Occidental Mythology
The Masks of God
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Profile Books Ltd
Published:1st Sep '11
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This third volume in the series explores the themes influencing Western art, worship, and literature, tracing cultural evolution through various mythologies.
In Occidental Mythology, Joseph Campbell explores the intricate themes that have shaped the art, worship, and literature of the Western world. This volume serves as a comprehensive examination of how various mythologies interweave throughout history, reflecting the evolving consciousness of Europe. Campbell delves into the ancient Levantine earth-goddesses of the Bronze Age, tracing their influence through the tribal invasions that contributed to the development of Judaic and Greek myths.
As he navigates through the rich tapestry of myth, Occidental Mythology highlights the significant impacts of various cultures, including Persia, Rome, and the rise of Islam, on the ancient beliefs that have persisted through time. Campbell's analysis reveals how these diverse influences have contributed to the formation of Christian Europe and its mythological narratives, painting a vivid picture of the cultural exchanges that have shaped Western thought.
Ultimately, Occidental Mythology is a vital part of Campbell's larger work, The Masks of God, which encapsulates his lifelong study of mythology's origins and functions. This volume not only traces mankind's historical journey in search of meaning but also emphasizes the enduring power of myth in shaping our understanding of culture and religion.
Campbell has become the rarest of intellectuals... a serious thinker who has been embraced by popular culture. -- Newsweek * . *
One cannot but admire the width and diversity of Joseph Campbell's scholarship. Campbell's great gift is for fluent and engaging exposition. -- New Society * . *
Looks at the myths, rituals and legends of the Western world... The human race is united not just biologically but also spiritually, by ... continually recurring themes, subjects and stories... It is an extremely thorough contribution to our knowledge of the origins of the legends, themes and symbols which are integral to modern culture, both Eastern and Western. -- Tribune * . *
Campbell's words carry extraordinary weight, not only among scholars but among a wide range of other people who find his research down mythical pathways relevant to their lives today. -- Time * . *
Campbell's masterwork... has inspired passages connecting with the luminously permanent, beyond gender, beyond time. -- The Guardian * . *
ISBN: 9780285640573
Dimensions: 215mm x 135mm x 42mm
Weight: 620g
576 pages
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