The Alphabet Versus the Goddess Audiobook By Leonard Shlain cover art

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess

The Conflict Between Word and Image

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The Alphabet Versus the Goddess

By: Leonard Shlain
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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About this listen

Who changed the sex of God?

This groundbreaking book proposes that the rise of alphabetic literacy reconfigured the human brain and brought about profound changes in history, religion, and gender relations. Making remarkable connections across brain function, myth, and anthropology, Dr. Shlain shows why pre-literate cultures were principally informed by holistic, right-brain modes that venerated the Goddess, images, and feminine values.

Writing drove cultures toward linear left-brain thinking and this shift upset the balance between men and women, initiating the decline of the feminine and ushering in patriarchal rule. Examining the cultures of the Israelites, Greeks, Christians, and Muslims, Shlain reinterprets ancient myths and parables in light of his theory. Provocative and inspiring, this book is a paradigm-shattering work that will transform your view of history and the mind.

©1998 Leonard Shlain (P)2017 Tantor
Anthropology Civilization Gender Studies Social Sciences Words, Language & Grammar World Ancient History Thought-Provoking Human Brain Inspiring
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Insightful Examination • Compelling Central Thesis • Relevant Information • Impressive Historical Research
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Dense, well-researched, verbose, and life-changing. I felt anger and grief while reading this.

Should be required reading

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Possibly the most interesting non fiction book I've ever read! Buying copies to give out.

Fascinating

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If only more people would listen :|
What a brilliant man.
And no more cursive. What’s next :(

Fantastic

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Amazing book great amount of study into the history of the world ....gives amazing detail

Great Reads

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Do you have an estimated time of arrival at the truth? From the beginning female deities were worshipped. This tome describes what happened to them—and what happened to us.

Excellent! Well organized. Only a man who cares about women and women’s history could write such a work. Thanks Dr. Schlain

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It clearly explained an amazing concept and provided a good review of history and world religions

Listened, then invested in a hard copy for my library

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Narrator- “metapher” not metaphor. Rapped instead of raped. Believe some faulty logic was applied to make his point. I would have preferred a neural voice had performed this instead of a voice that represents the feel of patriarchy.

Good read, tolerated narrator

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A fascinating and persuasive argument, Very original thought. Long but worth it! Leaves the reader much to think about and explore further.

Remarkable and insightful

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While the book was written from the male perspective, a female voice would be ideal. The narrators inflections do not hold my attention.

The narrating voice does not match the content

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Although the irony of having a male narrator for this book and having it printed using (of course) the alphabet was not lost on me; I still found this information very relevant and extremely important for all women everywhere.

more relevant than ever

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