Overview

Before there where Christians, the peoples of Europe were pagans. Were they bloodthirsty savages hunting human offerings from trees? Were they happy ecologists, valuing the unpolluted rivers and mountains? European Paganism uncovers the facts about pagan rituals and worship, presenting the observations of ancient and medieval pagans themselves and the fulminations of Christian fathers and bishops. Many of the sources sited are available in this book in translation for the first time. Ken Dowden offers a systematic and comprehensive survey and analysis of the peoples of Europe from Portugal to Russia. Among the topics covered are: * the importance of landscape for pagans and the significance of stones, trees, springs and groves * diverse pagan rituals from tree worship to human sacrifice * the significance of the priest for pagan worship * pagan gods * pagan time-reckoning, calendars and festivals Ken Dowden also provides valuable reference material, including a chronology, a guide to further reading and indices of Gods, persons and places. European Paganism presents a concise and stimulating introduction to the pagan peoples of Europe which will be useful reading for anyone interested in ancient and medieval history, religion, anthropology and spirituality. European Paganism provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of ancient pagan religions throughout the European continent.

Full Product Details

Author:   Ken Dowden (University of Birmingham, UK) ,  Ken Dowden (University of Birmingham, UK)
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.90cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.440kg
ISBN:  

9780415120340

ISBN 10:   0415120349
Pages:   390
Publication Date:   14 October 1999
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  General ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Reviews

... a mine of information on the dynamics of cult and worship. This is an altogether satisfying book that should find its way into the libraries of many individuals and institutions. Highly recommended. All readership. - Choice Ken Dowden offers a classicist's view...you will find much that is new here, and Dowden certainly approaches the subject rather differently....If he challenges nothing that has not already been challenged, he certainly does so in an endearing and relaxed manner. -The Pomegranate-International Journal of Pagan Studies

'Masterful overview ... Dowden has a winning way with words, and a gift for making the complexities of faith simple and accessible.' - The Independent 'The book is a delight to read. Dowden has an attractive style, and chooses his quotations so that they illuminate the matters he is discussing.' - D. Cohen, Wood and Water, No. 71 'European Paganism is vintage Ken Dowden and that, of course means its always challenging and informative and often very amusing.' - Greece and Rome 'Hutton shows us that paganism is a matter of interest not only for the classicst and archaeologist, but for the modern historian as well. In doing so his Triumph of the Moon proves to be a triumph of cultural history.' - Owen Davies 'This is a colussus of a book. It approaches a familiar subject from fresh angles and provides a whole new perspective on European Paganism ... One of the most important books to be written on the subject - ever!' - Pagan Dawn

... a mine of information on the dynamics of cult and worship. This is an altogether satisfying book that should find its way into the libraries of many individuals and institutions. Highly recommended. All readership. <br>- Choice <br> Ken Dowden offers a classicist's view...you will find much that is new here, and Dowden certainly approaches the subject rather differently....If he challenges nothing that has not already been challenged, he certainly does so in an endearing and relaxed manner. <br>-The Pomegranate-International Journal of Pagan Studies <br>

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Ken Dowden

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