J.F. Bierlein's book Parallel Myths analyzes myths from major world traditions and finds common themes, images, and meanings among them. The 353-page book published by Ballantine Books explores creation myths, flood myths, love stories, morality myths, underworld myths, and apocalyptic visions found in Greek, Norse, Indian, Egyptian, Native American, Chinese, African, and Oceanic mythologies. By juxtaposing stories and symbols from different traditions, the book examines what myths mean and how mythology has influenced fields like psychology, philosophy, anthropology, and literature.