The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images [Paperback]

Marija Gimbutas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0520253981 | ISBN-13: 978-0520253988 | Edition: 2

In this beautifully illustrated study of sculpture, vases, and other cult objects portraying the Goddess, fertility images, and mythical animals, Marija Gimbutas sketches the matrilineal village culture that existed in southeastern Europe between 6500 and 3500 B.C., before it was overwhelmed by the patriarchal Indo-Europeans. The analysis of this rich mythical imagery tells us much about early humanity's concepts of the cosmos, of humans' relations with nature, and of the complementary roles of male and female.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"A magnificent study."--Joseph Campbell

"This splendidly illustrated book brings together an archeological documentation hardly to be found elsewhere."--Mircea Eliade

About the Author

Marija Gimbutas (1921-1994) was Professor of European Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Curator of Old World Archaeology at what is now the Fowler Museum of Cultural History. She was the author of many books including The Living Goddesses (UC Press).

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 2 edition (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520253981
• ISBN-13: 978-0520253988
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What came before the king the knight and the peasant?, February 22, 2009

By 

mike gurski (Richmond Hill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images (Paperback)

For those who have not begun the journey through the numerous works of the late Dr. Gimbutas, this early analysis is as good a place as any to start. Her painstaking research, archealogical digs and discoveries, not to mention controversial conclusions of the matriarchal culture that thrived prior to the repeated waves of the Indo-European incursions through Old Europe, are a breath of fresh air into the mythos of the Great Mother. Be warned though, Gimbutas' work can be captivating and like me you could find yourself reading through all her successive works. For the archealogical traveller, Gimbutas' also opens up an itinerary worth following to see for oneself, the various 'finds' from her digs. For those looking for a broader guide to the myth of the Goddess, explore The Myth of the Goddess, Evolution of an Image by Anne Baring and Jules Cashford. However, for the experience of direct discovery and articulate analyis, plus a solid repetoire of images, figures and maps to stimulate the left brain Gimbutas sets the standard. My only regret is that I did not discover her work sooner and if I had would have made the effort to meet her in person.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating history, December 31, 2011

By 

Stephen Baig - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: Myths and Cult Images (Paperback)

This book provided some excellent information for a presentation I made recently on the history of butterflies as a timeless subject of the visual arts. The book is well-written, scholarly, and packed with references. Now I'm reading the rest of the book!