| Natural Symbols Contributor(s): Douglas, Mary (Author) |
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ISBN: 0415138256 ISBN-13: 9780415138253 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $256.50 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: September 1996 Annotation: First published in 1973 by Pelican Books, "Natural Symbols" has been revised and given a new and thoroughly updated instorduction. As a classic, it represents a work of anthropology in its widest sense, exploring themes such as the social meaning of natural symbols and the image of the body in society. This work focuses on the ways in which cultures selectnatural symbols from the body, and how every natural symbol carries a social meaning. Bringing anthropology into the realm of religion, "Natural Symbols" enters into the ongoing debate in religious circles surrounding meaning and ritual. The book not only provides a clear explanation to four distinct attitudes of religion, but defends hierarchical forms of religious organization, and attempts to retain a balanced judgment between fundamentalism and established religion. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social - Reference - Language Arts & Disciplines | Communication Studies |
| Dewey: 302.222 |
| LCCN: 96000203 |
| Lexile Measure: 1260 |
| Physical Information: 0.56" H x 5.5" W x 8.5" (0.90 lbs) 224 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Every natural symbol - derived from blood, breath or excrement - carries a social meaning and this work focuses on the ways in which any one culture makes its selections from body symbolism. Each person treats their body as an image of society and the author examines the varieties of ritual and symbolic expression and the patterns of social ritual in which they are embodied. |