The World of Myth: An Anthology

by David A. Leeming

Paperback, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

201.3

Collection

Publication

Oxford University Press (2013), Edition: 2, 352 pages

Description

Hercules, Zeus, Thor, Gilgamesh--these are the figures that leap to mind when we think of myth. But to David Leeming, myths are more than stories of deities and fantastic beings from non-Christian cultures. Myth is at once the most particular and the most universal feature of civilization, representing common concerns that each society voices in its own idiom. Whether an Egyptian story of creation or the big-bang theory of modern physics, myth is metaphor, mirroring our deepest sense of ourselves in relation to existence itself.

User reviews

LibraryThing member hailelib
This anthology was more than just a collection of myths. There were lists of suggested further reading and of the sources for the different sections. The book was organized by types of myths and Leeming spent some time explaining these types and wrote a short introduction to each featured story.
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While I was familiar with many of the stories there were also a number that I was seeing for the first time. A good book for those who want more than just a retelling of some myths but aren't ready for the rather dense writings of authors like Joseph Campbell.
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Subjects

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

1990

Physical description

352 p.; 9.2 x 6.1 inches

ISBN

0199316368 / 9780199316366

Local notes

PS

Other editions

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