Customer Reviews

Sons of God: Daughters of Men

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Overall this is a well-written and researched book with lots of good information. However, I kept expecting the other shoe to fall... but it never really did.

As the title implies, this book attempts to explain the origin of the "Sons of God and Daughters of Men" and the legends surrounding them. In the first few chapters Malkowski details various early myths about "giants" and the "Sons of God", as well as more recent documented discoveries of unusually large skeletal remains and tools. In subsequent chapters he then examines the possible origin, migration, and development of Neolithic man up through the birth of civilization... but never does he provide any explanation for, or further discussion of, the giants discussed in the opening chapters.

The author's basic premise is that the "Daughters of Men" represent early Neolithic cultures; peaceful hunter-gather communities who became agrigarian (farmer-shepherds) after the Ice Age, venerated the Mother Goddess, recognized gender equality, and freely shared all resources and possessions among clan members. The "Sons of God" also likely began as hunter-gatherers, but somehow(?) became a more agressive society where weapons, once used only for hunting, became symbols of power and dominance. They developed the concepts of ownership and social class, the Mother Goddess (and women in general) was pushed aside to be replaced by predominantly male warrior gods, and the domestication of the horse gave them a significant advantage in mobility and warfare. Long story short, one group conquered the other.

Malkowski wisely acknowledges that ancient myths often contain seeds of truth, but cautiously keeps both feet on the ground by brushing off some of the more "far-fetched" claims in these legends. He does, however, admit that there seems to have been an unknown "advanced civilization" that influenced and/or shared their knowledge with ancient Egypt and other early cultures who show little to no signs of progressive cultural development -- cultures that appear fully developed in every way from their inception. Yet there isn't even the slightest speculation by the author as to who these people were, or how advanced they may have been.

The reader is led to *infer* that the giants were simply another extinct branch of our family tree. Large, yes, but still very human. But if that were the case why haven't archaeologist and anthropologists made any attempt to examine the evidence and welcome "homogigantus" into our family? I mean, other early hominids have been accepted as human ancestors based on far less physical proof, many of which are genetically further removed from modern man than the "giants" presumably were.

It's not that I was expecting Malkowski to confirm (or refute) my own beliefs, but I *was* expecting a more thorough exploration of the giants, even if speculative.

Very highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in antiquarian history and/or the history of religion, In Sons Of God Daughters Of Men, Edward F. Malkowski pieces together a story of prehistory and the birth of civilization from the myths of Genesis discovered through the revelations of archaeology. Exploring the legends of history and various culture folklore, as well as cities from Biblical times, the search to locate Eden, the evolution of religious and spiritual thought since prehistoric times, and so much more, Sons Of God Daughters Of Men offers a thoughtful and thought-provoking wealth of insights into the gradual process of an increasing cultural sophistication in humankind's attempts to grapple with both real and spiritual dilemmas.

"Sons of God: Daughters of Men" is a very well written book. It is thoroughly researched and well put together. This book offers an alternative view of history, not bound by religious or academic doctrine. Every author should be as thorough and unbiased as Mr. Malkowski.

Beware of the disconnected title for this book. If you are interested in learning about the research done on ancient, poorly documented cultures, some about people that were giant in size, you might like this book.
However, if you think you are getting a review of Sons of Gods and their interaction with mortal women, then you will be disapointed (Like I was.)

There is less than one half of a page (out of 294) that even suggests that there may have been any thing to the quote from the bible.

Ed Malkowksi has done his research on this read. Meticulously resourced, he dives into the history of ancient cultures to the modern.

It seems as though there is a faction who would keep the truth from the masses. Scientists' egos prevent them from expanding their minds and embracing the research contained in this book. Publishers refuse to publish controversial findings such as this. The research is solid and the conclusions are logical.

I found it a fascinating collection of information.

Never have I read a book that covered so much information in so many different disciplines and was still an excellent read!