The perfect introduction to the world of Japanese myth and legend. This is a smart and succinct guide to the rich tradition of Japanese mythology, from the earliest recorded legends of Izanagi and Izanami, their divine offspring and the creation of Japan, to medieval tales of...

The lives of pharaohs and commoners alike were dominated by the need to honor, worship, and pacify the huge pantheon of deities. From lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to humble household shrines, countless tributes throughout Egypt reflect the richness and complexity of their...

The myths of the Aztec and Maya derive from a shared Mesoamerican cultural tradition. This is very much a living tradition and many of the motifs and gods mentioned in early sources are still evoked in the lore of contemporary Mexico and Central America.

Discover (or rediscover!) history's greatest myths and legends From Grendel and Beowulf to Poseidon, Medusa, and Hercules, the gods, monsters, and heroes of mythology are endlessly weird and fascinating. And if you're looking for a helpful companion to this wild collection of...

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER A Waterstones and TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR A SPECTATOR and History Today BOOK OF THE YEAR A revolutionary new history of the diffusion of Indian ideas...

From acclaimed folklorist and historian Adrienne Mayor, an enchanting collection of the ancient myths that emerged out of the wonders--and disasters--of the natural world Mythopedia is a fun, fact-filled A-Z treasury of myths inspired by natural events. Bringing...

A riveting history of vampire panics across cultures and down through the millennia--and why killing the dead is better than killing the living Killing the Dead provides the first in-depth, global account of one of the world's most widespread yet misunderstood forms of...

The wisdom and artistry of storytellers from Hispanic and Indian traditionspreserve one of the world's richest folktale traditions-combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America. Gathered from twenty countries, including the United States, the stories are...

The wisdom and artistry of storytellers from Hispanic and Indian traditionspreserve one of the world's richest folktale traditions-combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America. Gathered from twenty countries, including the United States, the stories are...

The wisdom and artistry of storytellers from Hispanic and Indian traditionspreserve one of the world's richest folktale traditions-combining the lore of medieval Europe, the ancient Near East, and pre-Columbian America. Gathered from twenty countries, including the United States, the stories are...