This book offers an unusual yet effective approach to the subject of mythology by stressing the universal rather than national themes. Leeming collects a wide array of narrative texts from the Bible to English literature to interpretations by Joseph Campbell, C.G. Jung and others, which illustrate the stages of the universal hero. The arrangement of texts by themes such as "Childhood, Initiation and Divine Signs" and "The Descent to the Underworld" help readers strip mythic characters of their many national and cultural "masks" to reveal their archetypal aspects. Real figures such as Jesus and Mohammed are also included to underline the text theory that myths are real and can be applied to real life. Changes to the third edition include additional heroine myths (including Navajo, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and African tales) and an updated bibliography.

About the Author
David Adams Leeming is Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. He is the author of numerous books including The World of Myth, and A Dictionary of Creation Myths. He resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Reviews
"A wonderfully well arranged collection...that offer[s] up the whole subject....It should be useful, not only for classroom study, but also for anyone wishing to advance his knowledge of this vast subject. I shall be recommending it from now on to people asking me what I read."--Joseph Campbell



Book Information
ISBN 9780195119572
Author David Adams Leeming
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 407g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 154mm * 19mm