Myths and Mysteries of Same Sex Love [Paperback]

Christine Downing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1996

“Myths and Mysteries of Same-Sex Love makes a powerful statement about the realities of gay and lesbian psyche. A gay and lesbian psychic perspective may at first be startling, but once examined, it proves to be unforgettable.”
—The Advocate

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Downing's book is a critical analysis of same-sex love throughout history, an attempt to discover hidden information about homosexuality. She shows that "homosexuality" is in fact an illusion, a category poorly defined by 19th-century psychologists. By analyzing the writings of Freud, Jung, Foucault, and others, Downing draws surprising conclusions that add up collectively to a far different historical picture of lesbians and gay men than the one we assume. She notes, for instance, that "Freud's own writings reveal a rather different understanding of homosexuality than that usually attributed to psychoanalysis." Downing concludes by examining the dynamics of same-sex love between Greek deities and discussing the homoerotic content of works by Plato and Sappho. Though specialized, a useful work for general collections.
- Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Christine Downing is professor of religious studies emerita at San Diego State University and a former core faculty member of the California School of Professional Psychology. She is the author of The Goddess, Journey Through Menopause, Psyche’s Sisters, Women’s Mysteries, and Gods in Our Midst.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826409180
• ISBN-13: 978-0826409188
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,884,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Myths and Mysteries of Same-Sex Love, January 3, 2007

By 

Rose Dawn "Swan" (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Myths and Mysteries of Same-Sex Love (Paperback)

This is a nice scholarly approach to the theme of love between members of the same sex. it could be brothers, sisters, mothers/daughters and friends. It should not be mistaken for a book on homosexuality although that theme is one element. it is sensitive to the deep feelings felt by members of the same sex. nice easy ready with a personel touch.