In his characteristic question-and-answer format, Davis takes on world
myths and includes those of the South Pacific, Meso- and South America,
and sub-Saharan Africa. The author touches on a number of stories and
adventures from Aeneas to Enkidu and Gilgamesh to Shiva. There is a credible discussion of the
differences among myth, legend, folktale, and fable; mythology, too, is
identified as history, for that's what it was to many ancient peoples.
Davis also weighs in on the universality of myth as one of the best
ways to infer that we humans are more alike than different. Highlighted
sidebars appear on almost every page–some are short summaries, some are
links to other mythologies with common elements. Others give meanings
to phrases and words like taboo and berserk that come from myth. All in
all, this title serves as a kind of quick reference book–it helps
situate a character, phrase, or idea. Once the identification is
ascertained, direct readers to the real stuff.
Hardcover, 144 pages, ages 8-12,
8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
0060286067
Cover Price:$20.89
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