Professor Anna Dallapiccola has produced an excellent and comprehensive dictionary of Hindu legend and mythology. Nearly all of the Hindu gods, demi-gods, lesser divinities and demons are described. We find very satisfying descriptions of all major gods such as Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Nataraja, Durga, Lakshmi, Kali, Parvati, Sarasvati and Ambika. Often we learn about alternate spellings and variant appellations, such as Gajanana, Pillayar, Vinayaka for Ganesha or Murugan and Kartikeya for Subrahmanya. Gandharvas (semi-divine beings), navagrahas (planets), rakshasas (demons), Alwars, Nayanmars (poets, scholars) are all included either as generic headings or individual entries, or both.