Handbook of Classical Mythology. By William Hansen. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004. 1 vol. 394 p. $75.00. ISBN 1-57607-226-6.

Myths provide an introduction to an unfamiliar world and its cultural base, as well as describe the geography of the region. Students will be able to research classical mythology and mythological places in the context of history and heroic legend. The introduction describes the origins of classical mythology, places, characters and the peculiarities of mythological narrative. The second section discusses what classical mythology says and what happens in classical mythology, e.g., the Trojan War. Part three includes deities, themes and concepts. Articles have see-also references and brief lists of suggested reading. A few black-and-white drawings illustrate the text. The appendix includes a 24-page annotated bibliography of print and nonprint resources, abbreviations and selected reference list, and a four-page glossary. This will be particularly useful to literature instructors who cover myths as a part of world literature. It will also be a good resource to explain references such as "the Midas touch." Recommended.