Myths and mysteries of same-sex love [Hardcover]

Christine Downing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1989

“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 the 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.

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 the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 317 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826404456
• ISBN-13: 978-0826404459
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,980 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.