A Short History of Myth Audiobook

" I did not find the book as "interesting " as I thought. I thought the book was merely unchallenged opinion about the three religions. I found some of the "facts" about Islamic "myths" are absurd and not true and to me showed serious ignorance about the "real" narrative of some of these "myths" such as the "ladder" and "Sofesim". "

" I did not find the book as "interesting " as I thought. I thought the book was merely unchallenged opinion about the three religions. I found some of the "facts" about Islamic "myths" are absurd and not true and to me showed serious ignorance about the "real" narrative of some of these "myths" such as the "ladder" and "Sofesim". "

" I think it is nice book, especially its periodization of mythology is interesting, she says she takes it from Jaspers, nevertheless, her references focus on Eliade and a book of J Campbell.. Only in last parts she passes other sources, esp. primary sources. Briefly, it may only present the ideas of Eliadean School. "

" This book got me so excited for the upcoming mythology course! Also, probably the first book I've ever read where immediately after finishing I turned to the bibliography and circled several books/articles I'd like to read. "

" This book was very interesting, although I think I would have gotten more out of it if I had a better understanding of the basics of more religions. "

" Karen Armstrong's first sentence "Human beings have always been mythmakers" states a universal truth. Of course we've made myth to explain our origins, our creator/s, the world and universe, our ambivalence toward fellow creatures,our reasons for being, and most importantly, our deaths. The book begins with the birth of myth (and subsequently, religion) with the Neanderthal's and the Palaeolithic Period, and concludes with the death of myth and ritual with the Western Transformation. A fascinating read. "

" One of my favorite authors on religious/spiritual issues, this short tome provides insight into the importance of the sacred in our lives and how we (almost) have lost it since the advent of technology and the exaggerated importance of rational thinking in our daily lives. "

" Wished it had been more analytical as opposed to expository. Myths say so much... and I'm not sure she touched enough of it. "

" You would only read a book like this if you were intrested in mythology, so I like it. "

" Armstrong takes a reductionist and Western thought priveleging perspective, and can be a bit condescending in her quasihopeful/didactically pro-myth tone. But interesting enough I guess... "

" I loved this. Absolutely fascinating for anyone interested in myths. And check out the other books in the series as well, especially the Margaret Atwood one, "The Penelopiad" "

" There was no substance to this. You'd learn more from a Wikipedia entry. "

" My favourite of Karen Armstrong's books - an inspirational work. "

" The last third of the book my most interesting to me. Showing our dismissive modern day attitude toward myth and how we got there. "

" Great brief history of myth... "

" An interesting view on how the purpose of myths changed over time. "

" A very nice, readable overview. "

" An okay history with a few factual errors. I do not agree with the authors argument that we need myths today. "

" A nice survey of the history of mythology. "

" I'm not completely sure what I was hoping for, but this wasn't it. "

" Very satisfying summary of humanity's long-standing need for mythology. I like to be reminded of these things from time to time, and Karen Armstrong does a great job of presenting various styles of (and reasons for) myths thru the ages. The ending was unexpected - I liked where she went with it. "

" A lyrical and beautiful retelling of Greek myths that has aged very well. "

" A very quick read, which inspired me to delve further into Armstrong's work. I read this as part of step one of 12 Steps to a compassionate life. "

" Interesting way to see the world history. "

" Man creates myth. Myth becomes truth. The search for truth becomes conflict. Great read, very brief. "

" Clear, evocative, and beautifully and warmly written, Armstrong's book serves as a review and context for all the mythology you have ever read. "

" I'm not completely sure what I was hoping for, but this wasn't it. "

" Excellent, short and to-the-point survey of myth and how mythos and logos switch in relevance as society advanced. She goes from cavemen to modern society in about 160 pages. Karen Armstrong is kind of rad - 'jus sayin. "