Myth: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Folklore & Mythology, History
Cover of the book Myth: A Very Short Introduction by Robert A. Segal, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert A. Segal ISBN: 9780191577802
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: July 8, 2004
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Robert A. Segal
ISBN: 9780191577802
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: July 8, 2004
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English
This book is not about myths, but about approaches to myth, from all of the major disciplines, including science, religion, philosophy, literature, and psychology. The fate of the preternaturally beautiful Adonis is one of the main fables upon which Segal focuses, in an attempt to analyse the various different theories of myth. Where the 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. 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, Roland Barthes, C. G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud. Finally, Segal considers the future study of myth, and the possible function of myth in the world as the adult equivalent of play. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
This book is not about myths, but about approaches to myth, from all of the major disciplines, including science, religion, philosophy, literature, and psychology. The fate of the preternaturally beautiful Adonis is one of the main fables upon which Segal focuses, in an attempt to analyse the various different theories of myth. Where the 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. 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, Roland Barthes, C. G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud. Finally, Segal considers the future study of myth, and the possible function of myth in the world as the adult equivalent of play. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Skillful Coping by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book EU Regulation and Competition Law in the Transport Sector by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book The Oxford Dictionary of American Art & Artists by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Paradoxes of Time Travel by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book The Law of Energy Underground by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Health Care Management by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Galileo: A Very Short Introduction by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Political Science by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Environmental Law: A Very Short Introduction by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Strategies of Justice by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Remembering our Childhood:How Memory Betrays Us by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Monads, Composition, and Force by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Return to Meaning by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book Globalization: A Very Short Introduction by Robert A. Segal
Cover of the book A Practical Approach to Effective Litigation by Robert A. Segal
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy