Purity and Danger (Paperback)

Mary Douglas

ISBN 10: 0415289955 / ISBN 13: 9780415289955

Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 2002

About this Item

Paperback. Is cleanliness next to godliness? What does such a concept really mean? Why does it recur as a universal theme across all societies? And what are the implications for the unclean? In Purity and Danger Mary Douglas identifies the concern for purity as a key theme at the heart of every society. In lively and lucid prose she explains its relevance for every reader by revealing its wide-ranging impact on our attitudes to society, values, cosmology and knowledge. This book has been hugely influential in many areas of debate from religion to social theory. With a specially commissioned preface by the author which assesses the continuing significance of the work, this Routledge Classics edition will ensure that Purity and Danger continues to challenge, question and inspire for many years to come. In this classic work Mary Douglas identifies the concern for pirity as a key theme at the heart of every society. She reveals its wide- ranging impact on our attitudes tp society, values, cosmology and knowledge. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780415289955

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Purity and Danger (Paperback)
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, London
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415289955
• ISBN 13: 9780415289955
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Is cleanliness next to godliness? What does such a concept really mean? Why does it recur as a universal theme across all societies? And what are the implications for the unclean?

In Purity and Danger Mary Douglas identifies the concern for purity as a key theme at the heart of every society. In lively and lucid prose she explains its relevance for every reader by revealing its wide-ranging impact on our attitudes to society, values, cosmology and knowledge. This book has been hugely influential in many areas of debate – from religion to social theory. With a specially commissioned preface by the author which assesses the continuing significance of the work, this Routledge Classics edition will ensure that Purity and Danger continues to challenge, question and inspire for many years to come.

About the Author

Dame Mary Douglas (1921-2007), was one of the most distinguished British social anthropologists known for her works on human culture, symbolism and risk.