'This account of Middle Eastern creation myths is a very detailed in its geographical and historical focus; and impressively wide-ranging in its scope... the painstaking research and critical insight make this a very valuable contribution to the subject.' - Journal Of Beliefs Values This comprehensive study of Middle Eastern creation stories explores the region's 'forgotten' narratives; myths and traditions which have played a central role in the accounts of creation found in the Old Testament and the Quran. Drawing on stories from Ancient Mesopotamia; Egypt; Anatolia; Syria-Palestine and Persia; Ewa Wasilewska shows how these narratives of creation; destruction and rebirth reach to the very roots of the Biblical and Quranic Genesis. She examines the beliefs of the ancient Sumerians; Egyptians; Akkadians; Babylonians; Assyrians; Canaanites; Hebrews and Arabs; and the early Indo-Europeans; placing them in the economic; political and social context of the region. She investigates the concept of 'religion' as defined by ancient and modern scholars; a concept which she argues emerged only with the establishment of religions focusing on one male deity; and she traces the gradual rise and fall of the female goddesses of creation. Creation Stories of the Middle Eastexplores a significant range of original myths; stories; timelines and maps of the region; invaluable to the student or enthusiast. By returning to the place where writing was first invented; Wasilewska opens up the mythology; religion and history of the last five thousand years in the Middle East.
#649944 in Books 2012-06-19 2012-06-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.81 x .26 x 6.84l; .70 #File Name: 184908666496 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Its great though so buy itBy PeterSomehow I thought this was a book about BATTLESHIPS. Its great though so buy it.1 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good read of a lesser known topicBy Timothy WeinschenkerI found this to be a well written book on a most unusual and mostly unknown (at least to me) subject. I was really surprised to read about the early daylight successes of the Boulton Paul Defiant. I recommend this to all World War Two aviation enthusiasts.3 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding RAF read !!!By Anthony ButtacavoliVery good book centered on several of the lesser known types that were nonetheless all Britain had in the early innings of WW2. Well written;presented;and researched a must for any student of the period '39-'42;when our backs were against the wall and the issue was still very much in doubt.
