Customer Reviews

Shiva: The Wild God of Power and Ecstasy

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This book brings to life many of the stories of the Hindu god Shiva in an easy-to-read (no dry academia here) yet highly informative romp from the creation of mankind to the intoxicating bliss of life on Mt Kailash. It also eloquently relates many themes to European mythology and shamanism. This makes this book an excellent read for those already familiar with Shiva as well as a great introduction for those who are not. I highly recommend it!

Very easy to read, great info on words and history. Fun drawings and stories.

This book is an excellent introduction to Shiva and, through him, to Hinduism and even Indian philosophy in general. Designed for a Western audience, the book is divided into sections about different aspects of Shiva and his worship. Wolf-Dieter Storl approaches the subject as an anthropologist, giving historical and cultural background to this Hindu God. In addition, he intersperses his analysis with stories from the great Hindu books of mythology as well as anecdotes from his time in India. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a serious, in-depth look at Shiva.

Easy to read. Author makes the reader feel engulfed in the story of Shiva. Wonderful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover. It is written in a smart, savvy and wonderful style. I was sad to see it end! Plenty of stories, tales and elucidations on the various aspects of Shiva. Provides both the experienced reader and newbies to Shiva excellent background on the beauty, power and deep meaning of Shiva as a force in our everyday lives.
I highly recommend this book!

Its unfortunate that one of Hindu religions most revered God is being presented to the outside world through the eyes of a westener based on a few years of stay and study in India. I dont think it is possible to understand the hindu philiosphy and Shiva based on a few college lectures or research papers in a University. On top of that comparing Shiva to European gods of yore is the ultimate and classical European way of seeing things, as it always has been the European propensity to appropriate everything to ensure that everything began in Europe or has roots in Europe and Wolf-Dieter Storl approach is nothing new.

I believe sometimes its better not to write about subjects one does not understand or probably has half baked ideas or an inkling. You wont see a Indian write a books on Jewish or Christian beliefs which basically should convey how this should book be viewed.

Any person who does not want to be misled sould steer clear of this publication. There are better books which do the subject jutsice.