Not Comprehensive, Incomplete, Some Errors
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This book is a mixed bag. It is a usable resource on non-Greek/Roman mythology, but is marred by the author's essays in regard to the Greek/Roman mythos. Baumgartner's views aren't necessarily invalid and may be an attempt at humor, but personal opinions and humorously incomplete writing have no place in a book calling itself a "dictionary." This is *all* she says about Perseus, one of the most-written about Greek heros: "Son of Zeus and Danae. He cut off the head of the gorgon Medusa, who was minding her own business at the time, and gave the head to Athena. This disgusting homicide won him acclaim and honor." Real funny, huh? It gets worse. This is an example of an error: "Maia - Greek: Daughter of Atlas and Pleione. Mother of Herakles by Zeus." Wrong. Should say mother of Hermes. Herakles' mother was Almene. Only use this book as a last resort. Buyer beware.
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