Dictionary of Contemporary Mythology

Dictionary of Contemporary Mythology is not intended to be an encyclopedia. Entries are accordingly limited to the amount of information necessary to identify a person, place or concept, and delineate its connection with mythology. For the purpose at hand, I have defined mythology very widely. Entries pertaining to grammar, for example, are included to illustrate the myth that sub-standard English is as valid a dialect as Standard English, a myth that limits any student who believes it to the lowest-paying menial occupations.

The most numerous entries are those devoted to topics that are widely recognized as mythological: religion and metaphysical subjects, parapsychology and paranormal subjects, the supernatural, the occult, tabloid tipsters, and folk legends. Many ancient gods are listed, not because they have modern-day believers but because myths once told of older gods continue to be told in connection with newer gods.

Entries pertaining to historical beliefs are strictly factual. That does not mean that when Osiris is described as a "resurrected savior-god," the reader should believe Osiris really rose from the dead. It means, rather, that the ancient Egyptians believed that Osiris rose from the dead.