A Guide to Chinese Myths
From the Set The Global Guide to Mythology
Chinese culture is steeped in centuries of folklore and imagination. The legendary Monkey King's incredible feats, the origin of the mystical phoenix, and other captivating stories have shaped Chinese culture and continue to influence modern society. The accessible main text, supplemented with engaging sidebars, encourages a deeper understanding of China's vibrant history, beliefs, and traditions. Perfect for curious minds and adventure seekers, this book will spark the imagination and illuminate the magic that lies within the tales of ancient China.
SLJ Review of The Global Guide to Mythology
Gr 6–9—Over millennia, people shared similar values, fears, concerns, and cultural attitudes, and the stories they told and passed down conveyed these ideas within their societies. Each book in this series opens with an introduction the nation of origin and/or culture that produced a set of myths. Students learn that myths share some cross-cultural thematic similarities in trope (creation myths, hero tales, flood tales, tricksters, myths explaining natural phenomena), in function (myths also entertain and teach lessons), and in characterization. While some of these concepts are heady and thought-provoking, the myths included here are entertaining, wistful, exciting, and humorous. Each volume summarizes the culture’s belief and traditions, and students will learn some history along the way. The series is clearly written, although pronunciation guides would have helped. A blend of photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations of artworks representative of individual cultures lend strong visual appeal. Sidebars and captions offer additional information, and each chapter ends with some critical thinking questions. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a bibliography. VERDICT Highly recommended for school and public library collections.
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