Encyclopedia of Gods Babylon Canaan Celt Egypt Persia Hittite Greek Rome Etruria

Description

Encyclopedia of Gods: Over 2,500 Deities of the World by Michael Jordan.
DESCRIPTION:
Hardcover with Dust Jacket: 337 pages.  Publisher: Facts On File, Inc. (1993).  Size: 9¾ x 7¾ x 1¼ inches; 2 pounds. Since the beginning of time, the same mysteries have puzzled people on every continent; the same fears have beset them. They have attempted to explain the mysteries and allay the fears in the same way – through the worship of gods. Deities have been identified with the human psyche for at least 60,000 years. Encyclopedia of Gods offers concise information on more than 2,500 of these deities, from the most ancient gods of polytheistic societies – Hittite, Sumerian, Mesopotamian – to the most contemporary gods of the major monotheistic religions – Allah, God, Yahweh. Among the cultures included are African peoples, Albanian, Pre-Islamic Arabian, Aztec, Babylonian, Buddhist, Canaanite, Celtic, Egyptian, Native American, Etruscan, Germanic, Greek, Roman, Hindu, Persian, Polynesian, and Shinto.
The Encyclopedia includes not only the most significant gods of each culture but minor deities as well. Here you will find information not only on Zeus, Thor and Astarte but also on Tozi, the Aztec goddess of healing, Annamurti, the Hindu patron deity of the kitchen, and Nyakaya, the Shilluk crocodile goddess. Each entry provides details on what culture worshiped the god, the role of the god, and the characteristics and symbols used in identification. In the case of the more important personalities, references in art and literature and known dates of worship are also provided. Indexes by civilization and role of the god enable the researcher to compare gods across cultures or to find information on specific topics of interest. Encyclopedia of Gods will be indispensable to students and researchers in religions, anthropology, history and archaeology. It will also provide endless information for the reader interested in mythology and legend.
CONDITION: LIKE NEW. New hardcover w/dustjacket. Facts-on-File (1993) 337 pages. Inside the pages are pristine; clean, crisp, unmarked, unmutilated, tightly bound, unambiguously unread. Outside the book is unblemished except for very mild shelfwear to dustjacket, mild edge and corner shelfwear to quarter-cloth covers. The shelfwear to the covers is in the form of very faint bumps to the open corners, consequence merely of the book being carelessly bumped against the book shelf edge when being shelved and re-shelved. However the bumps are so mild they are not easily discerned, and so mild that the pages beneath are absolutely unaffected (the pages do not have echoing corner creases). It’s very mild, purely superficial and cosmetic in nature, and again, not discernible except upon close scrutiny. Condition is entirely consistent with new stock from an open-shelf bookstore environment (i.e., think of B. Dalton or Barnes & Noble) wherein new books might show minor signs of shelfwear and/or minor cosmetic blemishes the consequence of simply being shelved and re-shelved. Satisfaction unconditionally guaranteed. In stock, ready to ship. No disappointments, no excuses. PROMPT SHIPPING! HEAVILY PADDED, DAMAGE-FREE PACKAGING! Meticulous and accurate descriptions! Selling rare and out-of-print ancient history books on-line since 1997. We accept returns for any reason within 30 days! #1060d.
PLEASE SEE IMAGES BELOW FOR JACKET DESCRIPTION(S) AND FOR PAGES OF PICTURES FROM INSIDE OF BOOK.
PLEASE SEE PUBLISHER, PROFESSIONAL, AND READER REVIEWS BELOW.
PUBLISHER REVIEW
:
Review
: Throughout history, questions of life and death, famine and bounty, good and bad luck have puzzled people the world over, and they have attempted to solve mysteries and allay fears in the same way – through the worship of gods. Arranged alphabetically from A-a, the sun goddess of Mesopotamia, to Zurvan, the Persian god of fate, Encyclopedia of Gods is the most broadly based work of reference yet produced on gods from all over the world. Giving equal emphasis to ancient mythology and contemporary religions, the entries explain the culture of origin and the role of each god or goddess, while longer essays give details of artistic and literary references, known dates of worship and legends associated with the more important deities.
Review
: From A-a, the sun goddess of Mesopotamia, to Zurvan, the Persian god of fate, this encyclopedia provides the most comprehensive source of reference on the worlds deities. More than 2,500 names are listed and detailed. The references span the world from Siberia to South America, and the gods of ancient mythology and contemporary religion are given equal emphasis. Each entry provides details of the relevant culture, the role of the god or goddess and the characteristics and symbols which will assist in identification. For many of the important personalities temples, references in art and literature and dates of worship are also described.
Review
: Michael Jordan was born in Lancashire, England, in 1941. He studied Natural Sciences at London University, and went on to become a successful BBC television presenter of wildlife programs in the 1980s. His love of writing began at about that time, when his focus of interest switched to ancient religions and cults, for which today he is best known as a non-fiction author. He has a current list of 26 published works. In 2001 he wrote a highly controversial book, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, Mary, the Unauthorized Biography, about the origins of the Marian cult, which was subsequently sold worldwide in various languages. Michael’s first venture into fiction writing, The Seventy Ninth Heresy, evolved from his years of research into the field of ancient religions and their origins. Currently he lives in Devon.
Review
: Michael Jordan is best known as a television journalist, but he has a lifelong passion for anthropology and the study of gods, witches and magic. His previous books for Kyle Cathie are Myths of the World and Witches: an encyclopedia of Paganism and magic. He is also the author of Gods of the Earth, a study of the Mother Goddess, and Mary, a controversial biography of the Virgin Mary.
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS
:
Review
:  What a book! “Encyclopedia of Gods” is an exhaustive survey of the gods of the world. It includes major and minor deities from every culture and spanning time from 60,000 years ago to the present. You can read of the ancient gods of the Mesopotamian culture right alongside their modern descendants.
The listings are arranged alphabetically. They vary from a two-sentence description to a lengthy narrative that includes physical description, powers, domain, relatives and associates, adversaries, titles, known period of worship, other names, region of worship and where the god is found in literature and art.
Jordan has included a chronology of the major religions covered by this book and a “Civilization Index.” The Civilization Index is the handiest thing in the world for quick reference when you know the name of the culture but not their deities. You can look up “African,” find the subdivision of interest (such as wind, creator, death or lake) and see all the deities that exercise dominion over that realm. This is a 21-page list. Then there is a subject index that encompasses another 17 pages.
This is a top-of-the-line reference book that puts you right on the entry in no time. It is extremely thorough, especially with the cross-referencing. The entries are written in colorful and entertaining style, with lively language. I enjoy reading this one from cover to cover. It is a book that will provide entertainment year after year. You are certain to find gods listed here that you have never heard of before. For the student of folklore or religion, it is a must-own reference. For the person with a casual interest, it is an engaging manuscript that will fascinate the imagination and take you on journeys to distance places and times.
Review
:  Every culture has its gods involved with such concerns as weather, fertility, and safety. Although this reference represents the most comprehensive listing available of the deities of principal religions, it is not exhaustive. The gods of Haiti, for example, are described as being in excess of 10,000, and there are at least as many Japanese and Chinese gods. Many primitive societies are reluctant to speak the names of deities to outsiders for fear of divine punishment. As a result, this book has geographical gaps and other lapses that can be accounted for by cultural differences. Entries are arranged in alphabetical order, without being broken down into ethnic or cultural groups, and each entry is listed under the name by which the deity is most commonly known. Entries give a deity’s culture, role, and principal characteristics. A subject index lists deities by religion and function, and a civilization index organizes them by region. ]Library Journal].
Review
:  Coverage in this book is worldwide. The compiler’s aim is to include deities that someone with a serious interest in mythology would be most likely to want to identify. Since “gods are iconic figures whose pedigree belongs exclusively in the heavens,” demons, demigods, and heroes are omitted. A preface discusses the evolution of the concepts of gods and goddesses and traces major civilizations (later portrayed on a time line) in relation to their myths The dictionary-length entries generally note the culture source (e.g., West Africa, Jain), role (e.g., earth creator, river goddess), genealogy (parents, siblings), and attributes (conch, arrow). Occasionally, entries note art or literature references, period of worship, synonyms, and/or cult center (s).  The first index lists gods by civilization and, for those cultures with many gods, by role. The subject index lists deities by role; some lists are broken down by culture (e.g., “”guardian or tutelary”–Arabic–Allat”).  For those desiring a dictionary on this topic will find “Encyclopedia of Gods” more scholarly in coverage and style than most.  [Booklist].
Review
: Offers concise information on some 2,500 gods from ancient Babylon to modern Haiti, including not only the most significant deities of each culture but minor gods as well. The alphabetical entries supply the god’s role and characteristics, the culture that has given it life, and the symbols used to represent it. Indexed by civilization as well as by subject. [Book News].
Review
: A monumental work…fascinating reading for both the casually interested and the intellectually inclined. [Western Gazette].
READER REVIEWS
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Review
: This is a handy book to have around because of the quantity of deities which it lists, and for getting a basic idea of the deities (pantheon/general theme as in associated with wealth, prosperity, sensuality, etc.).  It’s a godsend for those who study ancient religions and/or history.  It is well formatted and informative. Lists gods alphabetically and cross references them with names used by other ancient civilizations. Also tells who other members of their family were. A great reference if you are reading the Earth Chronicles series by Zecharia Sitchin. One of my best library additions. A must have!
Review
:   This book highlights not just the gods of one religion or cult, but all through out history. Reading through this will lead you to a better understanding of the cultures of the past and their influence on the present cultures of today. From Christians to the Norse, from the Greek and Romans to the Ancient Egyptian. And not to forget the role of the gods of our native Americans. These deities effect, to this day, our very lives and understanding of each other.
Review
:  This book details more gods than you can shake a stick at. It does so with varying degrees of thoroughness. Major gods may get two or three paragraphs whilst minor ones no more than a line in some cases. It is a highly useful reference work that has yet to let me down.
Review
: I have purchased multiple copies of this book over the years because when I lend it out, it never returns. 2,500 gods is a good start. It covers most of the major players in the Western Mythos. A full listing of the various and sundry gods in the Levant alone would fill five volumes. Add Mesopotamia and India and you could fill ten more! To include the gods of the European tribes and the Norse would ass a few more and the Africans and Pacific Islanders would almost fill ten volumes of their own. But these gods are the essential collection and should be familiar to any scholar. A MUST HAVE!
Review
: I believe there are more than 2500 Gods, many who claim to be the one true God. Humans have made God to answer questions they feel inadequate at explaining. It is a thread of our neurodrive that helps us survive by flocking. We are doing a terrible job of schooling. So this was a great book for my research and a fun read unless you might get upset if you come across your personal God. Religion is about my God, mythology is about everybody else’s. I am partial to LUG, you might say I’m a Lug nut. Rather than argue “Is there a god?” I say it doesn’t matter to me. Faith is No Reason. I will believe in miracles when God heals my friend who had his leg blown off in Nam. When I see him wiggle his toes on ‘both’ feet, I will be a believer. The Governor of Texas had a prayer meeting asking God to send rain that would end the terrible drought Texas endures. A few days later the state was deluged with wild fires that destroyed thousands of homes, now if it rains the flooding will wash away the burnt top soil.
Review
: Author Michael Jordan (not that Michael Jordan) does a decent job gathering up over a couple thousand gods, which I am sure was no easy task.  The gods are listed in alphabetical order, and the index in the back also lists by subject, like gods of agriculture, gods of fertility, etc. and lists the gods by civilization, such as Incan gods, Egyptian gods, Greek gods, Norse gods etc.   I find the book useful as a quick reference guide to gods I’ve never heard of. It can be used for a quick way to find names for various video games (If you’ve played any online game, you know how hard it is to find a unique name) or to learn some basics about a number of gods. If you are really interested in the gods this is very useful as a quick reference guide, but for a more thorough look, you may want to buy a book focused on the particular culture that you are interested in. Myself, for example, I have books on the Egyptian gods, Greek gods, Norse gods, Incan gods and Mayan gods that go much more in depth than this book, but on the other hand, you would have to get a number of books to get the quick overview provided here.  Useful reference. Recommended.
Review
:  Excellent book–having all the gods known to man.  It discusses the gods of just about all the ancient cultures in the mid-east , India , Africa and American Indians.  The names of the gods are written alphabetically so you can look up one in particular if you’d like.  I easily found the ones I wanted to study.
Review
: Holy Heruka! This pretty much covers it! All the mythological deities of the world, excluding none. From Abzu to Mungu to Zurvan, this exquisite collection presented to us by Michael Jordan is a must-have for all who study comparative religion and mythology. Jump into this tome with the goddess, Nai, and new worlds will show themselves to you!
Review
: If you’re an author who writes fantasy, this book is a must because it delves a good many gods and goddesses, both well-known and obscure. As the title says, over 2500 of them. Giving various spellings for the same god, it also lists the dates of worship, country of origin, as well as descriptions and attributes and history. They’re arranged alphabetically with Indices in which they’re classed by country and culture, as well as their particular role in civilization.  It’s a great reference tool, as well as simply an interesting and informative read.
Review
: This book is an excellent recourse for those who are interested in studying the Gods of every civilization from the beginning of documented history. Inside the front cover is a time line that presents the span of civilization from Sumerian to present. The descriptions of the Gods themselves are very concise yet informative. I highly recommend this book. Buy and enjoy!
Review
This book is the most complete reference book on Gods and Goddesses I have ever seen. it list’ Gods and Goddesses from every time period, civilization, and attribute you could think of. It list’ Gods and Goddesses minor and major from A-a to Zurvan and even has a wonderful civilization and subject index. If you want information on Gods and Goddesses this is the book to buy.
Review
: Well formatted and informative. Lists gods alphabetically and cross references them with names used by other ancient civilizations. Also tells who other members of their family were. A great reference if you are reading the Earth Chronicles series by Zecharia Sitchin. One of my best library additions. A must have!
Review
: If you’re interested in a “Dead God Tally” this book is for you. It provides an alpha listing of “gods” across the world. “We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further.”
Review
: This isn’t a book of stories, its a reference book for the gods of world mythologies. I rate it 5-5 because as an encyclopedia it is very informative and a very useful reference book and that’s all its supposed to be.
Review
: An excellent reference book, also interesting to dip into. Essential for anyone really interested in religions and cults. Incidentally, it would make Christians, Moslems, and others think more deeply about their beliefs.
Review
: This is an excellent resource for the obscure references I encounter during research projects. When I read a document that expects me to be familiar with deities I have never heard of, the Encyclopedia of Gods has come through for me more often than not.
Review
: I got this from the library to see if it was worth buying. It is. You’d need to find some dedicated books for full details, but entries are long enough to get the idea and short enough for further explanation of mythology and folklore to a child when you encounter gods and goddesses as characters in read-aloud time. Or Marvel movies.
Review
: This is an excellent source of information. If you are into religion as a study of human nature and not a spiritual path, than this book is a must have on your shelf.
Review
: This book has been a greatly informative book as to Deities of old . It is something that I refer to at least once a week and find it to be a treasure in my collection
Review
A gift for my 12 year old nephew. will be a great resource as he progresses through his education. He is on the Greek gods so I wanted to enlighten him to all the rest and this was the perfect source.:
Review
: Great book with some much information. It’s exactly what it’s titled and I’m so glad to add this to my collection of books!
Review
: This is an interesting little reference book showing just how many ways humans have attempted to come to terms with their universe.
Review
: This book was really good it talks about a lot of deities.
Review
: Five stars. I purchased this as a replacement to one that I had loaned out and never got back.
Review
: Like the title says, it’s a great quick reference for when I need it.
Review
: I love books like this. It helps in my history classes
Review
: Great reference of study for past and present gods of the world.
Review
: This is a go-to book of information not findable anyplace else. He did his homework, and now I can do mine.
Review
: I have skipped through this book as a reference book. A lot of good stuff. Will be using it through the year in my academic endeavors.
Review
: This book is helpful, especially for people who are trying to understand more than one religion. I use this book as a compass on finding out all I can about the gods and goddesses.
Review
: Invaluable reference.
Review
: As reference, used often, especially when Lara names her doggesses.
Review
: Many interesting little facts. More a reference book than anything else.
Review
: A decent quick reference.
Review
: A useful dictionary of gods from throughout the world.
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ABOUT US
: Prior to our retirement we used to travel to Europe and Central Asia several times a year. Most of the items we offer came from acquisitions we made in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) during these years from various institutions and dealers. Much of what we generate on Etsy, Amazon and Ebay goes to support The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, as well as some other worthy institutions in Europe and Asia connected with Anthropology and Archaeology. Though we have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, our primary interests are ancient jewelry and gemstones. Prior to our retirement we traveled to Russia every year seeking antique gemstones and jewelry from one of the globe’s most prolific gemstone producing and cutting centers, the area between Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, Russia. From all corners of Siberia, as well as from India, Ceylon, Burma and Siam, gemstones have for centuries gone to Yekaterinburg where they have been cut and incorporated into the fabulous jewelry for which the Czars and the royal families of Europe were famous for.
My wife grew up and received a university education in the Southern Urals of Russia, just a few hours away from the mountains of Siberia, where alexandrite, diamond, emerald, sapphire, chrysoberyl, topaz, demantoid garnet, and many other rare and precious gemstones are produced. Though perhaps difficult to find in the USA, antique gemstones are commonly unmounted from old, broken settings – the gold reused – the gemstones recut and reset. Before these gorgeous antique gemstones are recut, we try to acquire the best of them in their original, antique, hand-finished state – most of them centuries old. We believe that the work created by these long-gone master artisans is worth protecting and preserving rather than destroying this heritage of antique gemstones by recutting the original work out of existence. That by preserving their work, in a sense, we are preserving their lives and the legacy they left for modern times. Far better to appreciate their craft than to destroy it with modern cutting.
Not everyone agrees – fully 95% or more of the antique gemstones which come into these marketplaces are recut, and the heritage of the past lost. But if you agree with us that the past is worth protecting, and that past lives and the produce of those lives still matters today, consider buying an antique, hand cut, natural gemstone rather than one of the mass-produced machine cut (often synthetic or “lab produced”) gemstones which dominate the market today. We can set most any antique gemstone you purchase from us in your choice of styles and metals ranging from rings to pendants to earrings and bracelets; in sterling silver, 14kt solid gold, and 14kt gold fill. When you purchase from us, you can count on quick shipping and careful, secure packaging. We would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from us. There is a $3 fee for mailing under separate cover. I will always respond to every inquiry whether via email or eBay message, so please feel free to write.