The Myth of the Eternal Return: Cosmos and History

The Myth of the Eternal Return: Cosmos and HistoryFirst published in English in 1954, this founding work of the history of religions secured the North American reputation of the Romanian migr scholar Mircea Eliade. Making reference to an astonishing number of cultures and drawing on scholarship published in no fewer than half a dozen European languages, The Myth of the Eternal Return illuminates the religious beliefs and rituals of a wide variety of archaic religious cultures. While acknowledging

First published in English in 1954, this founding work of the history of religions secured the North American reputation of the Romanian migr -scholar Mircea Eliade. Making reference to an astonishing number of cultures and drawing on scholarship published in no fewer than half a dozen European languages, The Myth of the Eternal Return illuminates the religious beliefs and rituals of a wide variety of archaic religious cultures. While acknowledging that a return to their practices is impossible, Eliade passionately insists on the value of understanding their views to enrich the contemporary imagination of what it is to be human. This book includes an introduction from Jonathan Z. Smith that provides essential context and encourages readers to engage in an informed way with this classic text.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 11/20/2018
ISBN: 9780691182971
Pages: 232
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.70d