Karen Armstrong

The author of The History of God and In the Beginning: A New Reading of Genesis offers a useful, well-written introduction to mythology from the Paleolithic period to the "Great Western Transformation" that used science to discredit myth. Reprint.

A Short History of Myth

October marks the beginning of an exciting new series of books which will revisit and rewrite classic myths. With contributions from Margaret Atwood and Jeanette Winterson following in November, the series is launched with Karen Armstrong's compelling investigation into myth; what it is, how it has evolved, and why we still so desperately need it. Armstrong's characteristically insightful and eloquent book serves as a brilliantly thought-provoking introduction to myth in the broadest sense.

rumbledethumps

A book on this subject that is this short is bound to have some very broad generalizations, and that is definitely true in this case. There were some interesting sections, but overall the book felt a little disjointed.

lala

Nihan 

Ashley McFarland

Michael Burkhardt

Isobel 

Sasuga

Amber C

Liam Byrne 

Heralding a major series of retellings of international myths by authors from around the world, Armstrong's characteristically insightful and eloquent book serves as a brilliant and thought-provoking introduction to myth in the broadest sense.

Julia A.

Karen Armstrong's concise yet compelling investigation into the history of myth takes us from the Palaeolithic period and the mythology of the hunters right up to the 'Great Western Transformation' of the last 500 years. She shows us that the history of myth is the history of humanity, and our stories and beliefs, our curiosity and attempts to understand the world, link us to our ancestors and each other. Myths help us make sense of the universe, and of ourselves. Armstrong's characteristically insightful and eloquent book serves as a brilliant and thought-provoking introduction to myth in the broadest sense - and why we dismiss it only at our peril.

A Short History of Myth

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