Book excerpt: This concise A-to-Z reference volume offers definitions and historical contexts for mythological characters and terms. With in-depth coverage of ancient Greek and Roman mythology, this concise yet comprehensive dictionary includes information on the mythological systems of Asia and Africa. Entries include gods, emperors, and other major figures, as well as lesser-known characters and archaic terminology. Legendary figures such as the Greek poet Homer and Alexander the Great are included alongside mythical characters such as Apollo, Pandora, and Medusa.