Library Journal Review: Leeming (English & comparative literature, emeritus, Univ. of Connecticut; From Olympus to Camelot: The World of European Mythology), who has authored books on various aspects of mythology, many with a specific regional focus, has compiled a resource encompassing the important mythological topics from cultures around the world. This single volume begins with a list of the broad cultural headings?e.g., African, Chinese, Greek?with references to related subjects. The 2000 A-to-Z entries, which cover mythological figures (e.g., Zeus, Inanna), types and motifs (e.g., the Hero, the Quest), and traditions (e.g., Greek, Native American), include ample cross references. The articles range in length from several pages for the major Greek, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Celtic traditions to shorter entries for particular beliefs, concepts, and characters. Influential mythologists and modern-day philosophies are also covered. Leeming introductory essay, The Nature and Dimensions of Myth, defines the scope of mythology in articulating a cultural and universal identity. The book is further enhanced by more than 70 black-and-white illustrations as well as several pages of color plates depicting mythological subjects. Following the entries is a series of appendixes that includes Pantheonic charts, a lengthy bibliography, and a thorough index. Bottom Line This useful resource is comparable to Larousse World Mythology (Smithmark, 1989), yet more concise and comprehensive in its coverage. Highly recommended for academic reference collections.?Eloise Hitchcock, Western Carolina Univ. Lib., Cullowhee, NC Copyright ? Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.