Title
When They Severed Earth From Sky: How The Human Mind Shapes Myth,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Why were Prometheus and Loki envisioned as chained to rocks? What was the Golden Calf? Why are mirrors believed to carry bad luck? How could anyone think that mortals like Perseus, Beowulf, and St. George actually fought dragons, since dragons don't exist? Strange though they sound, however, these 'myths' did not begin as fiction.This absorbing book shows that myths originally transmitted real information about real events and observations, preserving the information sometimes for millennia within nonliterate societies. Geologists' interpretations of how a volcanic cataclysm long ago created Oregon's Crater Lake, for example, is echoed point for point in the local myth of its origin. The Klamath tribe saw it happen and passed down the storyfor nearly 8,000 years.We, however, have been literate so long that we've forgotten how myths encode reality. Recent studies of how our brains work, applied to a wide range of data from the Pacific Northwest to ancient Egypt to modern stories reported in newspapers, have helped the Barbers deduce the characteristic principles by which such tales both develop and degrade through time. Myth is in fact a quite reasonable way to convey important messages orally over many generationsalthough reasoning back to the original events is possible only under rather specific conditions.Our oldest written records date to 5,200 years ago, but we have been speaking and mythmaking for perhaps 100,000. This groundbreaking book points the way to restoring some of that lost history and teaching us about human storytelling.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: This book contains three hundred twenty pages. It provides a comprehensive exploration of how myths convey historical truths.
- Q: What binding type does the book have? A: The book is available in hardcover. This binding type offers durability and a polished appearance for collectors.
- Q: What are the physical dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point two six inches in length, zero point seventy-five inches in width, and nine point five inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Elizabeth Wayland Barber. She utilizes her expertise to blend history and storytelling in this work.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the History category. It examines the intersection of myth and historical events.
- Q: How is this book useful for understanding myths? A: This book helps readers understand how myths encode historical information. It connects ancient stories to real events, enriching our comprehension of human culture.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: The book is generally suitable for older teens and adults. Its themes and concepts may be complex for younger audiences.
- Q: Can I read this book for academic purposes? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for academic study. It provides insights into anthropology, history, and storytelling.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.
- Q: What is the condition of the used book? A: The book is listed as used but in good condition. This means it may show some signs of wear but is still fully readable.
- Q: How do I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions that could damage the pages.
- Q: Is this book available for return if I'm not satisfied? A: Yes, the book can typically be returned if it is not satisfactory. Check the seller's return policy for specific details.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately for a replacement or refund. Take photos of the damage for reference.
- Q: How does this book compare to other historical mythologies? A: This book uniquely connects myths with real historical events, unlike many others that focus solely on narrative. It offers a fresh perspective.
- Q: Is this book recommended for myth enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book is highly recommended for myth enthusiasts. It combines storytelling with historical analysis, making it a valuable addition to any collection.