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How are discarded scientific hypotheses different from myths?
This is just one of the many surprising questions raised and
answered in Myths of Creation, a study of myths, religious
beliefs and scientific theories about the origin and the creation
of the universe. Philip Freund's pioneering methodology has
ensured that Myths of Creation remains today an outstanding
work to rank alongside other classics in its field such as
The Golden Bough and Hero of a Thousand Faces.
Freund estimates that there are over 500 flood myths told
by over 250 tribes or peoples on our planet. In gathering
such creation stories from almost every country and historical
period - highlighting their contrasts as well as their
startling similarities - Freund reveals the workings
of the human mind and imagination.
He breaks down the myths of creation into their various categories,
providing the reader with examples of each as well as summarising
analytical perspectives where these occur. He provides clear
and highly accessible explanations of the relevant theories
of thinkers such as Freud and Jung, Frazer and Malinowski.
Can myths be determined as primitive history based on literal
fact? Are they racial dreams of profound sexual meaning? Or
are they merely tales told for entertainments sake? Myths
of Creation provides an unparalleled guide to humankind’s
multitudinous explanations of how this world came into being.
Established as a standard reference work, it is a must for
any mind, body, spirit bookshelf.
‘Myths of Creation will distract and delight
the kind of person who was troubled by Spengler, stunned
by Wells, angered by Jeans, and wished he knew enough to
disprove Toynbee.’ - Daily Telegraph
‘A most exciting book that is a labour of love.’ - Colin
Wilson
Also by Philip Freund: The
Birth of Theatre, Oriental
Theatre
PHILIP FREUND is a novelist, poet, documentary film writer
and playwright as well as essayist, literary critic and anthropologist.
He is a Professor Emeritus of Fordham University, New York,
and has taught and lectured on drama and related subjects
at other universities. |
