Description
Book SynopsisEssays in Christian Mythology deals with Christian literature interpreted as myth. The work offers detailed analysis and anthropological interpretation of a body of Christian medieval texts, which confirm the existence of a mythological discourse based on the biblical narratives. Essays in Christian Mythology focuses on Prester John, an imaginary oriental sovereign fabled to have offered to establish an alliance with the West in order to liberate the Holy Land. This intriguing work reviews the symbolic dualism in medieval Christianity and the symbolic relations between Christ as heir of the Heavenly Kingdom and the Devil as the Prince of this World. In addition, Essays explores the roots of renaissance Iberian discovery travels and their literary expressions in this medieval Christian-mythological discourse.
Trade Review[In] these Essays Manuel João Ramos brings us more than an innovative view of the legendary 'cycle of Prester John'; his stimulating book invites us to profoundly rethink the anthropological analysis of symbolism. -- José Carlos Gomes da Silva, from the foreword
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Prologue Part 3 Part I: Chapter 1. Heuristic Problems: Reading is Believing; Chapter 2. Text and Context of the Letter of Prester John; Chapter 3. Wonders of Christian India; Chapter 4. The Patriarch, the King, and the River; Chapter 5.
