuses on the principal creation and deity myths of Egypt, India, Greece, and Norway, with shorter chapters about Celtic and Japanese mythology. Fluidly written and beautifully illustrated as usual, the high standard of research is matched only by the passionate presentation which makes this book a fitting finale to one of the best folklore series of all time.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, this is a beautifully illustrated series. I especially loved the sections on Hindu deities (which I knew nothing about) and on the Norse gods (which I only knew a little about.) I was completely surprised at the legend of the demise of the Norse gods.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at the tales of old and the myths that grew out of them. As always the Time-Life Book people have done a beautiful job.

[Christie Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Time-Life series. The enchanted world series does not disappoint. Interesting stories that are told in a way that makes even old tales new. The Art is magnificent.

[Jason Prodoehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview with some stories of gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt, Greece, India, Japan, and Norse mythology.

[Xan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a Time Life book, so you get nice artwork and a general idea of mythology. Not great for actual knowledge, but a decent narrative structure of Gods 101.

[Shaxar · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I looked up this series on here, I was stunned to find I didn't have the whole set. o_O Luckily, my local library pulled through on this and one other of the volumes I'm missing, so I was able to check this out. Just like all the others, this is a great collection of myth and folklore from around the world.

[ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as when I was a kid. I know the Norse and Greek mythologies like the back of my hand, but the inclusion of Irish, Indian, and Japanese mythologies although in small amounts breathes fresh perspective. The main draw of this book and others in the series are the illustrations. Highly recommended if just to view those.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I really did enjoy this one, the information in it was not as informed as one would hope, so I would say it was a great overview, in my opinion. I especially found it fitting that this book ends with the Norse, and, of course, Ragnarok, the end of the world.