Best Mythology & Folklore Encyclopedias Books of 2025

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark is a thought-provoking book by Carl Sagan that warns of the dangers of pseudoscience and unreason that threaten our basic freedoms. Sagan argues that scientific thinking is essential not only for the pursuit of truth but also for the well-being of our democratic institutions. He debunks celebrated fallacies of the past, such as witchcraft, demons, and UFOs, and warns of the rising popularity of communal hallucinations and alien abduction stories in today's information age. The book is a powerful defense of informed rationality and a testimonial to the power of science.

The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall is an encyclopedic exploration of ancient mythology, philosophy, and religion. The book distills the teachings of nearly 600 experts, covering diverse topics such as astrology, alchemy, and the symbolism of the pentagram. The author examines the secrets of Isis and arcane aspects of supernatural phenomena, mystic Christianity, and other religions. The book is unrivaled in its beauty and completeness, with 16 pages of color plates, 100 black-and-white illustrations, an extensive bibliography, and a complete index. Overall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages is a fascinating and essential reference for anyone interested in the world's esoteric traditions and closely held secrets of myth, religion, and philosophy.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell is a timeless classic that combines modern psychology with comparative mythology to explore the universal motif of adventure and transformation. Campbell's examination of ancient hero myths sheds light on man's eternal struggle for identity and purpose, making this book relevant to readers across generations. The third edition of the book, part of the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell, features expanded illustrations and a comprehensive bibliography. This book has influenced fields ranging from literature and film studies to religion and anthropology and continues to inspire creative artists.

The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons is an epic new addition to any tabletop RPG adventure. With more than two dozen dragons, including six exclusive to this edition, each creature comes with a complete backstory, history, motivations, and combat actions. The book also includes new dragon-kin, drakes, kobolds, and dragon races, along with new dragon-related organizations, skills, classes, and magic. Game Masters and players alike will find endless ideas and countless hours of epic-level fun. The book is a must-have for any RPG enthusiast looking to breathe new life into their games.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs is a comprehensive guide that provides magical uses of over 400 herbs and plants from all over the world. The book is a must-have for those who perform natural magic, featuring illustrations for easy identification of every herb, in addition to common names, use, and rulership. The cross-referenced index of folk names is particularly impressive. Scott Cunningham's encyclopedic book is perfect for anyone interested in folklore or who practices magic with herbs.

The Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature's Rhythms is a wonderful book for children to learn about nature-based holidays and customs. It is an interactive guide that includes themed meditations, crafts, and rituals for each spoke in The Wheel of the Year. The book blends nature connection with art, poetry, and myth to convey the magic and beauty of ancient traditions. The author, Fiona Cook, and the illustrator, Jessica Roux, have done an excellent job in making the book engaging and informative. Overall, it is a great addition to any children's almanac book collection.

The Encyclopaedia Eorzea Volume II is an official Final Fantasy XIV lore book written and compiled by the game's development team. This hardcover, full-color volume is packed with art and information, providing a panoramic overview of the world of Eorzea and its inhabitants. The book also includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game item, Matoya’s Hat. This second volume contains newly compiled information on the realms of the game, making it a valuable addition to any Final Fantasy XIV fan's collection.

The Encyclopaedia Eorzea Volume I is a must-have guide for any Final Fantasy XIV fan. Written and compiled by the game’s development team, this deluxe hardcover volume offers an in-depth look at the realm’s history, cultures, geography, inhabitants, and professions. Readers will also gain insight into Eorzea’s beastmen and detailed data on the realm’s myriad creatures. The book is a veritable treasure trove of invaluable information and includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game Namingway minion. A timeless gift to all who call Eorzea home.

The United States of Cryptids is a fully illustrated compendium that takes readers on a tour of American myths and monsters. From the infamous Jersey Devil to the obscure Snallygaster, travel writer J. W. Ocker uncovers the bizarre stories of these creatures and investigates the ways in which communities embrace and celebrate their local cryptids. The book is a fun, frightening, and fascinating tour through American folklore and history, exploring the stories we tell about monsters and what those stories say about us. Whether you believe in bigfoot or not, this book is an interesting look at the legendary creatures that run, crawl, and fly throughout the 50 states.

Pembrick's Creaturepedia is an essential companion for all fans of the Wingfeather Saga. This detailed guidebook is full of all-new illustrations and documents the endless living wonders of the Maker's world in Skree. The author, Andrew Peterson, and illustrator, Aedan Peterson, have created a fun, funny, and wildly inventive addition to the beloved fantasy series. The carefully documented Creaturepedia is a must-have for any adventurer traveling through the Stony Mountains or harvesting fartichokes within a fortnight after a sandstorm. Overall, this book is a fantastic resource for fans and newcomers alike.