Reviews

Dow (German folklore & linguistics, emeritus, Iowa State Univ.) has thoroughly revised and updated the 2004 edition of the late Mercatante's celebrated encyclopedia. Readers will encounter 150 new articles (bringing the total to 3000), an expanded, annotated bibliography including web resources on world mythology, and new images. Impressive in scope, the set takes its title seriously-featured here are not only myths and legends from the Western hemisphere but a large survey of folklore and fables from Africa, India, ancient cultures, and the world's aboriginal and native peoples. The A-to-Z articles run in length from a paragraph to several pages, each including cross-references to other entries and related subjects and crisp black-and-white illustrations that replace some of the earlier editions' murkier reproductions. Previous volumes used a numbered entry system, which has been discontinued; the indexes, including a list of entries by culture, now refer readers to page numbers. BOTTOM LINE Earlier versions have been enthusiastically recommended, and this new edition is even better. Jammed with information and filled with both impressive scholarship and entertaining tidbits (who knew the potato was considered unholy by the Scots?), it is highly recommended for all libraries. [Available in print only.]-Amanda Sprochi, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Gr 9 Up-A standard resource takes on a fresh face and shape. Dow retains the basic structure and content of Mercatante's splendid first edition (Facts On File, 1988). While there are now two volumes and the scope, number, and wording of the entries are essentially the same, there are some notable differences. Translations of some of the names have been changed to reflect recent scholarship. Some articles are enhanced with additional pertinent information and nearly every one has see-also notes. New entries include: "Cardiff Giant," a quasi-legendary hoax; "Urban Legends"; and "Work Projects Administration," which encompasses the American folklore collecting activities of the Federal Writers Project. Both editions define "Myth," "Legend," "Folktale," and "Fable" in their introductions. Mercatante's discussion of these terms leads to his own succinct definitions, while Dow provides extended definitions. Line drawing reproductions of classical subjects are nearly identical but the new edition's reduced size has led to smaller illustrations. In some cases this results in sharper contrast; in others, details are muddied. A few are exquisite drawings by Aubrey Beardsley. Dow has added more than 50 items published since 1988 to the extensive annotated bibliographies. Libraries owning the earlier edition may well make do with it if current scholarship is not a priority, but those who can afford the new one would do well to acquire it.-Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.