Myth and Religion in Mircea Eliade

by Douglas Allen

This multidisciplinary study is the first book devoted entirely to the critical interpretation of the writings of Mircea Eliade on myth. One of the most popular and influential historians and theorists of myth, Eliade argued that all myth is religious. Douglas Allen critically interprets Eliade's theories of religion, myth, and symbolism and analyses many of the controversial issues in Eliade's treatment of myth including whether Eliade's approach deals adequately with the relationship between myth and history and how Eliade's anti-modern perspective makes sense of myth in modern culture. A valuable resource for scholars in religious studies, philosophy, anthropology, and history, this book enables readers not only to understand "archaic" and "traditional" religious phenomena, but also to make sense of repressed and sublimated myth dimensions in modern secular life.

396 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

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Reviews

[Katerina Daskalopoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Τhe book is suitable for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the history of religions as human constructs. Τhey will thus understand, that all religions are the result of a specific historical, social, geographical and cultural environment, and as such, no one can claim the infallible and unique truth about God. K. Daskalopoulou, 2/2024.