Introduction to Myth

This not a collection of myths but a study of mythology itself, and a literature anthology as well. It offers a thoughtful explication of the archetypal quest tale, in ways that will make students aware of its universal value in embodying human responses to the universe. Called the "monomyth," the hero tale subsumes within it virtually all the literary themes we know, and this popular text forges connections between myth and literature that any student can readily grasp.

Those who are familiar with the first edition of Introduction to Myth will note considerable changes in the text. Three new stories and several new poems have been added. In addition, the introductory chapter has been thoroughly revised and expanded to include more information about what myths are, including theories about their origins, and also about the role of the female in mythology.

Peter R. Stillman is the author of Write Away!, Families Writing, Planting by the Moon, and Writing Your Way, Second Edition (a classroom edition of Write Away!). He holds an M.A. from the Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College, and lives in upstate New York. Peter Stillman January 23, 1934 - February 5, 2011 We are sad to report the passing of Peter Stillman, Editor and then Publisher for Boynton-Cook. Peter cared passionately about writing and the teaching of writing. Working with longtime business partner, Bob Boynton, Peter was responsible for numerous significant contributions to education, including the publication of Nancie Atwell's groundbreaking book, In the Middle. Those of us who knew him personally recall him as a true old-fashioned Publisher - a diligent reader of manuscripts, challenging authors to step up and define new areas of the field. After departing Heinemann/Boynton-Cook, Peter kept a close eye on both us and his authors, visiting the booth regularly at conferences to share a joke or a story. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and worked with him, and by those who have tended his legacy over the ensuing years. Remembering how Peter touched your life >>