Encyclopedia Of Ancient Literature (facts On Fi... May 2026

For more information, you can view the publisher's page on Amazon or check the Facts on File reference for detailed product specifications.

While the text maintains a strong focus on the foundational works of literature, it is notable for its inclusive, global perspective. It provides significant representation for a wide array of ancient cultures, including:

Designed primarily for students (grade 10 and up) and general researchers, the entries are written to be rather than dense academic jargon. A key feature appreciated by educators is the inclusion of bibliographies at the end of most articles, which direct readers to the most recent and reliable English translations and secondary scholarship for further study. Encyclopedia of Ancient Literature (Facts on Fi...

The encyclopedia contains more than that move beyond just "belles lettres" (poetry and fiction) to include the broader ancient definition of literature, such as philosophy, legal codes, and scientific treatises.

Specific, often book-by-book discussions of monumental texts such as the Aeneid , the Iliad , and the Teachings of Buddha . For more information, you can view the publisher's

Coverage of Babylonian, Persian, and Egyptian texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Egyptian Book of the Dead .

Exploration of Sanskrit traditions, including the Rig-Veda and the Ramayana . A key feature appreciated by educators is the

The Encyclopedia of Ancient Literature , part of the series, is a comprehensive A-to-Z reference work authored by James Wyatt Cook . Published in 2008, this 716-page volume provides an extensive overview of the writers, major works, and literary concepts that shaped global civilization from the "beginnings" of recorded history through approximately 500 CE. Scope and Cultural Coverage