Living with the Gods: On Beliefs and Peoples

Neil MacGregor

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Knopf Publishing Group
30 October 2018

History of art: ancient & classical art; Radio; Archaeology; Religion & beliefs; History of religion

In the same format as his best-selling books A History of the World in 100 Objects and Germany: Memories of a Nation--the acclaimed art historian now gives us a magnificent new book that explores the relationship between faith and society. Until fairly recently, religion as a major influence on the nature of individual societies around the world seemed to be on the wane. Now, far from being marginalized, the relationship between faith and society has moved to the center of politics and global conversation. Neil MacGregor's new book traces the ways in which different societies have understood and articulated their places in the cosmic scheme. It examines mankind's beliefs not from the perspective of institutional religions but according to how shared narratives have shaped societies--and what happens when different narratives run up against each other. As he did in A History of the World in 100 Objects and Germany: Memories of a Nation, MacGregor brilliantly combines objects, places, and ideas to examine and, ultimately, illuminate these pressing contemporary concerns.

By: Neil MacGregor
Imprint: Knopf Publishing Group
Dimensions: Height: 236mm, Width: 157mm, Spine: 48mm
Weight: 1.293kg
ISBN: 9780525521464
ISBN 10: 0525521461
Pages: 512
Publication Date: 30 October 2018
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

NEIL MacGREGOR was director of the National Gallery, London, from 1987 to 2002 and of the British Museum from 2002 to 2015. His previous books include A History of the World in 100 Objects, Shakespeare's Restless World, and Germany: Memories of a Nation, between them translated into more than a dozen languages. In 2010, he was made a member of the Order of Merit, the UK's highest civil honor. He is now chair of the steering committee of the Humboldt Forum in Berlin.

Reviews for Living with the Gods: On Beliefs and Peoples

This highly enjoyable study of religion shows how central it was--and is--to our world. . . . [MacGregor] and his publishers must be hoping that Living with the Gods sells as prodigiously as A History of the World in 100 Objects did. It certainly should, as it deserves to. . . . This is one of the most generously illustrated books I have seen at this price in years. . . . Anyone wishing to deepen if not change their life, will certainly benefit from this remarkable book. --Doublas Murray, Evening Standard (London) It is because MacGregor draws on his knowledge to open new perspectives that Living with the Gods is such a mind-expanding book. --John Carey, The Sunday Times The writing is clear and personable, and the illustrations nothing short of spectacular--230 images in both color and black and white. A fine popular work on the material history of religion. --Ray Olson, Booklist A whirlwind, though deeply satisfying, tour of the world's religions . . . As good a comparative survey of religion as there is and a pleasure to contemplate. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)