Title
Monsters: Evil Beings, Mythical Beasts, and All Manner of Imaginary Terrors,Used
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The human mind needs monsters. In every culture and in every epoch in human history, from ancient Egypt to modern Hollywood, imaginary beings have haunted dreams and fantasies, provoking in young and old shivers of delight, thrills of terror, and endless fascination. All known folklores brim with visions of looming and ferocious monsters, often in the role as adversaries to great heroes. But while heroes have been closely studied by mythologists, monsters have been neglected, even though they are equally important as panhuman symbols and reveal similar insights into ways the mind works. In Monsters: Evil Beings, Mythical Beasts, and All Manner of Imaginary Terrors, anthropologist David D. Gilmore explores what human traits monsters represent and why they are so ubiquitous in people's imaginations and share so many features across different cultures.Using colorful and absorbing evidence from virtually all times and places, Monsters is the first attempt by an anthropologist to delve into the mysterious, frightful abyss of mythical beasts and to interpret their role in the psyche and in society. After many hairraising descriptions of monstrous beings in art, folktales, fantasy, literature, and community ritual, including such avatars as Dracula and Frankenstein, Hollywood ghouls, and extraterrestrials, Gilmore identifies many common denominators and proposes some novel interpretations.Monsters, according to Gilmore, are always enormous, maneating, gratuitously violent, aggressive, sexually sadistic, and superhuman in power, combining our worst nightmares and our most urgent fantasies. We both abhor and worship our monsters: they are our gods as well as our demons. Gilmore argues that the immortal monster of the mind is a complex creation embodying virtually all of the inner conflicts that make us human. Far from being something alien, nonhuman, and outside us, our monsters are our deepest selves.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Monsters: Evil Beings, Mythical Beasts, and All Manner of Imaginary Terrors'? A: The main theme explores the role of monsters in human culture and psychology, revealing how they symbolize our deepest fears and desires across various societies.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of the book is David D. Gilmore, an anthropologist known for his work on folklore and mythology.
- Q: What type of book is this? A: This is a paperback book categorized under Folklore & Mythology, featuring a scholarly exploration of mythical beings.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 224 pages.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed as being in new condition.
- Q: When was 'Monsters: Evil Beings, Mythical Beasts, and All Manner of Imaginary Terrors' published? A: The book was published on September 3, 2009.
- Q: What kind of insights can readers expect from the book? A: Readers can expect insights into the psychological and cultural significance of monsters, supported by historical and contemporary examples from various cultures.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, the book is suitable for academic research as it provides a comprehensive analysis of monsters in folklore, making it valuable for students and scholars in anthropology and mythology.
- Q: What are some examples of monsters discussed in the book? A: The book discusses various monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein, Hollywood ghouls, and extraterrestrial beings.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or images of monsters? A: The product details do not specify if the book includes illustrations or images; it primarily focuses on textual analysis.