This important new publication is an instantly accessible encyclopedia that is fully cross-referenced, detailing the pantheon of Asian gods through authoritative text and 500 color illustrations of sacred people and holy places drawn from original sources. Readers will travel through exotic realms of high adventure, thrill at the exploits of warrior-gods, and become immersed in the legend and folklore that bring both ancient stories to life and an understanding of contemporary Asian cultures.

This magnificent book reveals the powerful and evocative mythologies of the East in all their glory. Mythological themes include Yin and Yang, the avatars of Vishnu, demons and black magic, and the incarnations of the mother goddess. The book covers Asia, ancient Egypt, Persia, Asia Minor, Sumer, Babylon, India, China and Japan, and explores legends of the gods who have shaped Eastern religion and Western philosophy. Illustrated with over 500 evocative photographs, this fascinating guide brings to life to the mythology of the gods and goddesses, heroes, sacred animals and places of the East in a highly readable and accessible style.

Divided into two sections, Western mythology and Eastern mythology, this easy-to-use text details characters, locations, sites of interest, significant events, stories and symbols. It contains over 1000 images, with cross references throughout.

The role of mythology in ritual and its place in the origins of customs, cults, and hero worship are the areas covered by this survey. Based on firsthand sources, this book recounts the legends of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, and Canaanites, in addition to discussing the mythological elements of the Jewish apocalyptic literature and the New Testament. The author's well-documented commentary highlights the similarities between various Middle Eastern legends and offers revealing citations from documents, tablets, and inscriptions recovered by archaeological excavations. It contains 16 black-and-white illustrations.

Greek and Roman mythology has fascinated people for more than two millennia, and its influence on cultures throughout Europe, America, North Africa, and the Middle East attests to the universal appeal of the stories. This title examines the best-known figures of Greek and Roman mythology together with the great works of classic literature.