The Chalice and the Blade Paperback - 1988
by Riane Eisler
Bringing together recent discoveries in archaeology with evidence from art, religion, anthropology, sociology, politics, and economics, this national bestseller reveals astounding new knowledge of our past--and potential future. Maps and charts.
About this book
Reader reviews for The Chalice and the Blade
Review summary
Readers are sharply divided on Riane Eisler’s The Chalice and the Blade. Admirers call it influential and even life?changing, praising its partnership-versus-dominator framework, interdisciplinary sweep, and hopeful vision for social change. Detractors argue the book leans on controversial or outdated archaeological interpretations (especially via Gimbutas), overreads goddess symbolism, and turns speculative or utopian in later chapters; several note an uneven structure with a dense start and a weaker finale. Even critics acknowledge its cultural impact, while supporters concede the evidence debates but value the paradigm it offers.
Readers say this book is:
influentialcontroversialthought-provokinginspiringpolarizingspeculativevisionarydatedunevenlife-changingIf you are happy with the way that humanity is in the world today, do not read this book. The information contained in "The Chalice and the Blade" can cause a serious paradigm shift in your view of what it means to be human. My only regret is ignoring friends' advice for years and not reading it until this year. It should be required reading no later than high school. After reading this book, go on and read her others on partnership, sexuality, education and the economy. Then take action to help the partnership movement succeed in transforming the face of the earth!
Earthdaughter
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From the publisher
First line
From the rear cover
The Chalice and the Blade tells a new story of our cultural origins. It shows that warfare and the war of the sexes are neither divinely nor biologically ordained. It provides verification that a better future is possible--and is in fact firmly rooted in the haunting dramas of what happened in our past.
Details
- Title The Chalice and the Blade
- Author Riane Eisler
- Binding Paperback
- Edition First
- Pages 304
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher HarperOne, New York, New York, U.S.A.
- Publication date 1988-09-21
- Illustrated Yes
- Features Bibliography, Index, Maps
- ISBN 9780062502896 / 0062502891
- Weight 0.76 lbs (0.34 kg)
- Dimensions 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 in (23.37 x 15.75 x 1.78 cm)
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Themes
- Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
- Ethnic Orientation: African American
- Sex & Gender: Feminine
- Category History - General History
- Library of Congress subjects Social history, Social evolution - History
- Dewey Decimal Code 305.309
