Soul: An Archaeology--Readings from Socrates to Ray Charles

What does soul mean? Is it, as in Aristotle's classic definition, the "life-giving principle"? Is it the shiver up your spine when Aretha Franklin sings the blues? Or is it the simple, breathtaking beauty of a Pablo Neruda poem? Soul defies definition, yet it surrounds us, permeating every aspect of our lives and culture--from art, music, and literature to religion, society, and identity. Long fascinated by the conundrum of the soul, author Phil Cousineau set out to follow its elusive trail by collecting the voices of those who have, since ancient times, sought their own understanding of the "inner universe." Scanning "history's long bookshelf," Cousineau harvested a rich collection of writings that trace the evolving definition of soul, from an ancient Sufi master's eternal question to a reflection on soul food, which somehow makes you feel "that all's right with the world." A captivating "soul reader," Soul offers a spectacular range of stories, essays, poems, myths, and songs that sample the ways in which soul has been expressed through the ages and explores its myriad dimensions--philosophical, spiritual, theological, and even alchemical.… (more)