religion

This book presents the major and lesser figures of Roman mythology. It also includes sidebars spotlighting related facts and concepts about Roman mythology and religion.

This book examines theocratic governments, from ancient Egypt to present-day Iran. It explores how different theocracies arose, how their leaders maintained authority, and what it was like for ordinary people living under religious rule.

"While many around the world are familiar with some aspects of Chinese myth--through Chinese New Year festivities or the classic adventures of the Monkey King in Journey to the West--few outside of China understand the richness of Chinese mythology, influenced by Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Offering much more than any competing overview of Chinese mythology, [this book] not only retells the ancient stories but also considers their place within the patterns of Chinese religions, culture, and history"--.

"The myths of the ancient Romans are unique in that they focus mostly on the legendary human heroes who, against powerful military and other odds, prevailed and made Rome great. From Aeneas, who established the Roman race, to Romulus, who founded the city of Rome, to other brave figures, female and male alike, their moving stories are recounted in this volume"--Provided by publisher.

"The ancient Egyptians had a large, rich collection of mythis that developed over the course of more than four thousand years. This book examines the colorful gods and goddesses, the primary creation myths, and several mythical monsters and the human heroes who slew them. Also included is the mystical tale the Egyptians saw as their most improtaint: The Myth of Kingship, which established that all people, regardless of wealth and status, could find salvation in the afterlife"--Back cover.

"[The author] explores the powerful currents beneath the roiled waters of a nation coming apart. Across the country, men "of God" glorify materialism, a gluttony of the soul, while citing Scripture and preparing for civil war--a firestorm they long for as an absolution and exaltation. Lies, greed, and glorification of war boom through microphones at hipster megachurches that once upon a time might have preached peace and understanding. Political rallies are as aflame with need and giddy expectation as religious revivals. Framing this dangerous vision, [the author] remembers and celebrates the courage of those who sing a different song of community, and of an America long dreamt of and yet to be fully born, dedicated to justice and freedom for all"--Provided by publisher.

"Living in ancient Rome was one of the most intense experiences in human history. It was also superbly and vividly recorded by Rome's historians and poets, who were acutely aware of the seething and voluptuous nature of the city that ruled the known world. [This book] takes the reader on a . . . journey through the landscape of politics, crime, domestic life, faith, sex, entertainment, cuisine, disease, and inequality experienced daily by Roman people of all social strata. Revealing what it meant to eke out an existence in servitude, live in luxury in the imperial palaces, enjoy a day at the races, riot in the streets, make do in a tenement block, plot to assassinate an emperor, worship any one of a multitude of gods, witness an imperial triumph, and commemorate the dead, this powerful story of the people of ancient Rome"--Provided by publisher.

Siddhartha undergoes a series of experiences in ancient India on a quest for the ultimate answer to the enigma of humanity's role in the world, and emerges in a state of peace and wisdom.

A memoir in which the author describes her journey from living in an insular community of Hasidic Jews, where she was raised by her strictly religious grandparents, to an alternative life of independence and freedom.

A new English translation of the ancient Chinese text, "Tao Te Ching," begun in the 1950s by novelist and poet Ursula Le Guin, capturing the poetry of the language and written to be accessible to modern-day men and women.