In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World, compiled by Virginia Hamilton with illustrations by Barry Moser, is a thought-provoking collection of twenty-five stories reflecting the wonder and glory of the origins of the world and humankind. With commentary by the author, this acclaimed anthology gathers creation narratives from cultures across the globe, presenting the diverse ways humanity has imagined and storied how everything came to be.
Why it matters: Creation stories reveal what different cultures hold most sacred about existence, identity, and humanity’s place in the cosmos—and encountering this diversity expands our understanding of the many ways humans have made meaning of the mystery of origins. By presenting twenty-five stories side by side with thoughtful commentary, Hamilton invites readers to discover both the stunning variety and the recurring themes that appear across cultures, suggesting that the impulse to story our beginnings is universal even as its expressions are wonderfully particular. For anyone seeking to understand human meaning-making or to introduce young readers to the world’s mythological traditions, this collection offers an essential foundation.
