Books with title Don't Know Much About World Myths

Employing the popular Don't Know Much About style, with its familiar question-and-answer format, Don't Know Much About World Myths will explore the myths of the world, their impact on history, and their continuing role in our lives. It will offer listeners a wide-ranging, comprehensive, entertaining, and listenable survey of the great myths of world civilizations, how they came to be, what they meant to the people who created them, how they influenced society, literature, and art through history, and how they still speak to us today. Mythology is alive today in our art, literature, theatre, dreams, psychology - and certainly our language. "Pandora's Box", "Golden Fleece", "Labor of Hercules", and "Wheel of Fortune" are just a few of the words and phrases that come from a world of mythology and still color our speech. Using humor, contemporary references, and anecdotal material from mythology, extensive research based on recent archaeology that often reveals the history behind mythology, and surprising information that breaks down conventional wisdom, Don't Know Much About World Myths will ultimately be about stories - the great and timeless tales that have fascinated people around the planet for several millennia.

Whether it's the adventures of Greek gods and goddesses or Norse trickster tales, we all love to hear a good story. Kenneth C. Davis gives readers a taste of the diverse myths that live on in the cultures and religions around the world today. In his trademark question-and-answer style, peppered with entertaining sidebars and quotes, he also shows how almost every civilization's mythology shares common themes. A wealth of photographs and art reproductions, along with clever black-and-white illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier, helps convey mythology's lasting vitality. This is the perfect young companion to Don't Know Much About® Mythology -- and other titles in Davis's best-selling Don't Know Much About® series.

Why did the Mesopotamian hero Gilgamesh search for eternal youth? (see page 21) What is the Chinese recipe for creating the universe? (see page 67) How did the Blackfoot maiden Feather Woman turn the world upside down? (see page 122) Whether it's the adventures of Greek gods and goddesses or Norse trickster tales, we all love to hear a good story. Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis gives readers a taste of these enchanting myths and the diverse people who tell them. In his trademark question-and-answer style peppered with entertaining sidebars and quotes, he also shows how almost every civilization's mythology shares common themes. Some stories celebrate the creation of the earth and the arrival of the first humans; others mourn a massive flood of destruction. Our wide world is linked together by the stories we tell. A wealth of photographs and art reproductions, along with clever black-and-white illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier, helps convey the vitality of these amazing myths.

If Earth is round, why don't people on the other side of the world fall off? (see page 26)Is Mars red because it's embarrassed? (see page 49)If black holes are invisible, how do we know they're there? (see page 86)Using the popular style that has won millions of readers, best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis blasts off for the stars! With an entertaining question-and-answer format, amusing anecdotes, and fact-filled sidebars, he sets his sights on the mysteries of space.Humorous illustrations, along with NASA photographs, add fun and excitement to this fascinating and comprehensive book. Davis takes you back to the time when the Babylonians first charted the stars -- over three thousand years ago! You'll uncover amazing facts about the planets and stars, read how people were once convinced that Earth was the center of the universe, and discover how the experience of moonwalking astronauts may someday lead us to become pioneers on other planets.This book is the perfect companion to Don't Know Much About® The Universe -- and all the other books in the New York Times best-selling Don't Know Much About® series.

If Earth is round, why don't people on the other side of the world fall off? (see page 26) Is Mars red because it's embarrassed? (see page 49) If black holes are invisible, how do we know they're there? (see page 86) Using the popular style that has won millions of readers, best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis blasts off for the stars! With an entertaining question-and-answer format, amusing anecdotes, and fact-filled sidebars, he sets his sights on the mysteries of space. Humorous illustrations, along with NASA photographs, add fun and excitement to this fascinating and comprehensive book. Davis takes you back to the time when the Babylonians first charted the stars -- over three thousand years ago! You'll uncover amazing facts about the planets and stars, read how people were once convinced that Earth was the center of the universe, and discover how the experience of moonwalking astronauts may someday lead us to become pioneers on other planets. This book is the perfect companion to Don't Know Much About? The Universe -- and all the other books in the New York Times best-selling Don't Know Much About? series.