Skip to content

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image Paperback - 1999

by Leonard Shlain

The author of "Art & Physics" now offers "a fascinating account of the evolution of our male and female ways of knowing" (Clarissa Pinkola Estes, author of" Women Who Run with the Wolves"). 35 illustrations.

Summary

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.

From the publisher

Leonard Shlain is the author of Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light, and The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image. He is the chief of laparoscopic surgery at California Medical Center in San Francisco.

First line

Of all the sacred cows allowed to roam unimpeded in our culture, few are as revered as literacy.

Details

  • Title The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image
  • Author Leonard Shlain
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition English Language
  • Pages 496
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Books, New York
  • Date September 1, 1999
  • Features Bibliography, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780140196016 / 0140196013
  • Weight 0.99 lbs (0.45 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.44 x 5.56 x 1.11 in (21.44 x 14.12 x 2.82 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
  • Library of Congress subjects Language and culture, Patriarchy
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 98021673
  • Dewey Decimal Code 302.224

About the author

Leonard Shlain is the author of Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time & Light, and The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image. He is the chief of laparoscopic surgery at California Medical Center in San Francisco.

More Copies for Sale

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

by Add Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
Condition
UsedAcceptable
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
2
Seller
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 3 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$1.32
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedAcceptable. The item is fairly worn but still readable. The book may have some cosmetic wear (i.e. creased spine/cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, sunburn, stains, water damage, bent, torn, damaged binding, dent). - The dust jacket if present, may be marked, and have considerable heavy wear. – The book might be ex-library copy, and may have the markings and stickers associated from the library - The book may have considerable highlights/notes/underlined pages but the text is legible - Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included - Safe and Secure Mailer - No Hassle Return
Item Price
$1.32
$3.99 shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

by Add Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 3 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$1.62
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. The book may have minor cosmetic wear (i.e. creased spine/cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent). The book may have some highlights/notes/underlined pages - Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included - Safe and Secure Mailer - No Hassle Return
Item Price
$1.62
$3.99 shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

by Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
Condition
UsedAcceptable
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$2.13
$2.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedAcceptable. Cover/Case has some rubbing and edgewear. Access codes, CD's, slipcovers and other accessories may not be included.
Item Price
$2.13
$2.99 shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

by Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
UsedGood
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Tucker, Georgia, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$2.41
$4.49 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. All orders ship by next business day! This is a used paperback book. Has moderate wear on cover and/or pages. Has markings on pages. Spine has been opened/creased. Has large tear(s) on front cover. For USED books, we cannot guarantee supplemental materials such as CDs, DVDs, access codes and other materials. We are a small company and very thankful for your business!
Item Price
$2.41
$4.49 shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
12
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.02
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Books, 1999. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.02
FREE shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
4
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Books, 1999. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Leonard Shlain

  • Used
  • Very Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
7
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 1999. Paperback. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
2
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Books, 1999. Paperback. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess : The Conflict Between Word and Image

by Leonard Shlain

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 1999. Paperback. Good. Disclaimer:Missing dust jacket; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$6.11
FREE shipping to USA
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image (Compass)

by Shlain, Leonard

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140196016 / 0140196013
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Interlochen, Michigan, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.69
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Item Price
$6.69
FREE shipping to USA