The Logic of Incest: A Structuralist Analysis of Hebrew Mythology (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies)

Kunin, Seth Daniel

ISBN 10: 0567449130 / ISBN 13: 9780567449139

Published by Sheffield Academic Press, 2009

About this Item

In English.

Seller Inventory # ria9780567449139_new

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Logic of Incest: A Structuralist Analysis of Hebrew Mythology (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies)
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0567449130
• ISBN 13: 9780567449139
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The myths of Genesis are the foundation for hundreds of texts written at later diachronically distinct and datable periods. Seven texts-Genesis itself, Genesis Rabbah, Pirke deRabbi Eliezer and mediaeval compilations-are examined here, with five interrelated questions in focus: Can structuralist theory be applied usefully to societies conscious of history and change? What is the relationship between continuity and trasformation as a mythological tradition develops diachronically? What role does diachronic development within a myth play in relation to its underlying structure? What is the synchronic structure of Israelite (or rather, biblical) myth? Are there identifiable patterns of transformation and continuity between biblical myth and the three diachronically distinct levels of rabbinic myth?

About the Author

Professor Seth D. Kunin is the Director of Research in the College of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Aberdeen. He received his PhD in Anthropology from the University of Cambridge.