From Library Journal

Philip uses art in various formsAfrom Chinese plates to Norwegian wooden church doors to the paintings of RaphaelAto illustrate and illuminate 56 myths and legends. The Greco/Roman tradition receives the largest coverage (23 entries plus a family tree), but many other world cultures are included. Each page is colorful and informative, with details of the artwork sidebarred for further explanation and arrows with captions pointing out details relevant to the myths. General text on each page gives basic information, and an index is included. But although most artworks are identified, a small number are not, for no apparent reason. Some of the items pointed out and captioned ("wet hair," "thread") seem embarrassingly obvious, and the introduction is perhaps overly ambitious in its cultural comparisons. Nonetheless, this is a typically excellent DK offering, recommended for school libraries at all levels and for public library collections.AKatherine K. Koenig, Ellis Sch., Pittsburgh

Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

Myths & Legends offers an original look into the myths and legends of cultures as diverse as ancient Greece and Aboriginal Australia. Gloriously reproduced artworks and artifacts are accompanied by clear, informative text to help readers understand and appreciate the often complex world of mythology.