Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concepts of Pollution and Taboo -- Mary Dougla

<p>Is cleanliness next to godliness? What does such a concept really mean? Why does it recur as a universal theme across all societies? And what are the implications for the unclean? </p><p>In<i> Purity and Danger</i> Mary Douglas identifies the concern for purity as a key theme at the heart of every society. In lively and lucid prose she explains its relevance for every reader by revealing its wide-ranging impact on our attitudes to society, values, cosmology and knowledge. This book has been hugely influential in many areas of debate - from religion to social theory. With a specially commissioned preface by the author which assesses the continuing significance of the work, this Routledge Classics edition will ensure that <i>Purity and Danger</i> continues to challenge, question and inspire for many years to come.</p><br><br><b>Author:</b> Professor Mary Douglas<br><b>Publisher:</b> Routledge<br><b>Published:</b> 09/12/2002<br><b>Pages:</b> 272<br><b>Binding Type:</b> Paperback<br><b>Weight:</b> 0.66lbs<br><b>Size:</b> 7.92h x 5.00w x 0.88d<br><b>ISBN:</b> 9780415289955<br><p><b>About the Author</b><br><strong>Mary Douglas </strong>was one of the most distinguished anthropologists of modern times. <em>Natural Symbols</em>, another of her major works, is also available in Routledge Classics.</p><p></p>