![Sir Gawain and the Green Knight; Pearl; [and] Sir Orfeo](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91nVcwr9-9L._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
In this work, Shan Winn summarizes up the generally accepted views of Indo-European comparative mythology, archaeology, and so forth. Summarizing the theories of Georges Dumezil, Marija Gimbutas and others, as well as critically reviewing the less accepted theories of Colin Renfew etc. In general, we are treated to a wonderful summary of thoughts plus a few of the author's own. This is a book I can recommend to beginners along with J P Mallory's
IN SEARCH OF THE INDO-EUROPEANS: Language, Archaeology, and Myth
.
At the same time, I that this book shows how much need there is for rethinking some of Gimbutas's mythological theories in the light of Victor Turner's field work and theories (especially his theories regarding liminality and communitas (see
The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure (Lewis Henry Morgan Lectures) (Foundations of Human Behavior)
), and the role of the non-inheritance gender in non-hierarchical elements of society. However, this is hardly something that can be held against the author since it is a matter of a need for greater interdisciplinary studies in relation to this field. In my view Dr Turner's field work and theories in relation to it substantially undermine Gimbutas's theories regarding mythology and non-stratified, matrifocal (and sometimes what she even claims to be matriarchal) Old European society. Consequently I mention this as a caution for people trying to read introductions to this field to branch out into related ones, such as anthropology, as well. I certainly wouldn't expect a book written for non-specialists to venture into this area however.
On the whole, this is one of the best beginner books out there, as an ideal complement to JP Mallory's book mentioned above, and a useful book to read before getting onto more specialized books like Jaan Puhvel's
Comparative Mythology
or the works of Georges Dumezil. It neatly summarizes the state of the consensus regarding Indo-European comparative mythology and so forth. The writing is clear and easy to understand. He makes the case well (though see the above caveat).
On the whole, I'd highly recommend this work.
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