Leviticus As Literature [Paperback]

Mary Douglas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199244197 | ISBN-13: 978-0199244195 | Publication Date: May 17, 2001

This first full-scale account of Leviticus by a world renowned anthropologist presents the biblical work as a literary masterpiece. Seen in an anthropological perspective Leviticus has a mystical structure which plots the book into three parts corresponding to the three parts of the desert tabernacle, both corresponding to the parts of Mount Sinai. This completely new reading transforms the interpretation of the purity laws. The pig and other forbidden animals are not abhorrent, they command the same respect due to all God's creatures. Boldly challenging several traditions of Bible criticism, Mary Douglas claims that Leviticus is not the narrow doctrine of a crabbed professional priesthood but a powerful intellectual statement about a modern religion which emphasizes God's justice and compassion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`A rich and stimulating work' International Review of Biblical Studies, vol.46 1999/2000

`well-produced ... stylishly constructed ... Leviticus as Literature presents a particularly explicit theoretical engagement with ethnographic materials that remain part of the religious and/or educational background of many teachers and students of anthropology.' Richard Fardon, School of African and Oriental Studies

`fascinating study ... Dr Douglas is able to shed light on a number of puzzling points.' Bernard Robinson, Priests and People, Vol.15, No.2, Feb 01.

`Douglas offers an effective introduction for both novice and scholar to a book too often slighted or misread.' W. Lee Humpreys, Religious Studies Review, Vol.26, No.4, Oct.2000.

`the most breathtaking book of 2000 was Mary Douglas' Leviticus as Literature.' Christopher Howse, The Tablet 23/12/00.

`the great anthropologist Mary Douglas's surprising rereading of a very old text,Leviticus as Literature makes a discarded classic zing with new life.' Valentine Cunningham, The Independent, 2000

`intellectual excitement ... Mary Douglas has given students of Leviticus much to ponder, and we remain as ever in her debt.' Walter J.Houston, Journal of Jewish Studies, 2000.

`Like everything that Mary Douglas writes it is easy to read and fertile in ideas.' Walter J Houston, Journal of Jewish Studies, 2000.

`Leviticus has fascinated Mary Douglas for many years. And Mary Douglas has fascinated biblical scholars... One of the chief reasons for Mary Douglas's importance within biblical studies is that she is a distinguished social anthropologist... richly suggestive argument...' The Expository Times. April 2000.

About the Author

Mary Douglas is also the author of In the Wilderness, the Doctrine of Defilement in the Book of Numbers (1993)

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199244197
• ISBN-13: 978-0199244195
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new way of looking at an old book, June 18, 2003

By 

Dr. Jeremy Rosen (London United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leviticus As Literature (Paperback)

This is essential reading for anyone interested on the bible. It is written from an anthropoligical point of view by one of the greatest anthropologists of our era. There is no claim here to biblical scholarship in its narrow sense. But the Book of Leviticus is shown to be much more than a boring list of sacrificial and purity rituals. The detailed poetic and thematic structures are described both as explanations of what the book is about religiously as well as from a literary point of view. This combination is really engaging. Although some of the associations and structures are forced and general rules are derived from single cases, although frankly I think she gets some things wrong, I have not been so stimulated by a book on the bible for a very long time. Even for someone totally familiar with traditional commentaries this will be an exciting read.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meanings within meanings, February 26, 2006

By 

Charlene F. Graef "Pohaikawahine" (Citrus Heights, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leviticus As Literature (Paperback)

One of my great passions is the study of inner meanings of symbols and how they connect to an ancient line of wisdom that tells us all who we are. In particular the connections in myths, chants, and now religions. Mary Douglas's book has opened many new doors that reflect this connection in what I refer to as the ancient line of wisdom or knowledge. Her reflections on the structure of Leviticus reveal important messages of the ancient past that are critical for survival today. I love the book as well as her "In the Wilderness". Aloha nui, Pohaikawahine