Don't Know Much About Mythology: Everything You Need to Know About the Greatest Stories in Human History but Never Learned

In this fascinating installment of the New York Times bestselling Don’t Know Much About® series, Kenneth C. Davis explores the great myths of the world and their implications for art, science, religion and culture throughout history.

What is an Egyptian pyramid doing on the U. S. dollar bill? • Did a pharaoh inspire Moses to worship one God? • What’s a Canaanite demoness doing at a rock concert?

Since the beginning of time, people have been insatiably curious. They’ve asked questions about where we come from, why the stars shine and the seasons change, and what constitutes evil. The imaginative answers crafted by our ancestors have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature.

In an engaging and delightfully irreverent question-and-answer style, Davis tackles the epic of Gilgamesh; Achilles and the Trojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Odin, Thor, and the entire Norse pantheon; Native American myths, and much more, including the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha. From Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, here is an insightful, lively look at the greatest stories ever told.

The latest installment in the New York Times bestselling Don't Know Much About® series -- a magical journey into the timeless world of mythology

It has been fifteen years since Kenneth C. Davis first dazzled audiences with his instant classic Don't Know Much About® History, vividly bringing the past to life and proving that Americans don't hate history, they just hate the dull, textbook version they were fed in school. With humor, wit, and a knack for storytelling, Davis has been bringing readers of all ages up to speed on history, geography, and science ever since. Now, in the classic traditions of Edith Hamilton and Joseph Campbell, he turns his talents to the world of myth.

Where do we come from? Why do stars shine and the seasons change? What is evil? Since the beginning of time, people have answered such questions by crafting imaginative stories that have served as religion, science, philosophy, and popular literature. In his irreverent and popular question-and-answer style, Davis introduces and explains the great myths of the world, as well as the works of literature that have made them famous. In a single volume, he tackles Mesopotamia's Gilgamesh, the first hero in world mythology; Achilles and the Trojan War; Stonehenge and the Druids; Thor, the Nordic god of thunder; Chinese oracle bones; the use of peyote in ancient Native American rites; and the dramatic life and times of the man who would be Buddha.

Ever familiar and instructive, Davis shows why the ancient tales of gods and heroes -- from Mount Olympus to Machu Picchu, from ancient Rome to the icy land of the Norse -- continue to speak to us today, in our movies, art, language, and music. For mythology novices and buffs alike, and for anyone who loves a good story, Don't Know Much About® Mythology is a lively and insightful look into the greatest stories ever told.

“Davis ranges widely and with such sparkling wit. . . a superb starting point for entering the world of mythology.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Davis is clearly the owner of a questing mind....An accessible and informed guide to an always-fascinating subject.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Over the long development of human culture, the stories of Mythology are like a chronology of human evolution. They tell us who who we are, and hint at the answer to the growing spiritual intolerance we see today: at the level of the soul, we all want the same things. In Don’t Know Much About Mythology, Kenneth C. Davis illuminates these ideas in a popular and entertaining way. I highly recommend this book.” - James Redfield, author of The Celestine Prophecy

"An enthusiastic introduction to world mythology...Fascinating." - School Library Journal

“With his trademark wit and fiercely entertaining style, Kenneth Davis draws us into mythological worlds, preserving ancient mysteries and enchantments even as he clarifies, orders, and makes sure we have the stories straight. Don’t Know Much About Mythology frames questions that arouse curiosity and produces answers that lead to astonishment. Whether you want a crash course on North American native myths or a refresher course on Gilgamesh, this book will provide a great read and remain a permanent reference manual.” - Dr. Maria Tatar, Department of Folklore and Mythology, Harvard University, author of The Annotated Brothers Grimm

“Who are we? In his thoughtful and entertaining Don’t Know Much about Mythology, Kenneth C. Davis suggests that in large part, we are a product of our own creation, our best instincts and worst prejudices—reflected in the stories we tell. We have become our myths, Davis suggests, though they are not necessarily true. In the Americas, myths justified slavery and the destruction of native societies. Yet myth can empower, pulling us upward toward greater creativity and humanity. For all who chose to know just who we are, you must read this book.” - Richard M. Cohen, author of Blindsided

“A massive overview of every myth under the sun. Davis shatters commonly held myths about myths.” - Daily News

“Ken Davis is the high school teacher we all wish we’d had—smart, funny, and irreverent. Don’t Know Much About Mythology is a crystalized reminder of what’s enduring about the past, and why it continues to matter today. It’s a perfect companion to Harry Potter, The DaVinci Code, and the Bible—and the best excuse I know to get deserted on a Greek island. Between Odysseus and Icarus, it might even give you a few clues for how to find your way home—and how not to.” - Bruce Feiler, author of Walking the Bible