Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo - Hardcover

Douglas, Professor Mary; Douglas, Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415291054 ISBN 13: 9780415291057

Publisher: Routledge, 2002

Synopsis

Purity and Danger is acknowledged as a modern masterpiece of anthropology. It is widely cited in non-anthropological works and gave rise to a body of application, rebuttal and development within anthropology. In 1995 the book was included among the Times Literary Supplement's hundred most influential non-fiction works since WWII. Incorporating the philosophy of religion and science and a generally holistic approach to classification, Douglas demonstrates the relevance of anthropological enquiries to an audience outside her immediate academic circle. She offers an approach to understanding rules of purity by examining what is considered unclean in various cultures. She sheds light on the symbolism of what is considered clean and dirty in relation to order in secular and religious, modern and primitive life.

About this title

About the Author

Mary Douglas was one of the most distinguished anthropologists of modern times. Natural Symbols, another of her major works, is also available in Routledge Classics.

Review

'[A] classic book.' – New York Times

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0415291054
• ISBN 13: 9780415291057
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 202