The Philosophers' Secret Fire: A History of the Imagination
This fascinating book provides a historical look at the  expressions of human imagination and how ideas of reality have  been shaped over time. Harpur (Daimonic Reality: A Field Guide  to the Otherworld) examines a wide range of imaginary creatures  and concepts, including those found in folklore and mythology,  religion and philosophy, poetry and drama, spiritualism and  psychology. He thoughtfully presents traditions from around the  world and illustrates the cultural similarities and symbolic  role each plays in society and for the individual. The author  demonstrates that in modern times beliefs have moved away from  explanations based on the supernatural toward an overreliance on  scientific interpretations. However, he also shows that even  scientific methods and models rely on the imagination and that  new concepts of reality continue to be created. The book is  scholarly in tone, presenting a wealth of literary allusions and  erudite analysis. Recommended for larger public and academic  libraries.Eloise R. Hitchcock, Middle Tennessee State Univ.  Lib., MurfreesboroCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.