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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image
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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image Paperback - 1999

by Leonard Shlain

The author of "Art & Physics" now offers "a fascinating account of the evolution of our male and female ways of knowing" (Clarissa Pinkola Estes, author of" Women Who Run with the Wolves"). 35 illustrations.


Summary

This groundbreaking book proposes that the rise of alphabetic literacy reconfigured the human brain and brought about profound changes in history, religion, and gender relations. Making remarkable connections across brain function, myth, and anthropology, Dr. Shlain shows why pre-literate cultures were principally informed by holistic, right-brain modes that venerated the Goddess, images, and feminine values. Writing drove cultures toward linear left-brain thinking and this shift upset the balance between men and women, initiating the decline of the feminine and ushering in patriarchal rule. Examining the cultures of the Israelites, Greeks, Christians, and Muslims, Shlain reinterprets ancient myths and parables in light of his theory. Provocative and inspiring, this book is a paradigm-shattering work that will transform your view of history and the mind.

From the publisher

Leonard Shlain is the author of Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light, and The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image. He is the chief of laparoscopic surgery at California Medical Center in San Francisco.

First line

Of all the sacred cows allowed to roam unimpeded in our culture, few are as revered as literacy.

Details

  • Title The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image
  • Author Leonard Shlain
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition English Language
  • Pages 496
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Books, New York
  • Date September 1, 1999
  • Features Bibliography, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780140196016 / 0140196013
  • Weight 0.99 lbs (0.45 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.44 x 5.56 x 1.11 in (21.44 x 14.12 x 2.82 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
  • Library of Congress subjects Language and culture, Patriarchy
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 98021673
  • Dewey Decimal Code 302.224

About the author

Leonard Shlain is the author of Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light, and The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image. He is the chief of laparoscopic surgery at California Medical Center in San Francisco.
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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

by Shlain, Leonard

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Shlain, Leonard

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Shlain, Leonard

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Leonard Shlain

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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