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Mythology

As part of its commitment to collect extensively in history and literature, the General Research Division has a significant collection of materials in mythology.  The focus is on the mythological traditions associated with the Western world, the myths of other societies being collected by other divisions, as noted below.

Collecting in the area of mythology has its origins in the acquisitions policies of the Astor Library, one of the predecessor libraries of The New York Public Library;  the Lenox Library, the other predecessor library, did not have a significant collection in this area.  The Catalogue or Alphabetical Index of the Astor Library, published in 1859, indicates that this library had approximately 230 books in the area of mythology, including both general works as well as titles dealing specifically with Egyptians and Persians, Greeks and Romans, and the Eastern Nations (Asia).  A supplement issued in 1866 indicated a modest increase in holdings, and a new subject area--mythology of the Gauls, Celts, and Northern Nations—being added.

The General Research Division has built upon these holdings, and has acquired a significant collection in this area.  As with the Astor Library, the single largest area  is concerned with classical mythology, the beliefs of ancient Greece and Rome; this, of course, reflects the Library’s commitment to collect extensively in classical studies, with a strong focus on the literature, history, religion, and philosophy of  the ancient Mediterranean world.   Other  literatures are also represented such  as Norse, Germanic, Eskimo, Native American, Celtic, and Aboriginal Australian mythologies.   Egyptian, Assyro-Babylonian, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese mythology are collected by the Asian and Middle Eastern Division.  Slavic mythology is found in the Slavic and Baltic Division, and the Jewish Division collects Hebrew and Jewish mythology.  The Schomburg Center has a collection of African mythology.

The General Research Division contains numerous guides to mythology, among them The Dictionary of Classical Mythology, Goddesses in World Mythology,  A Handbook of Classical Mythology,  The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable,  and The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets.   The Division also has significant holdings in mythology in literature (that is, the use of mythological representations by major writers),  a collection complemented by the Art Division’s materials on mythology in art.  The Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center contains materials, both print and recorded, on mythology as manifested in music, dance, and theatre.

A notable feature of the collection is a focus on mythology of specific and discrete subjects; thus, the General Research Division acquires materials, among others, on the mythology of birds, cats, corn, eggs, fire, trees, stars, seasons, water, twins, women, and the moon. 

Researchers interested in the study of mythology are advised to consult the Library’s research guides in Religion, Literature, and Classical Studies.