Critique de Booklist

First published in France in 1988 as Dictionnaire des Mythes Litt{{‚}}eraires, this work is a compilation of scholarly essays written by members of a research group at the University of Paris. The majority of the 124 articles focus on an eclectic assortment of biblical, historical, and mythical figures (e.g., Apollo, Daphne, Joan of Arc, Job, Louis XIV, Moses, Prometheus) and mythical themes (e.g., doubles and counterparts, heroism, the wandering Jew, virile women). In addition, eight essays treat myths pertaining to a particular nationality or group, such as African, Hindu, Japanese, and Scandinavian. Several articles, including "Historical and Mythical Figures" and "Literary and Mythological Narratives," provide a general overview and analysis that is valuable for understanding the more specific entries. Regardless of their focus, all articles appear in a single alphabetical sequence. Individual essays vary considerably in length: the shortest is three pages, while the longest is 35. The organization and scope of the articles are also highly individual, but, in general, each explores the historical background of the original myth and then traces its treatment in works of literature through the ensuing centuries. Greater emphasis is placed on European writings based on myths rather than on British or American works. Although bibliographies are not provided at the end of each essay, a substantial list of sources for further reading appears at the end of the text. An index covers themes, mythical figures, and topics but, unfortunately, does not include references to authors and titles of literary works that have drawn upon mythical themes. Approximately one-fifth of the topics treated in this work are also explored in Horst and Ingrid Daemmrich's Themes & Motifs in Western Literature (Francke, 1987). Surprisingly, there is relatively little overlap with Jean-Charles Seigneuret's two-volume Dictionary of Literary Themes and Motifs (Greenwood, 1988). Encyclopedia of Traditional Epics [RBB N 1 94] has some overlap (e.g., The Cid, The Flood, The Grail), but its 1,500 entries are much briefer. Although less approachable for undergraduates than any of the aforementioned works, this scholarly tome is an appropriate and useful addition to academic and research libraries. (Reviewed November 15, 1994)