Myth: Key Concepts in Religion

Description

"The book will be a superb introduction to mythological studies for a long time to come." -William G. Doty, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa author of Myth: A Handbook (University of Alabama Press, 2007) Structured around a typical program of study, Robert Ellwood's accessible introduction covers all the major theories concerning the meaning and interpretation of myth, from structuralist to psychoanalytic, and includes illustrative examples throughout, including modern literary and cinematic myths, from Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings.

Robert Ellwood was Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California from 1967 until his retirement in 1997. He is author or editor of over 25 books, including textbooks in world religions and religious studies, histories, and works on spirituality.

'The clarity of writing is superb-doubtless related to the sensitive perception of myth that indicates Ellwood's great familiarity with the subject ... A very gracious history of mythological studies is admirably brought in alongside the more general explications of types of myths, and historically important mythographers are introduced quite accessibly. The book will be a superb introduction to mythological studies for a long time to come.' William G. Doty is Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa