Myth: A Very Short Introduction

Segal, Robert A.

ISBN 10: 0192803476 / ISBN 13: 9780192803474

Published by Oxford University Press, 2004

About this Item

(Used/Mythology) This book is in excellent condition with no tears or marks. A survey of the past 300 years of theorizing on myth, this book takes into account the work of such prominent thinkers as Albert Camus, Claude Lévi-Strauss, C. G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud. It focuses on different approaches to myth, from all of the major disciplines--including science, religion, philosophy, literature, and psychology. Robert Segal considers the future study of myth, and the possible function of myth in the world as the adult equivalent of play.

Seller Inventory # segal04

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Myth: A Very Short Introduction
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192803476
• ISBN 13: 9780192803474
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dimensions: 1.27W x 17.27H x 10.92D centimeters 1.27 centimeters width by 17.27 centimeters height by 10.92 centimeters depth
• Weight: 159 grams

About this title

Synopsis

A survey of the past 300 years of theorizing on myth, this book takes into account the work of such prominent thinkers as Albert Camus, Claude Lévi-Strauss, C. G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud. It focuses on different approaches to myth, from all of the major disciplines--including science, religion, philosophy, literature, and psychology. Robert Segal considers the future study of myth, and the possible function of myth in the world as the adult equivalent of play.
In order to analyze the different theories of myth, Segal focuses on the fable concerning the fate of the preternaturally beautiful Adonis. Where one theory does not work, he substitutes another myth, showing that, for all their claims to all-inclusiveness, certain theories, in fact, only apply to specific kinds of myths. A uniform set of questions is provided to elucidate both the strengths and the weaknesses of the conjectures.

About the Author

Robert Segal lectures in the Department of Religious Studies at Lancaster University. He is the author of The Poimandres as Myth, Religion and the Social Sciences, Explaining and Interpreting Religion, and Theorizing about Myth.