Myth and Cosmos: Readings in Mythology and Symbolism

by John Middleton (Editor)

Essays by anthropologists who relate some of the ways in which people conceive of their society and the world in which it is set.

Middleton, J. Introduction.--
Leach, E.R. Genesis as myth.--
Lévi-Strauss, C. Four Winnebago myths.--
Burridge, K.O.L. Social implications of some Tangu myths.--
Middleton, J. Some social aspects of Lugbara myth.--
Moore, S.F. Descent and symbolic filiation.--
Leach, E.R. Magical hair.--Evans-Pritchard, E.E. The Nuer concept of spirit in its relation to the social order.--
Evans-Pritchard, E.E.A problem of Nuer religious thought.--
Wilson, M. Nyakyusa ritual and symbolism.--
Faron, L.C. Symbolic values and the integration of society among the Mapuche of Chile.--
Read, K.E. Morality and the concept of the person among the Gahuku-Gama.--
Douglas, M. Animals in Lele religious thought.--
Turner, V.W. Themes in the symbolism of Ndembu hunting ritual.--Needham, R. Blood, thunder, and mockery of animals.--
Beidelman, T.O. Hyena and rabbit.--
Pocock, D.F. The anthropology of time-reckoning.--
Bohannan, P. Concepts of time among the Tiv of Nigeria.--
Littlejohn, J. The Temne House

Genres: Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Mark Isaak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of 18 academic anthropology articles from the 1950s and early 1960s about aspects of religious symbolism. Almost all concentrate on a different culture. Contrary to the title, there is little actual myth (narrative stories) recounted. The descriptive aspects of the articles probably still have value, but the interpretations are often outdated. (The 25 years which the book sat unread on my shelf didn't help.)