The Alphabet Versus the Goddess Audiobook By Leonard Shlain cover art

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess

The Conflict Between Word and Image

Preview

Try for $0.00
Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess

By: Leonard Shlain
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $22.78

Buy for $22.78

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

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 Words, Language & Grammar Ancient History Thought-Provoking Human Brain Inspiring
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

What listeners say about The Alphabet Versus the Goddess

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    88
  • 4 Stars
    16
  • 3 Stars
    5
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    4
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    61
  • 4 Stars
    20
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    7
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    83
  • 4 Stars
    7
  • 3 Stars
    4
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    4

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Reads

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Listened, then invested in a hard copy for my library

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The narrating voice does not match the content

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

more relevant than ever

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good read, tolerated narrator

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Remarkable and insightful

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Well worth listening to....

I read this book years ago, and decided to retake it in again via listening.... This work puts an incredible insight into the blessing and the curse that is written word.... From start to finish, this book highlights many things from history till now that showcase how the logos(alphabet) has supplanted idols(imagery)..... I'm glad I listened to this....

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful