Lewis Spence

A prolific compiler of mythology, Lewis Spence would author over thirty books on the legends and folklore of numerous parts of the world. As the title would suggest, in this edition we have a collection of ancient Egyptian myths and legends. Spence examines the history and culture of Egypt with particular attention to its influence on their belief systems. Various Egyptian gods including Osiris, Isis, Anubis, Ra, as well as many others are discussed...

This edition includes a modern introduction and a list of suggested further reading. Atlantis has fascinated scholars and occultists for centuries since Plato wrote about the sunken city in Timaeus and Critias. Whether Plato was presenting Atlantis as factual history or merely as a philosophical device, Lewis Spence's The History of Atlantis has ensured that the fascination with Plato's story has continued to the present day. Spence, despite his reputation...

The Popol Vuh (Book of the Community) is a Mayan sacred text compiled around the middle of the 16th century by the K'iche' people in what is now Guatemala. This text gives an account of the creation of the universe and all living things, including humans and the K'iche' themselves.

Drawn from the myths and legends of the Algonquins, Iroquois, Sioux, Pawnee, and Northern and Northwestern Indians, these enchanting tales offer insights into tribal character and beliefs. Selected by the distinguished British anthropologist and folklorist Lewis Spence, they range in theme from romantic love to rivalry between warriors to victory over powerful forces. The details of their recounting evoke images of Native Americans' innermost aspirations...

Legends and Romances of Spain by Scottish folklorist Lewis Spence, was first published in 1920. The book explores the romantic and chivalric literature of Spain, as well as it's ballads. It contains thirteen sections including: The Source of Spanish Romance; The Cantares de Gesta and the Poema del Cid; Amadis de Gaul; The Sequels to Amadis de Gaul; The Palmerin Romances; Catalonian Romances; Roderic, Last of the Goths; Calaynos the Moor, Gayferos,...

The Myths of Mexico and Peru conjures images of far-off places in warm and humid countries, invokes names of unimaginable power, and chronicles times of bloody conquest and deeds much larger than life. Lewis Spence embeds the Latin-American mythology in history and recasts it in description informed by the lore of living peoples and by the most knowledgeable scholars of the time.