Conversations with Eternity - Couverture rigide

Temple, Robert K.G.

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0712684042 ISBN 13 : 9780712684040

Editeur : Century, 2002

Synopsis

Drawing evidence from a range of sources, this volume examines the science of prediction in the ancient world, contrasting the techniques and traditions of divination in classical Greece, Rome and ancient China.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

We tend to think of ancient stories of visits to the Underworld - by, for example, Odysseus, Orpheus and Aeneas - as being poetic fictions, but in fact in the ancient world the Underworld was believed to be real place that actually existed. Unfortunately, this entrance to the Underworld was lost in the Dark Ages, and hasn't been rediscovered since - or at least until the 1960s. Recently Robert Temple heard a rumour that an archaeological expedition in 1962 HAD actually rediscovered the entrance near Baiia in Italy, but that the Italian authorities had forbidden exploration. While lobbying to be allowed to excavate, he researched all the classical sources relating to the Underworld and began to piece together what actually happened on these visits to the underworld - how waters in the ritual bathing that preceded entry would be full of hallucinogenic drugs, how a system of trap doors would be used to fake supernatural happenings and how the priests would quiz you as to what you'd experienced when you re-emerged - and if you didn't believe in it, they'd kill you! Netherworld is the extraordinary story of what Temple discovered when he did eventually get permission to make his own descent into the Underworld - including the river Styx, the false doors, the snake pit and carved invocations to the Goddess of the Underworld, all seen here for the first time since ancient civilization.

Revue de presse

"A superb, gripping narrative-Temple is that rare kind of author who can stir the magic within you" (Manchester Evening News)

"The focus is as wide, and as deep, as civilisation itself- frighteningly clever" (Sunday Times)

"Robert Temple's fascinating book should be read by all who have an interest in the history of science, and may well cause a revolution in this subject" (Sir Arthur C. Clarke)

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Century
• Date d'édition: 2002
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0712684042
• ISBN 13: 9780712684040
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 476
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible