Arthur Cotterell Books

A volume of unprecedented scale from one of the most respected academic and writer on comparative mythology, sumptuously illustrated throughout.

An original and unique work of reference which breaks new ground by treating for the first time the classical era of the Old World as a whole. Never before have the key peoples and events of Greece, Rome, Persia, India, and China been encompassed in a single volume, despite the fact their civilizations had much in common and laid the foundations of present-day Europe and Asia.Arthur Cotterell asserts that for too long Greece and Rome have been regarded as the classical world and its study isolated from even the major powers that confronted the Greeks and Romans in Iran and India. Today we are more aware of the complex interrelations that once existed between the Greeks and the Persians, the Macedonians and the Indians, the Romans and both the Persians and the Sasanians. The persistent isolation of China, on the other hand, cut off by mountains and deserts from India, makes the classical experience there so useful for comparison and contrast. The virtual absence of slavery in China is but one of its startling features.Comprehensive, wide-ranging and lavishly illustrated, The Pimlico Dictionary of Classical Civilizations provides a fascinating overview and a detailed analyis of the formative period of the world, making it indispensible for both students and the general reader.

Now reissued in new covers, Arthur Cotterell's fascinating book sets out clearly the chief myths of the world and explains why different mythologies arose in different lands, from the powerful gods of Greece, Rome, and Scandinavia to the mystical deities of Buddhist and Hindu India.

Deals with the myths and legends of the ancient worlds, from Greece, Rome and Egypt to the Norse and Celtic lands, through Persia and India to China and the Far East. This title offers a comprehensive A to Z of the classic stories of gods and goddesses, heroes, warriors and mythical beasts, with copious cross- references.

This unique reference work treats the classical mythologies of the Old World as a cohesive whole, encompassing the mythologies of Greece, Rome, Persia, India, and China for the first time. Arthur Cotterell explores the commonalities among these traditions, particularly through their Indo-European roots, revealing deeper insights through comparison and contrast. The parallels between Greek and Indian myths are particularly striking, highlighting differing attitudes toward concepts like heroism, love, and death. The emphasis on ascetic power in Indian mythology stands out, as does the unique nature of Greek tragedies, such as Oedipus, whose heroic failure is intriguingly linked to his physical condition. Myths are not merely recounted; their complexities are interpreted within their cultural contexts, illustrating the significant influence of Zoroaster on Persian mythology and its later impact on Christian thought. The work features over 200 original illustrations commissioned to depict how gods, heroes, and other figures were envisioned during the classical period, based on contemporary art rather than later interpretations. Combined with well-crafted entries and an informative introduction, this resource serves as an essential handbook for both students and general readers.

The book offers an engaging examination of Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies through over 150 alphabetical entries detailing gods, goddesses, and heroes, including figures from Agamemnon to Zeus. It emphasizes key themes like The Lovers of Zeus, Forces of Nature, and Monsters and Fabulous Beasts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of these rich mythological narratives.

In this important volume three ancient mythologies are brought to life: the Classical mythology of ancient Greece and Rome; the fairytale myths of the Celtic world; and from Northern Europe, tales of Germanic gods, Nordic warriors and fearsome giants. For maximum accessibility each entry is listed in A-Z order, detailing characters, locations, and sites of interest, significant events, stories and symbols. Pictorial features also focus on recurring mythological themes, such as Oracles, Magic, Voyages, Heroes, and Spells, making this book universal in theme and timeless in appeal. This is a lavish guide to the classic mythologies

s/t: An A-Z Guide to the Myths and Legends of the Ancient World* A comprehensive reference to the extraordinary tales and legends of the ancient world's most fascinating and beguiling mythologies. * An authoritative A to Z of the mythical figures of two continents, with copious cross-references. * Over 1,000 alphabetical entries describing the central mythical figures of each culture and their importance to the ancient civilizations of their day. * Beautifully illustrated with over 1,000 images spanning fifteen centures of fine art, from the ancient world to the present day, including specially commissioned artworks. * Superb pictorial spreads on the mythical themes and symbols central to each culture.* Lively and informed narrative by two expert authorities in their fields* Timeless in scope and appeal, a classic and enduring reference work*******************************************************************Contents:The Myths of Greece & RomeThe Myths of the Celtic WorldThe Myths of the Nordic LandsThe Myths of Egypt and West AsiaThe Myths of South and Central AsiaThe Myths of East AsiaPreviously published in two separate volumes, Encyclopedia of Mythology and Legends & Myths of India, Egypt, China & Japan

DK Eyewitness Books -Ancient China Photographs and artwork chronicle three thousand years of Chinese history, from the earliest dynasty to the twentieth century, and examine some of the contributions China has made to the world. Full description

In this exciting volume, the stormy mythologies of the Nordic world are brought to life. Complete with 160 colour images, including superb fine art paintings of the classic stories, this evocative and detailed encyclopedia of the myths and legends of the Nordic peoples will provide the perfect introduction to this fascinating subject for students, school libraries and the general reader who loves passionate tales of romance and derring-do.