A handy dictionary of mythology : $b For everyday readers

This compact reference brings the vast world of ancient gods, heroes, and legends to a level anyone can enjoy without wading through scholarly tomes. It explains the deities that pop up in museums, literature, cartoons, and everyday conversation, so listeners can instantly recognize why a poet mentions Athena or a comic strip lampoons Zeus. Each entry is kept brief and clear, offering the most essential stories, relationships, and cultural meanings in plain language.

The author has drawn from classic works such as Lemprière’s Classical Dictionary and several eighteenth‑century pantheons, while also noting alternative versions when myths conflict. Pronunciation guides and carefully chosen poetic quotations help you hear the names correctly and understand their lyrical use. Beyond Greek and Roman figures, the guide includes major Norse, Egyptian, and Celtic deities, giving a well‑rounded view of the mythic imagination that still influences modern art and politics. All of this is organized alphabetically for quick lookup, making it an ideal companion for curious readers, writers, or anyone who wants a quick mythic refresher.