The Friendly Guide to Mythology: A Mortal's Companion to the Fantastical Realm of Gods Goddesses Monsters Heroes

By Nancy Hathaway

Book Overview

How was the world as we know it created? What does it mean to be a hero? Where do we go when we die? Why are flood myths so ubiquitous? Anyone who has pondered these and other questions about humanity's ancient beliefs will be fascinated by The Friendly Guide to Mythology . Focusing on Greek and Roman mythology but including myths from Africa, Asia, Australia, northern Europe, and the Americas, The Friendly Guide to Mythology is filled with compelling stories of gods, goddesses, mortals, and monsters. Beautifully ornamented with photos, line drawings, and quotes, this entertaining guide also includes an A-to-Z listing of the world's most captivating goddesses; profiles of famous writers, collectors, and interpreters of myths; and engaging sidebars. Featuring myths of love, wisdom, and adventure as well as those of violence, jealousy, and pure folly, this accessible collection offers fascinating insight into the human psyche and brings our rich mythological heritage delightfully into focus.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 014024087X
• ISBN13: 9780140240870
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Good for Beginners

Easy to understand. Great for people who need to learn for a class or are just casually interested in Greek mythology. However there are a lot of discrepancies between this book and more scholarly collections of Greek mythology. Small things, but to someone who knows details of stories, to see them left out or misinterpreted is irksome. Guess it just depends on whose retelling of classics you decide is the standard.

the friendly guide to mythology

Nancy Hathaway has written THE guide to mythology.Each article gives the corresponding name in other cultures of the god/ess we are talking about. So no more going back and forth to the index to find out which is which. Along with why they appealed to their particular culture is information on how they affected people in later generations. I partiuclarly enjoy the thoughtful humor interspersed that catches you with immediate application giving the reading a 'keep on reading' value. And let's face it, we all need something to keep us on track with all those figures that seem so unreal and yet interesting. HAC

Touch base with the god/dess within yourself

This a really good and fun read. It's a lot easier to read than any of the books on mythology that I've ever read, which were quite a few! It makes you realize how much in this world is named after gods, goddesses, and heroes, from the Orpheum Theatre (which I found out is a contradiction!) to Troy's Greek Restaurant. Ms. Hathaway shows how different cultures from all over the world have the same stories with similar characters with similar names. It gives you goosebumps! While this is an easier book to read, it lacks all the drama that all those heavy mythology books have. Her book touches base with most of mythology so there is no deep study of any god or goddess. Ms. Hathaway covers not only the Greeks but Celtic, Chinese, and Norse mythology as well. The only thing that I have to say negative about the book were all the typos! There is a plethora of typos in this book. But if you're looking for a quick intro into mythology, this is your book.