Great myths retold

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33917, 9 August 1975, Page 10

Great myths retold

The Book of Myths. By Amy Cruse. Harrap. 285 pp. and index. N.Z. price $6.10. The rather pedestrian title of this hoik, which contains some of the most imaginative stories ever told by man. is quite appropriate. Amy Cruse’s retelling of the great myths of the world is. alas, pedestrian enough to be in keeping with the title, (a title which js not strictly accurate tor the book <■ ntains a number of legends as distinct from myths). I he language and stsle hold none of the mystery and excitement of Kingsley s •Heroes’ or Hawthorne’s •'Tanglewood Tales." Yet the book is b- n j means uninteresting. Inevitably perhaps, but regrettably, Ms. Cruse devotes more space to the myths of the Greeks than to those of any other civilisation, but she has collected some •t-cinating myths d widely diverse cultures, from Scandinavia. Mexico, Peru. Africa. Egypt. Babylon, Japan. China, the North American Indians, th Australian Aboriginals, and from Hinduism

It is worthwhile to have all these ■urces represented in one volume so re different stories and gods can be < mpared. Ms. Cruse has supplied a 'bort helpful introduction to each group, ana also a guide to the pronunciation of m rt of the names cnusual to Western ears.