Myth, Matriarchy and Modernity: Johann Jakob Bachofen in German Culture. 1860-1945

by Peter Davies

Overview

This study explores the prevalence in German culture of myths about ancient matriarchal societies, tracing their presence in left and right wing politics, feminist and antifeminist writing, sociology, psychoanalysis and literary production. The work of the Swiss theorist of matriarchy, Johann Jakob Bachofen (1815–1887), has been highly influential, and this book shows how the interpretation of his legacy became a battleground for conflicts about modernity, myth, race and nation, sex and gender, and ultimately the struggle between National Socialism and its opponents.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783110227093
Publisher:	De Gruyter
Publication date:	02/26/2010
Series:	Interdisciplinary German Cultural Studies Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	462
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Peter Davies, University of Edinburgh,UK.

Editorial Reviews

"Die [die Arbeit von Peter J. Davies], das muss an dieser Stelle ganz ausdrücklich hervorgehoben werden, ein Meisterwerk ist. Wissenschaftliche Akribie und Sorgfalt, stupende Sachkenntnis über die Grenzen einzelner Wissenschaftsdisziplinen hinweg gehen hier einher mit gedanklicher Schärfe und sprachlicher Luzidität."
Elke Pahud de Mortanges in: Schweizer Zeitschrift für Religions- und Kulturgeschichte, 105 (2011)

From the Publisher