This fascinating book explores the evolution of religious dualism; the doctrine that man and cosmos are constant battlegrounds between forces of good and evil. It traces this evolution from late Egyptian religion and the revelations of Zoroaster and the Orphics in antiquity through the Dead Sea Scrolls; the Mithraic Mysteries; and the great Gnostic teachers to its revival in medieval Europe with the suppression of the Bogomils and the Cathars; heirs to the age-long teachings of dualism. Integrating political; cultural; and religious history; Yuri Stoyanov illuminates the dualist religious systems; recreating in vivid detail the diverse worlds of their striking ideas and beliefs; their convoluted mythologies and symbolism. Reviews of an earlier edition:“A book of prime importance for anyone interested in the history of religious dualism. The author’s knowledge of relevant original sources is remarkable; and he has distilled them into a convincing and very readable whole.â€Â—Sir Steven Runciman“The most fascinating historical detective story since Steven Runciman’s Sicilian Vespers.â€Â—Colin Wilson“A splendid account of the decline of the dualist tradition in the East . . . both strong and accessible. . . . The most readable account of Balkan heresy ever.â€Â—Jeffrey B. Russell; Journal of Religion “Well-written; fact-filled; and fascinating . . . has in it the making of a classic.â€Â—Harry T. Norris; Bulletin of SOAS
#1098594 in Books 1991-01-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .88 x 6.00l; 1.22 #File Name: 0300050313352 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A great introductionBy David DubbertI'm no pre-classical historian; so I don't have the background to really evaluate the quality or accuracy of Mr. Saggs' work. What I can say is that for somebody with little more than a cursory understanding of the era; I found his book extremely helpful. I read it cover to cover; and in so doing; have gained enough of a background in the subject that to the extent I want to pursue any subject in more detail; I now have a good frame of reference with which to start. Additionally; the layout of the book; starting with broad backgrounds and history; and then moving into particular subjects (trade; writing; medicine; religion; etc.) is also useful to the individual looking for more information on a single subject.My one concern in recommending this book is that it might simply be outdated. Mr. Saggs is extremely balanced in his presentation of the history of the period; and how our understanding of that history has changed with new research and findings; and so I worry that in the last twenty years; what was known to be fact at the time of the writing has been disproved or changed significantly.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. good customerBy SANDRA T.Eternal blessings; good customer service0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Book!By NoOffenceIntendedThis is one of the most interesting books I've had in a long time. Wonderfully written in common language for the everyday person; yet in-depth knowledge and coverage of the topic. Very revealing of our civilization foundations; and organized exceptionally well for constant revisits. A book every American should be required to read!
