This is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the world's myths and legends, and details the role that these tales play in explaining the world around us. There are over 750 color images of sculptures, reliefs, etchings, and paintings from leading art galleries, museums, and private collections from around the world.

The classical era. Greek and Roman mythology -- European mythology. Celtic and Irish mythology ; Germanic and Norse mythology ; Finnish mythology ; Slavic mythology ; Romance mythology ; Arthurian mythology -- Egyptian and African mythology. Egyptian mythology ; African mythology -- Middle East and Asian mythology. Mesopotamian mytology; Middle Eastern mythology; Indian mythology; Chinese mythology; Japanese mythology ; Tibetan mythology -- Mythology of Oceania. Oceanic mythology ; Australian Aboriginal mythology ; Maori mythology -- Mythology of the Americas. North American mythology ; Mesoamerican mythology ; South American mythology.