In this broad-ranging inquiry into ritual and its relation to place; Jonathan Z. Smith prepares the way for a new approach to the comparative study of religion.Smith stresses the importance of place—in particular; constructed ritual environments—to a proper understanding of the ways in which "empty" actions become rituals. He structures his argument around the territories of the Tjilpa aborigines in Australia and two sites in Jerusalem—the temple envisioned by Ezekiel and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The first of these locales—the focus of one of the more important contemporary theories of religious ritual—allows Smith to raise questions concerning the enterprise of comparison. His close examination of Eliade's influential interpretation of the Tjilpa tradition leads to a powerful critique of the approach to religion; myth; and ritual that begins with cosmology and the category of "The Sacred."In substance and in method; To Take Place represents a significant advance toward a theory of ritual. It is of great value not only to historians of religion and students of ritual; but to all; whether social scientists or humanists; who are concerned with the nature of place."This book is extraordinarily stimulating in prompting one to think about the ways in which space; or place; is perceived; marked; and utilized religiously. . . . A provocative example of the application of humanistic geography to our understanding of what takes place in religion."—Dale Goldsmith; Interpretation
#153794 in Books University of Chicago Press 1986-06-15 1986-06-15Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .81 x 6.00l; .93 #File Name: 0226571637308 pagesGreat product!
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I couldn't put it down.By Clutch CargoIf you are interested with Alaska Native culture like I am; you will love this book. If you aren't then you won't; simple as that. Being I am; I couldn't put it down. The mythology and the lifestyle of the Koyukon people and how the two were intertwined were endlessly fascinating to me. This is already one of my favorite books of all time and will always have a place on my bookshelf.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. classicBy Thomas DeerfieldRichard Nelson is hard to put down. I've read and re-read his books; and really love his radio shows.This man's passion and spirit shine through his works.I give his books as gifts to dear friends.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I found this book difficult to get through. Very ...By R. E. FarmerI found this book difficult to get through. Very long; drawn out descriptions of uninteresting areas of the culture; and then it skims over areas which are more interesting. It is possible that the focuses are simply accurate to the culture though.
