The Healing Power of Ancient Literature
Editor: Stephen Bertman and Lois Parker
Date Of Publication: Jul 2009
Isbn13: 978-1-4438-0988-7
Isbn: 1-4438-0988-8
“Time heals all,” said Sophocles some 25 centuries ago. Taking the Greek dramatist at his word, two investigators—one a classicist and the other a licensed psychologist—organized a symposium to explore the capacity of the past to cure the ills of the present.

The symposium’s premise was that literature, especially ancient literature, possesses a profound power to heal our souls, a power that is especially needed today when the rapidity of change and the force of world events combine to make peace of mind an ever more distant and seemingly unreachable goal. Featuring nationally-renowned scholars, the meeting explored the wisdom literature of Egypt, the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, the Biblical books of Ecclesiastes and Job, the poetry of Homer, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, and the teachings of Lao-tzu as sources of enlightenment and inspiration for the modern world.

The present anthology incorporates all six of the symposium’s formal presentations—by Stephen Bertman, John Foster, David Hicks, John Maier, and Rami Shapiro—as well as an additional essay by Lois Parker on the symposium’s humanistic theme.

Stephen Bertman, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Classics at Canada’s University of Windsor. His books include Doorways Through Time: The Romance of Archaeology, Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia, Erotic Love Poems of Greece and Rome, The Eight Pillars of Greek Wisdom, Hyperculture, and Cultural Amnesia.

Lois Parker, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist, Director Emerita of Counseling Services at the University of Nevada, Reno, and founder of The Parker Institute. A believer in narrative’s psychologically restorative power, she is the author of Mythopoesis: Toward Integrating Image and Story and the winner of the 2003 Thornton Peace Prize.

“The words and wisdom of this powerful book do much more than inform and teach; they provide modern readers a rare opportunity for reflection, healing, and true peace of mind.”

—Timothy J. Kloberdanz, PhD, Anthropologist and Folklorist, North Dakota State University, Fargo

“A guide through centuries of human emotion and experience offering a retreat for reflection on the maladies of the modern mind.”

—Han Baltussen, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Classics and Ancient Thought, University of Adelaide

“A ‘must read’ for the serious scholar of psychotherapy.”

—William O’Donohue, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Director, Victims of Crime Treatment Center, University of Nevada, Reno

“This is one of those books that can change readers’ lives.”

—Uri Zur, PhD, Head, Israel Heritage Department, Ariel University Center of Samaria

“With inspiration and consolation, this work arms us against cynicism and despair, recalling us to the perennial tasks of wisdom, compassion, and justice.”

—Thomas R. Cole, PhD, Director, John P. McGovern, MD, Center for Health, Humanities and the Human Spirit, The University of Texas at Houston

“This book refreshingly connects the reader across time and cultures with the therapeutic power of literature.”

—Thomas Falkner, PhD, Professor of Classics and Provost, McDaniel College

“Every chapter reminds the reader of the persistent universality of human thoughts and feelings. This reminder is healing in itself.”

—Grant D. Miller, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Nevada School of Medicine

“A marvelous and inspiring trip.”

—Joseph Plescia, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Classics, The Florida State University

“This useful work provides wisdom that has survived the test of time, a wisdom that can help us manage our successes, recover from our failures, and discover our immense possibilities.”

—James L. Owen, PhD, Professor of Communication Studies, University of Nevada, Reno

“Read this ambitious book and take the journeys so ably sketched. Argue with the writers and with yourself about human values. Join the creative struggle.”

—J.T. Fraser, Founder, The International Society for the Study of Time

“For someone looking for guidance on what the past had to say about healing the soul, this book is useful, and even inspiring.”

—Yun Lee Too, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2009.12.42

Price Uk Gbp: 34.99
Price Us Usd: 52.99

Sample pdf (including Table of Contents)