Lists the most important English-language studies of myth theory, which attempt to answer the questions: What is 'myth?' How does it function in human society, and how is it to be interpreted?

This broad work covers world cultures from prehistory through the year 700 CE. Its three volumes stretch beyond the boundaries of the ancient world of Greece, Rome and Egypt to provide world coverage. The set begins with 20 overview essays which cover topics ranging from agriculture to writing systems. This is followed by alphabetically arranged essays on persons, cultures, wars, battles, documents or works, traditions or cultural phenomena, structures or artificats, places or sites, terms and groups or civilizations from 'Abd al-Malik through Zurvanism. The encyclopaedia contains guides for...

The 315 essays in this set include general overviews of art and architecture, daily life and customs, death and burial, education and training, government and law, language and literature, medicine and health, navigation and transportation, the performing arts, religion and ritual, science, settlements and social structure, sorts and entertainment, technology, trade and commerce, war and weapons, women's life and writing systems. Biographical entries cover statesmen, military leaders, writers, and philosophers. Descriptive entries examine literature, battles, and philosophical movements.