LCCN2006-026548
Reviews"thought-provoking...highly accessible...fascinating...a useful reference...recommended"- Library Journal ; "fascinating"- The Hampshire Climax ; "thorough...a handy reference work on an unusual area within mythology that has not been previously recorded"- Reference Reviews., "thought-provoking...highly accessible...fascinating...a useful reference...recommended"-- Library Journal ; "fascinating"-- The Hampshire Climax ; "thorough...a handy reference work on an unusual area within mythology that has not been previously recorded"-- Reference Reviews.
Table Of ContentTable of Contents Preface The Dictionary Appendix 1: Subject Categories Appendix 2: Geography of Mythologies References Index
SynopsisEncompasses intoxicant-related stories from world mythology that explain the origins of a particular intoxicant or how that intoxicant was involved in creating a particular culture. This encyclopaedia ranges from Acan, the Mayan god of intoxicating drinks, to Zagreus, the first incantation of Greek Dionysus., Myths from the ancient world usually have some supernatural element, a component often generated from a particular intoxicant. These substances promoted a variety of states including possession by the gods, liberation of the soul or a communion with the spirit world. From Acan, the Mayan god of intoxicating drinks, to Zagreus, the first incarnation of the Greek god Dionysus, this encyclopedia encompasses intoxicant-related stories from world mythology that explain the origins of a particular intoxicant or how that intoxicant was involved in creating a particular culture. Entries are arranged alphabetically without regard to category (e.g., gods, intoxicants, places, and rites). Different versions of a single myth are presented when pertinent to the overriding theme. Entries record the referenced story, the identity of the culture in which the myth originated, and when applicable, information about related plant sources and pharmacological effects. Cross-references are noted in bold and sources appear at the end of each entry. Appendices group entries by category and by place of origin., Myths from the ancient world usually have some supernatural element, a component often generated from a particular intoxicant. These substances promoted a variety of states including possession by the gods, liberation of the soul or a communion with the spirit world. From Acan, the Mayan god of intoxicating drinks, to Zagreus, the first incantation of Greek Dionysus, this encyclopedia encompasses intoxicant-related stories from world mythology that explain the origins of a particular intoxicant or how that intoxicant was involved in creating a particular culture. Entries are arranged alphabetically without regard to category (e. g., gods, intoxicants, places, and rites). Different versions of a single myth are presented when pertinent to the overriding theme. Entries record the referenced story, the identity of the culture in which the myth originated, and when applicable information about related plant sources and pharmacological effects. Cross-references are noted in bold and sources appear at the end of each entry. Appendices group entries by category and by place of origin.