Ariadne's Clue: A Guide to the Symbols of Humankind - Softcover

Stevens, Anthony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 014027233X ISBN 13: 9780140272338

Publisher: Penguin, 2001

Synopsis

For centuries people everywhere have expressed their preoccupations and concerns through symbolism in myths, stories, religions and dreams. In ARIADNE'S CLUE Anthony Stevens explains how and why we create the symbols we do. Taking the thought of C.J. Jung a stage further, Stevens argues that symbol formation has an adaptive function in the human psyche: it promotes our grasp on reality and is a result of selection pressures encountered in the course of evolutionary history. From the ancient symbol of the serpent to the primordial landscape of the savannah, Stevens traces a host of common symbols through time to reveal their deep-rooted effects on the lives of modern men, women and children.

About this title

Review

"This is a fascinating book, packed with ideas and out-of-the-way information. . . . a thesaurus of symbols. [Stevens] aim[s] to provide clues to the origin, meaning, and development of some of the most common symbols and, like Ariadne's thread, to trace connections between different parts of what seems like an impenetrable maze."--John Habgood, The Times Higher Education Supplement

"What sets this book apart from many others . . . is Stevens's viewpoint. He approaches symbols as an evolutionary psychologist . . . one who seeks to understand the biological reasons underlying our symbols. . . . [This] would be of interest to anyone who tries to understand themselves, whether they do it by biology, psychology, astrology, or tarot. The symbols are always there."--David Smillie, Discovery Channel

"One need not be a Jungian to appreciate this fine book both as a reference and a contemporary introduction to symbolism. A brilliant integration of psychological archetypes with Darwinian theory. . . . Stevens presents vast learning easily and precisely in prose that is at once calm and exciting. . . . [A] standard--if not the standard--in the field; essential for most libraries."--Library Journal (starred review)

Synopsis

From the ancient symbol of the serpent to the archetypal masculine and feminine, from the earth to the stars, from the primordial landscape of the savannah to the mysterious depths of the sea, such symbols express the most profound preoccupations of humanity. In "Ariadne's Clue", Jungian analyst and psychiatrist Anthony Stevens explores the nature of symbols to explain how and why we create them. Taking the ideas of C.G. Jung a stage further, Stevens asserts that we not only possess an innate inclination to make symbols, but also that the human mind evolved this ability as a result of selection pressures encountered during our evolutionary history. In the extensive Thesaurus which forms the second part of the book, Stevens traces a host of common symbols back through time, explains their development and significance, and reveals their deep-rooted effect on our lives.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 014027233X
• ISBN 13: 9780140272338
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 480