Tony's Review of The Encyclopedia of Mythology: Classical, Celtic, Norse

The Encyclopedia of Mythology: Classical, Celtic, Norse by Arthur Cotterell is a compact but surprisingly rich reference guide for anyone interested in ancient myths. It covers a broad range of material, moving between Greek and Roman legends, the complex Celtic traditions, and the colder, harsher world of Norse mythology.

One of the book’s strongest points is its clarity. Entries are crisp, direct, and easy to navigate. Cotterell organizes the material with enough depth to offer meaningful insights without overwhelming the reader. For writers, researchers, or anyone who occasionally needs a fast but reliable mythological reference, this book is a strong tool. I have used it myself when working on writing projects, and it serves well when you need quick inspiration or a reminder of the basic structures behind an old story.

The Classical section feels the most fleshed out, which is understandable given the amount of surviving material from Greece and Rome. The Celtic and Norse sections are thinner by comparison, but still valuable. Cotterell does a good job bringing lesser-known figures and tales to the surface, rather than only retelling the most famous myths.

Visually, the book is enhanced by clean illustrations and clear formatting, making it easy to dive in and out without getting bogged down. It's structured more as an accessible overview than a deep academic work, so those looking for scholarly depth or fully sourced commentary might find it a little light.

If there's a weakness, it's that sometimes the brevity works against it. A few myths and characters are reduced to bare summaries, and readers who want more nuance or cultural context may have to supplement it with deeper sources. Still, for what it aims to be a practical and engaging reference it succeeds.

Overall, The Encyclopedia of Mythology is a solid, approachable resource. It’s useful both for casual readers who want to dip into the old stories and for writers like myself who occasionally need mythology at their fingertips. Crisp, clear, and thoughtfully arranged, it earns its place on the shelf.