Description
The shift from polytheism to monotheism changed the world radically. Akhenaten and Moses-a figure of history and a figure of tradition-symbolize this shift in its incipient, revolutionary stages and represent two civilizations that were brought into the closest connection as early as the Book of Exodus, where Egypt stands for the old world to be rejected and abandoned in order to enter the new one.The seven chapters of this seminal study shed light on the great transformation from different angles. Between Egypt in the first chapter and monotheism in the last, five chapters deal in various ways with the transition from one to the other, analyzing the Exodus myth, understanding the shift in terms of evolution and revolution, confronting Akhenaten and Moses in a new way, discussing Karl Jaspers' theory of the Axial Age, and dealing with the eighteenth-century view of the Egyptian mysteries as a cultural model.
The seven chapters of this seminal study shed light on the great transformation from polytheism to monotheism.
About the Author
Jan Assmann is a German Egyptologist widely known for his work on the origins of monotheism. Formerly professor of Egyptology at the University of Heidelberg, he is now honorary professor of cultural studies at the University of Constance. He is the author of Moses the Egyptian: The Memory of Egypt in Western Monotheism (1998), and The Price of Monotheism (2009).
Reviews
Book Information
ISBN 9789774167492
Author Jan Assmann
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint The American University in Cairo Press
Publisher The American University in Cairo Press
Weight(grams) 324g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 150mm * 13mm
The seven chapters of this seminal study shed light on the great transformation from polytheism to monotheism.
About the Author
Jan Assmann is a German Egyptologist widely known for his work on the origins of monotheism. Formerly professor of Egyptology at the University of Heidelberg, he is now honorary professor of cultural studies at the University of Constance. He is the author of Moses the Egyptian: The Memory of Egypt in Western Monotheism (1998), and The Price of Monotheism (2009).
Reviews
"Will appeal to readers who enjoy exploring the world of ideas and the ways in which such ideas have shaped societies for both good and ill."-Ancient Egypt
"A seminal work of truly impressive scholarship. An exceptionally well written, organized, and presented study that is enhanced with the inclusion of eighteen pages of Notes and a comprehensive Index, this seminal work is very highly recommended for academic library collections and the supplemental studies reading lists for students of Egyptian antiquity."-Midwest Book Review
Book Information
ISBN 9789774167492
Author Jan Assmann
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint The American University in Cairo Press
Publisher The American University in Cairo Press
Weight(grams) 324g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 150mm * 13mm
