A comprehensive but condensed overview defining and classifying myth, providing examples from numerous cultures, and briefly tracing the trajectory of myth scholarship. . . . A well-knit, generously illustrated, and accessible text." —Religious Studies Review "Required in almost every class I teach. Doty’s excellent introduction to myth studies is accessible and clear, comprehensive and full of excellent illustrations and bibliography (plus a glossary and advice on using Internet and other electronic resources). . . . It is a dynamite ‘soft’ advance reading for Doty’s magisterial Mythography: The Study of Myths and Rituals. But it stands on its own in terms of quality and approachable writing style. The mini-anthology of mythological texts (60 pages) is full of unusual but quite stimulating samples from a number of cultures. I cannot think of another book that accomplishes so much in such tight focus." —Ginette Paris, Mythological Studies Program, Pacifica Graduate Institute "Doty’s thorough, academic introduction to the ongoing relevance and study of myth in contemporary culture provides useful surveys of the history of scholarship and criticism of myth and also discusses recent applications of myth in modern life, such as the Big Bang, Gaia as Earth, the cults of Elvis and Madonna, and the significance of Harry Potter. In clear, elegant prose, Doty conveys competing arguments about definitions and roles of myth in society and admirably delineates crucial similarities and differences between the approaches of influential myth scholars. . . . A useful and candid summary for students and teachers. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty." —Choice