The Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend (1949–1950, two-volume set) is a monumental reference work edited by Maria Leach and featuring contributions from leading anthropologists, folklorists, and scholars of the mid-20th century. This exhaustive compendium spans global myths, rituals, superstitions, and oral traditions, offering definitions, essays, and cross-cultural analyses of figures like Anansi, Kali, and Paul Bunyan, alongside concepts such as totemism, ballads, and creation myths.
Notable for its accessibility and breadth, the dictionary blends academic rigor with engaging prose, reflecting postwar interest in cultural anthropology. While some entries now show their age (e.g., outdated terminology or Eurocentric frameworks), the set remains a foundational resource for writers, researchers, and myth enthusiasts.
