'World Mythology' is an authoritative and wide-ranging collection of the most important mythological traditions, combining the impact of pure narrative with the background necessary for understanding.
Under the direction of Dr Roy Willis, nineteen leading scholars have distilled the essence of each regional tradition. Each contributor navigates a clear path through the complexities of myth by focusing on the most significant figures and stories, within a series of thematic essays. The selected mythical episodes - the downfall of gods and demons, stories of revenge and metamorphosis, tales of doomed love and travels to the Underworld - are told at length in special highlighted features. There are highly useful summaries of theories about the origins and meaning of myth, plus an examination of themes that recur across a range of civilisations. Superbly illustrated with more than 500 colour photographs, artworks, charts and maps, this is the most accessible guide yet produced to the limitless heritage of the world's imagination.
