A Short History of Myth (Myths) - Softcover

Armstrong, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 184195800X ISBN 13: 9781841958002

Publisher: Canongate Us, 2006

Synopsis

This brilliant, readable synthesis of the history of mythology and the function it serves to humanity is the launch title of the groundbreaking publishing event, The Myths . "Human beings have always been mythmakers." So begins Karen Armstrong's concise yet compelling investigation into myth: what it is, how it has evolved, and why we still so desperately need it. She takes us from the Paleolithic period and the myths of the hunters right up to the "Great Western Transformation" of the last five hundred years and the discrediting of myth by science. The history of myth is the history of humanity, our stories and beliefs, our curiosity and attempts to understand the world, which link us to our ancestors and each other. Myths help us make sense of the universe. Heralding a major series of retellings of international myths by authors from around the world, Armstrong's characteristically insightful and eloquent book serves as a brilliant and thought-provoking introduction to myth in...

About this title

Product Description:

Human beings have always been mythmakers. So begins best-selling writer Karen Armstrong s concise yet compelling investigation into myth: what it is, how it has evolved, and why we still so desperately need it. She takes us from the Paleolithic period and the myths of the hunters right up to the Great Western Transformation of the last five hundred years and the discrediting of myth by science. The history of myth is the history of humanity, our stories and beliefs, our curiosity and attempts to understand the world, which link us to our ancestors and each other. Heralding a major series of retellings of international myths by authors from around the world, Armstrong s characteristically insightful and eloquent book serves as a brilliant and thought-provoking introduction to myth in the broadest senseand explains why if we dismiss it, we do so at our peril."

Review:

"The most ambitious simultaneous worldwide publication ever undertaken." The Times"

About this edition

• Publisher: Canongate Us
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 184195800X
• ISBN 13: 9781841958002
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176