Purity and danger : an analysis of concepts of pollution and taboo / Mary Douglas.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Douglas, Mary, 1921-2007, author.

Series:

Routledge classics.

Routledge classics

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Taboo.

Purity, Ritual.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (208 p.)

Place of Publication:

London : Routledge, 2002.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Purity and Danger is acknowledged as a modern masterpiece of anthropology. It is widely cited in non-anthropological works and gave rise to a body of application, rebuttal and development within anthropology. Purity and Danger is acknowledged as a modern masterpiece of anthropology. It is widely cited in non-anthropological works and gave rise to a body of application, rebuttal and development within anthropology. In 1995 the book was included among the Times Literary Supplement's hundred most influential non-fiction works since WWII. Incorporating the philosophy of religion and science and a generally holistic approach to classification, Douglas demonstrates the relevance of anthropological enquiries to an audience outside her immediate academic circle. She offers an approach to understanding rules of purity by examining what is considered unclean in various cultures. She sheds light on the symbolism of what is considered clean and dirty in relation to order in secular and religious, modern and primitive life. Purity and Danger is acknowledged as a modern masterpiece of anthropology. It is widely cited in non-anthropological works and gave rise to a body of application, rebuttal and development within anthropology. In 1995 the book was included among the Times Literary Supplement's hundred most influential non-fiction works since WWII. Incorporating the philosophy of religion and science and a generally holistic approach to classification, Douglas demonstrates the relevance of anthropological enquiries to an audience outside her immediate academic circle. She offers an approach to understanding rules of purity by examining what is considered unclean in various cultures. She sheds light on the symbolism of what is considered clean and dirty in relation to order in secular and religious, modern and primitive life.

Contents:

1. Ritual uncleanness

2. Secular defilement

23. The abominations of Leviticus

4. Magic and miracle

5. Primitive worlds

6. Powers and dangers

7. External boundaries

8. Internal lines

9. The system at war with itself

10. The system shattered and renewed.

Notes:

"With a new preface by the author."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-134-43821-4

1-134-43823-0

1-138-12714-0

1-134-43824-9

1-280-19533-9

0-203-36183-0

9780203361832

OCLC:

1000430355