The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker is a large reference work on mythology, religion, folklore, and feminine symbolism across cultures. Its 1,350-entry scope and 1,136-page length suit readers seeking a wide-ranging reference rather than a short introductory overview.

At a glance

The listing describes 1,350 entries spanning mythology, religion, folklore, and cultural history.
Topics include symbols, magic, sexuality, spirituality, customs, language, and fairy tales.
Presents a comparative perspective focused on pre-patriarchal traditions.

Price

$22.59Save 44%

Reference price: ~~$39.99~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Broad subject coverage makes it useful for looking up connections among myths, folklore, religion, and cultural traditions.
The long reference format offers substantial material for readers researching feminine symbolism and historical perspectives.

Cons

At 1,136 pages and a listed weight of 2.31 pounds, it is a substantial reference volume rather than a lightweight casual read.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Publication details
Publisher	HarperOne
Publication date	November 30, 1983
Edition	3rd Printing
Language	English
Print length	1136 pages
ISBN-10	006250925X
ISBN-13	978-0062509253

Dimensions and weight
Dimensions	6.12 x 1.81 x 9.25 inches
Weight listed	2.31 pounds

Coverage described in listing
Entry count	1,350 Entries
Subject areas	mythology, religion, folklore, and cultural history
Topics mentioned	symbols, magic, sexuality, spirituality, and more

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers researching comparative mythology, folklore, religion, or feminine symbolism.
Those interested in a feminist interpretation of cultural history and pre-patriarchal traditions.
Readers who prefer an extensive reference book with many entries.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a brief introduction or a focused treatment of only one mythology or tradition.
Those prioritizing a compact or lightweight book.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 542 ratings

5 stars82%82%
4 stars9%9%
3 stars5%5%
2 stars2%2%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback describes the encyclopedia as informative and well-researched, with readers noting its historical material, broad coverage of obscure stories, and discussion of past cultures and matriarchal perspectives. The overall rating distribution is largely positive, though ratings alone do not explain individual experiences. For buyers seeking the substantial reference scope described in the listing, these comments suggest relevant subject matter, but they do not establish that every entry meets a particular research standard.

Positive themes

Customers describe the material as informative and well-researched.
Feedback highlights engaging content and historical information.

Frequently asked questions

What subjects does the book cover?

The listing describes coverage of mythology, religion, folklore, cultural history, symbols, magic, sexuality, spirituality, customs, language, and fairy tales.

How extensive is this edition?

The listing gives a print length of 1,136 pages and describes 1,350 entries.

Is this suited to quick introductory reading?

Its broad reference scope and length make it better suited to lookup and extended reading than to a short introduction.