Goddess: A Celebration in Art and Literature [Hardcover]

Jalaja Bonheim (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

In this elegant volume the editor has compil ed a unique and culturally diverse anthology of literature a nd art to reveal the many guises of the goddess. '

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jalaja Bonheim's Goddess presents a visually stunning, wide-ranging exploration of the "feminine face of God." Its tales and illustrations dip into many cultures, drawing up the likes of ribald Baubo, the Greek goddess of obscenity who "speaks from between her legs," and Au Co, the Vietnamese goddess from the 36th heaven whose tears became a river on earth. The Egyptian goddess Nut gives birth to the sun daily, then swallows him nightly in her enveloping body. Told she must sprint faster than an egotistical Irish king's swiftest steeds or die, pregnant Macha-- daughter of the Strange Son of the Ocean--asks bystanders to appeal for a delay until after she gives birth. "Help me," she entreats, "for a mother bore each one of you." When her plea is ignored, she wins the race handily, gives birth to twins, and curses the men of Ulster. Well-told myths, poetry, songs, and contemporary stories make this celebration of the goddess thoroughly enjoyable.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 239 pages
• Publisher: Stewart Tabori & Chang; First Edition edition (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556706219
• ISBN-13: 978-1556706219
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,378,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, high-quality book!, January 4, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Goddess: A Celebration in Art and Literature (Hardcover)

I picked this up on a whim and am absolutely ecstatic that I did. Not only is the artwork varied and beautiful, but the (albiet shortened) myths are nicely told. As the book itself points out, there is the idea that a particular myth will spark something in you and make you research it further. Don't expect to use this as a reference manual, the myths are too shortened for that, but as a general overview it's great, and beautifully done to boot.

Another nice bonus is the quality of the book itself. The pages are thick, the binding is well done, and even the "paper" cover is pretty sturdy - a pet peeve of mine is wimpy throwaway paper covers on hardbacks. This book will survive the many readings which it will certainally experience on my shelves. And at the outlet price...absolutely worth every penny!!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just an art book., December 2, 2000

By 

Cynthia M. Caton "minion" (Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Goddess: A Celebration in Art and Literature (Hardcover)

I have been coveting this book for a few years when it first came out. The artwork is lovely and each goddess image is accompanied by information about the goddess - a poem or short history. I would recommend this book to art-lovers, goddess- lovers and people interested in Wicca. The book covers many different pantheons.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Goddess belongs on your coffeetable, July 29, 2003

By 

"hypno_goddess" (East Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Goddess: A Celebration in Art and Literature (Hardcover)

This book was given to me as a gift, and I must say that I cherish it not only because it came from a special person, but because it is absolutely magical. There is a diversity of the goddesses given press in this book, as well as the mediums...poetry and prose. This is in no way a dictionary of goddesses or an in-depth study of them, however, it is quite a tribute. I would recommend this book to anyone into Goddess worship, divinity or art....it's fine pages, beautiful cover and content make it worth the price.