"'Encyclopedia of Gods' offers concise information on more than 2,500 ... deities, from the most ancient gods of polytheistic societies -- Hittite, Sumerian, Mesopotamian -- to the most contemporary gods of the major monotheistic religions -- Allah, God, Yahweh. Among the cultures included are: African peoples, Albanian, Pre-Islamic Arabian, Aztec, Babylonian, Buddhist, Canaanite, Celtic, Egyptian, Native American, Etruscan, Germanic, Greek, Roman, Hindu, Persian, Polynesian, [and] Shinto. The 'Encyclopedia' includes not only the most significant gods of each culture but minor deities as well. Here you will find information not only on Zeus, Thor and Astarte but also on Tozi, the Aztec goddess of healing. Annamurti, the Hindu patron deity of the kitchen, and Nyakaya, the Shilluk crocodile goddess. Each entry provides details on: what culture worshiped the god, the role of the god, the characteristics and symbols used in identification. In the case of the more important personalities, references in art and literature and known dates of workship are also provided. In the case of the more important personalities, references in art and literature and known dates of worship are provided. Indexes by civilization and role of the god enable the researcher to compare gods across cultures or to find information on specific topics of interest. 'Encyclopedia of Gods' will be indispensable to students and researchers in religions, anthropology, history and archeaology ..."