We often think of classical Greek society as a model of rationality and order. Yet as Walter Burkert demonstrates in these influential essays on the history of Greek religion; there were archaic; savage forces surging beneath the outwardly calm face of classical Greece; whose potentially violent and destructive energies; Burkert argues; were harnessed to constructive ends through the interlinked uses of myth and ritual.For example; in a much-cited essay on the Athenian religious festival of the Arrephoria; Burkert uncovers deep connections between this strange nocturnal ritual; in which two virgin girls carried sacred offerings into a cave and later returned with something given to them there; and tribal puberty initiations by linking the festival with the myth of the daughters of Kekrops. Other chapters explore the origins of tragedy in blood sacrifice; the role of myth in the ritual of the new fire on Lemnos; the ties between violence; the Athenian courts; and the annual purification of the divine image; and how failed political propaganda entered the realm of myth at the time of the Persian Wars.
#252236 in Books Popkin Jeremy D 2014-10-06 2015-10-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .50 x 7.30l; .0 #File Name: 0205968457160 pagesA Short History of the French Revolution
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Short but conciseBy Jonathan WellerThe French Revolution is widely considered one of the watershed moments is Western history. Depending on your view; you can see it as the beginnings of liberal and democratic principles being championed; or you can see it as the end of the old regimes of monarchy and absolutism. Jeremy Popkin gives a concise and surprisingly effective (almost) summary of the most tumultuous ten-year history in French history.Although the book is small in stature; it does a terrific job of introducing the reader to the major events that happened throughout the French Revolution. The book also cleverly explores the different and contradicting ways in which historians interpret and argue over the major historical event. The origins of the revolution; the bringing down of the monarchy; and the revolutionary heritage are brought to light and explored; and delves into a brief; but comprehensive overview of the ten-year period until 1799.The book is made for an introduction only. If you want an in-depth look at the events that shaped and occurred during the French Revolution then you should look elsewhere. If you want something short and concise; yet informative; then by all means give this book a try.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great and to-the-point historical readBy daniel herreraI had to read this little book for a European History elective focused entirely on the French Revolution; and boy was it helpful. Terse; but concise; it highlights the most important occurrences and events that transpired during the years before; during; and shortly after the Revolution. Great read if you're interested in the subject matter.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Concise and readableBy AlexieEasy to follow and interesting. Read for my French Revolution and Napoleon advanced seminar at NYU.
