- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Robinson Publishing; New edition edition (26 April 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 184529484X
- ISBN-13: 978-1845294847
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 13 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 643,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"'an outstanding book...exceptionally lucid, stimulating and thought-provoking' The Indpendent 'at his best evoking the sheer joy of travel', Literary Review 'a deft wit and a deep understanding of his territory', The Independent"
Product Description
The paradise myth has been one of the most powerful motivators in human history, influencing and energizing all kinds of individuals and groups. From the Assassins of twefth-century Persia to the Pilgrim Fathers of America; from Pythagoras to modern-day downsizers, there have always been those who would seek perfection on earth. This hope for an earthly paradise drives humanity onwards, pressing for change and offering salvation. Yet it also comes attached to religious beliefs such as Armageddon, original sin and martyrdom - all notions that influence modern life even when hidden beneath a veneer of secularism. Kevin Rushby traces the belief in paradise from its earliest origins down to the present day, taking in a vast array of characters, particularly from within Christian and Islamic cultures. The story carries us not only through the delights of the botanic gardens and utopian dreams of seventeenth-century Europe but also to terrible events such as the Holocaust and the atrocities of modern-day religious extremism. Paradise uncovers the history of an idea and in doing so reveals some of the key events and characters that have shaped our view of perfect happiness.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the sort of book to dip into, mull it over and dip into again and again. Rushby writes great grabbers - little cameos to launch serious historical perspectives. And the links with our lives today lift this book from dry ancient history to the omnipresent question: which paradise am I seeking? Which God does my life honour? Rushby's book defies category. Its a little bit of paradise itself.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I'm a huge fan of Rushby's travel writing - a fascinating mix of history, philosophy, theology and cultural analysis, which gallops along with the author's always intense and often dangerous experiences. He is a true adventurer.
So I eagerly awaited Paradise and was delighted. Kevin must have stayed in one place for a usually long length time to bring his vast knowledge and experience to bear on this universal concept.
He crams a lot of facts but his style of writing is fun to read.
So I eagerly awaited Paradise and was delighted. Kevin must have stayed in one place for a usually long length time to bring his vast knowledge and experience to bear on this universal concept.
He crams a lot of facts but his style of writing is fun to read.
Format:Paperback
The book explores the myth of Eden and religious "paradise" and how it has shaped the world as we know it. From Pythagoras and his ideas of attaining paradise on earth via harmony, to Columbus discovering America and believing he had found Eden. From Samuel Hartlib trying to create his version of a Utopia in Britain, to Omar Khayyam and his ideas around mathematics and social conditions. From apocalyptic Catholicism of the 15th century, to Social Darwinism and the Nazi's final solution.
It isn't a heavy read; although the title might make it sound like it is. The subject matter is introduced, explained and then related to the next topic in a style that flows well, reads well and allows you to take in what Rushby is saying without being patronising nor too complex.
The biggest flaw in this book is actually his little anecdotes of his granddad/time in Asia etc. It just never really fits with the rest of the book (read: not all that interesting). But the rest of it is great.
It's not too long (about 250 pages) and is interesting and informative. I don't normally read all that much non-fiction, but found this a breeze.
It isn't a heavy read; although the title might make it sound like it is. The subject matter is introduced, explained and then related to the next topic in a style that flows well, reads well and allows you to take in what Rushby is saying without being patronising nor too complex.
The biggest flaw in this book is actually his little anecdotes of his granddad/time in Asia etc. It just never really fits with the rest of the book (read: not all that interesting). But the rest of it is great.
It's not too long (about 250 pages) and is interesting and informative. I don't normally read all that much non-fiction, but found this a breeze.
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