Handbook of Hindu Mythology

Williams has compiled a learned text based on sound knowledge of the Hindu religion. His methodical coverage of variant spellings, pronunciation, and capitalization in the preface is a valuable guide to writers and researchers. The division of the subject into periods and themes in the introduction simplifies the task of comprehending beliefs and rituals that evolved over five millennia. The text is meticulously compiled, with ample cross-referencing. Attractive illustrations contribute to the understanding of Indian lore in art.

A-Z entries on "Characters, Themes, and Concepts," among them Brahma, Mahabharata, Parvati, Vishnu, and Yoga, make up the bulk of the text. An appendix charts Vedic gods by periods as a handy guide to development of the Hindu pantheon. A summary of resources suggests readings at various levels, including children's books. The annotated bibliography lists works as old as James Hastings' revered Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics (1908-1929) and as recent as online Sanskrit dictionaries. A seven-page glossary offers uncomplicated definitions of 246 pivotal terms. The work concludes with a detailed index containing numerous cross-references for maximum accuracy.