Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities

by Charles Russell Coulter (Editor), Patricia Turner (Editor)

Overview

The history of the divine is the history of human thought. For as long as men and women have pondered the mysteries of their existence, they have answered their own questions with stories of gods and goddesses. Belief in these deities shaped whole civilizations, yet today many of their names and images lie buried.

The Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities makes those names available to the general reader as well as the scholar. This reference work lists all the known gods through recorded history. Alphabetically arranged entries provide the name of each deity (with alternate spellings), as well as notes on names that may be linguistically or functionally related. The tribe or culture that worshiped the deity is identified, and the god's origins and functions are explained.

An extensive bibliography provides opportunities for further research and an exhaustive index provides access to the entries through virtually all names, forms and kinds of deities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781135963972
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/04/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	610
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Charles Russell Coulter, Patricia Turner

Table of Contents

On Alphabetization and Spelling; The Encyclopedia Proper; The Index; Preface; The Encyclopedia; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; Bibliography; Index

Editorial Reviews

Though Coulter (a novelist and engineer) and Turner (a writer and researcher) never actually define the parameters of "ancient," the scope of this encyclopedia is broad enough to cover any expectations engendered by that term. Each entry identifies the deity's ethnic group, states his or her status (e.g., "hero," "woodland deity"), explains the deity's lineage, and tells his or her major story. Deities with the same name are distinguished by means of alphabetical tags following each entry. See references for alternate spellings of names are so numerous that some pages are little but that. Cross references are included in the majority of entries, and an index helps to identify deities easily by culture, subject, place, and spelling variant. Many little-known gods from obscure mythologies are included, but the longest entries are still devoted to better-known deities from traditional cultures. This is a valuable resource for quick reference and for beginning research on the topic. Recommended for public and academic libraries.--Katherine K. Koenig, Ellis Sch., Pittsburgh Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

A comprehensive if not exhaustive reference focusing on the origins, histories, and functions of the deities. Also includes the names and alternate names, ancient and modern of the people who believed in them. Extensive cross-referencing identifies classes of deities, alternate spellings and names, similar deities in other cultures, works of literature, places, and other associations. Much of the research was conducted through libraries outside of the US, so the coverage includes many cultures not usually represented in such references, such as Inuit, Native American, and African. Article-specific bibliographies, or even a culture-specific one, and an index by culture or region would have made the work more useful. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

many little-known gods from obscure mythologies are included...a valuable resource”—Library Journal

From the Publisher

a tremendous reference source for any collection, heartily recommended

Choice

many more entries [than the competition]. Academic and large public libraries in need of resources on this topic should purchase this work

Booklist

many more entries [than the competition]. Academic and large public libraries in need of resources on this topic should purchase this work

Booklist/RBB