Myths in Stone - Religious Dimensions of Washington, D.C.

Jeffrey F. Meyer

ISBN 10: 0520214811 / ISBN 13: 9780520214811

Published by University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London, 2001

About this Item

"A fascinating and informative tour of the nation's capital, unraveling the complex symbolism of the city. . ." 343 pages, illustrated. Inked note on flyleaf.

Seller Inventory # 105550

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Myths in Stone - Religious Dimensions of Washington, D.C.
• Publisher: University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0520214811
• ISBN 13: 9780520214811
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good +
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good +
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Architecture
  • Religion

About this title

Synopsis

Washington, D.C., is a city of powerful symbols-from the dominance of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument to the authority of the Smithsonian. This book takes us on a fascinating and informative tour of the nation's capital as Jeffrey F. Meyer unravels the complex symbolism of the city and explores its meaning for our national consciousness. Meyer finds that mythic and religious themes pervade the capital-in its original planning, in its monumental architecture, and in the ritualized events that have taken place over the 200 years the city has been the repository for the symbolism of the nation.

As Meyer tours the city's famous axial layout, he discusses many historical figures and events, compares Washington to other great cities of the world such as Beijing and Berlin, and discusses the meaning and history of its architecture and many works of art. Treating Washington, D.C., as a complex religious center, Meyer finds that the city functions as a unifying element in American consciousness. This book will change the way we look at Washington, D.C., and provide a provocative new look at the meaning of religion in America today. It will also be a valuable companion for those traveling to this city that was envisioned from its inception as the center of the world.

About the Author

Jeffrey F. Meyer is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He is the author of The Dragons of Tiananmen: Beijing as a Sacred City (1991).