Customer Reviews

The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism from the Princeton Bollingen Series

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Not only a wonderful reference book, but also enjoyable just to read straight through. It covers myths and gods, philosphy, mantras, yantras, worship and rituals, and includes 32 pages of black-and-white photographs of Indian sculptures of the gods. It has an excellent 41-page index. The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it omits 89 pages of Sanskrit text that appear in the original hardcover Bollingen edition as an appendix, and that are referenced throughout the body of the book. Otherwise it is an exact copy of that classic work. Most readers will probably not mind this omission, but Sanskrit scholars will find it disappointing and would be well advised to seek out a copy of the original hardcover.

Of the three works of this author that I have read (Siva & Dionysus, The Phallus and this one), this is by far his best and shows him at his best. It is eloquent, lucid, comprehensive and inspiring. Unlike the other two books, this one is obviously written with a passion for his subject, and, also unlike the other two books, it has an index (!) which makes it accessible! A great reference book.

This book provided an in-depth look at several specific Hindu Gods. A very well written, comprehensive book that those unfamiliar with Hinduism will understand. If anyone is researching Hinduism, this book is essential.

Being in a "yoga" book club, I was very interested in the stories behind the Deities we hear about in yoga. I would have liked to have known that this was more of a 400 page text book, as opposed to an easy to understand story and explanation.