Published in 1899, this book is exactly what the title promises. Edward Sylvester Ellis, a prolific writer of adventure stories for boys, turned his hand to compiling a straightforward encyclopedia of mythological figures. Don't expect a flowing narrative. Instead, the book is organized like a dictionary, with entries listed from A to Z.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot. The "story" is the grand, chaotic saga of human imagination across different cultures, presented in bite-sized pieces. You can flip open to any page and find a brief description of a character. One entry might explain Hercules and his famous labors in a few paragraphs. Turn the page, and you might find a shorter note on a lesser-known Norse giant or a spirit from Native American lore. Ellis draws mainly from Greek, Roman, and Norse myths but also includes figures from Egyptian, Hindu, and other traditions. It's a snapshot of what a well-read person at the turn of the 20th century considered "world mythology."

Why You Should Read It

I love this book for its sheer, unpretentious utility and its old-school charm. It’s a time capsule. The descriptions are concise and clear, perfect for when you're reading a novel and encounter a name like "Bellerophon" and need a quick refresher. More than that, reading it cover-to-cover (which I did, strangely hypnotized) gives you a fascinating perspective. You see how myths from different corners of the globe echo each other—trickster gods, great floods, sun deities. Ellis doesn't analyze these connections deeply; he just lays them out side-by-side, letting you make the links yourself. It’s a book that trusts your curiosity.

Final Verdict

This is not a critical analysis or a modern retelling. It's a foundational reference work. It’s perfect for writers, game masters, trivia lovers, or anyone who wants a no-frills guide to the who's-who of ancient stories. If you enjoy getting lost in lists and catalogs, or if you've ever wished for a quick myth-fix without a 300-page novel, this digital or public-domain paperback is your new best friend. Just be ready for its 19th-century perspective—it’s a product of its time, but the myths themselves are timeless.