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Available
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Publication
Harper & Row (1963), 204 pages
Description
This classic study deals primarily with societies around the world in which myth supplies models for human behavior, & by that very fact, gives meaning & value to life.
User reviews
LibraryThing member fraise
While Eliade has some interesting insights at times - relating creation myths to creativity, for instance - his work suffers from a lack of independent research and a clear bias towards monotheistic, masculine deities. I was prepared to enjoy this book, knowing that Eliade has influenced some
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interesting thinkers, but had a hard time getting past undocumented assertions about "primitive" cultures and sprinklings of fallacious thought throughout, especially when the fallacies all, inevitably, supported monotheistic views. Show Less
LibraryThing member SashaM
Not what I was expecting. Very scholarly type writing but doesn't really break down the myths and compare them. Doesn't even look at major modern religious myths. Only wants to look at myths in tribes that until very recently have not been influenced by outside cultures. I can see where it is
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coming from as a study but it would be far more interesting if the author wasn't treating myths as something only the "natives" recite, believe and act on. Show Less
Language
Original publication date
1963
Local notes
SS
Other editions
Myth and Reality by Mircea Eliade (Paperback)
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