Middle Eastern Mythology by S. H. Hooke
Dec. 28th, 2014 05:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
quippeThe Blurb On The Back:
During the last half-century the discoveries of archaeologists in the ancient Near East, now called the Middle East, have created a widespread interest in the ways of life and thought of the dwellers in that region, and especially in their myths. For much of Greek, Roman, and even Celtic mythology has its source in the traditions and legends of the ancient Near East.
In Middle Eastern Mythology S. H. Hooke, Professor Emeritus in the University of London and Speaker’s Lecturer at Oxford, has compiled an absorbing account, based on first-hand sources, of the fascinating mythology of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, Canaanites, and Hebrews. In addition he discusses the nature and function of myth very fully, and devotes a chapter to the important subject of the place of myth in Christianity.
First published in 1963, S. J. Hooke’s book uses the then latest archaeological research to provide an excellent summary on the origins and convergences of Middle Eastern mythology, divided into the following:
- Mesopotamian
- Egyptian
- Ugaritic
- Hittite
- Hebrew
- Jewish apocalyptic
- New Testament.
Because this is an academic text, Hooke presumes that readers are already familiar with the basic mythological stories, although he does summarise certain elements as he seeks to draw out similarities and differences. As such, if you’re looking for a book that sets out the myths, then this isn’t going to be for you but it is useful if you’re looking to go deeper into the mythology and its purpose to the relevant civilisations.
I was fascinated by the many similarities between mythologies and I liked the incorporation of archaeological evidence – in fact, it would be interesting to read an updated version of the book to see if subsequent discoveries have made any changes to our understanding of these ancient stories and the people they served. The fullest sections are on Mesopotamian and Hebrew myths and there’s a comprehensive set of footnotes for those interested in reading further (although given the age of the book, I’m not sure whether those sources can be easily found). My favourite section though was on the New Testament, which is fascinating but which I wish had really been longer because of the links he makes to the other sections.
Ultimately, this is a fascinating read – not too dry (although it is academic) and full of insight into the purposes served by these belief systems. If you’re interested in the subject matter then I think this is a great primer and would definitely recommend it.
The Verdict:
First published in 1963, S. J. Hooke’s book uses the then latest archaeological research to provide an excellent summary on the origins and convergences of Middle Eastern mythology, divided into the following: Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Ugaritic, Hittite, Hebrew, Jewish apocalyptic, and New Testament. Because this is an academic text, Hooke presumes that readers are already familiar with the basic mythological stories, although he does summarise certain elements as he seeks to draw out similarities and differences. As such, if you’re looking for a book that sets out the myths, then this isn’t going to be for you but it is useful if you’re looking to go deeper into the mythology and its purpose to the relevant civilisations.
During the last half-century the discoveries of archaeologists in the ancient Near East, now called the Middle East, have created a widespread interest in the ways of life and thought of the dwellers in that region, and especially in their myths. For much of Greek, Roman, and even Celtic mythology has its source in the traditions and legends of the ancient Near East.
In Middle Eastern Mythology S. H. Hooke, Professor Emeritus in the University of London and Speaker’s Lecturer at Oxford, has compiled an absorbing account, based on first-hand sources, of the fascinating mythology of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, Canaanites, and Hebrews. In addition he discusses the nature and function of myth very fully, and devotes a chapter to the important subject of the place of myth in Christianity.
First published in 1963, S. J. Hooke’s book uses the then latest archaeological research to provide an excellent summary on the origins and convergences of Middle Eastern mythology, divided into the following:
- Mesopotamian
- Egyptian
- Ugaritic
- Hittite
- Hebrew
- Jewish apocalyptic
- New Testament.
Because this is an academic text, Hooke presumes that readers are already familiar with the basic mythological stories, although he does summarise certain elements as he seeks to draw out similarities and differences. As such, if you’re looking for a book that sets out the myths, then this isn’t going to be for you but it is useful if you’re looking to go deeper into the mythology and its purpose to the relevant civilisations.
I was fascinated by the many similarities between mythologies and I liked the incorporation of archaeological evidence – in fact, it would be interesting to read an updated version of the book to see if subsequent discoveries have made any changes to our understanding of these ancient stories and the people they served. The fullest sections are on Mesopotamian and Hebrew myths and there’s a comprehensive set of footnotes for those interested in reading further (although given the age of the book, I’m not sure whether those sources can be easily found). My favourite section though was on the New Testament, which is fascinating but which I wish had really been longer because of the links he makes to the other sections.
Ultimately, this is a fascinating read – not too dry (although it is academic) and full of insight into the purposes served by these belief systems. If you’re interested in the subject matter then I think this is a great primer and would definitely recommend it.
The Verdict:
First published in 1963, S. J. Hooke’s book uses the then latest archaeological research to provide an excellent summary on the origins and convergences of Middle Eastern mythology, divided into the following: Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Ugaritic, Hittite, Hebrew, Jewish apocalyptic, and New Testament. Because this is an academic text, Hooke presumes that readers are already familiar with the basic mythological stories, although he does summarise certain elements as he seeks to draw out similarities and differences. As such, if you’re looking for a book that sets out the myths, then this isn’t going to be for you but it is useful if you’re looking to go deeper into the mythology and its purpose to the relevant civilisations.
