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

Stevens, Anthony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0713992271 ISBN 13: 9780713992274

Publisher: Allen Lane, 1998

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)

From the Back Cover

"Stevens has a unique capacity for relating myths and symbols to the way our psyches function today, thus bringing symbols alive rather than dismissing them as historical curiosities. He is also a stylish writer, and is able to link his conclusions from a variety of fields into a consistent, readable whole."--Anthony Storr, University of Oxford

Edition details

• Publisher: Allen Lane
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0713992271
• ISBN 13: 9780713992274
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480