Editorial Review:

Beginning with an overview of the symbolism of creative forces in general, The Phallus first examines the representation of male fertility in such forms as the menhirs or standing stones of prehistoric Europe; the Mahalinga and Svayambhu of India; and the ancient Greek Omphalos. The second part of the book surveys the presence of ithyphallic gods in archaic shamanistic religions (the Lord of the Animals), the Greek pantheon (Hermes, Priapus), and the Hindu deities (Ardhanarishvara, the androgyne). Danielou also explores the role of Shaivist and Dionysian initiatory rites in bringing men into communion with the creative forces of life. Illustrated throughout with photographs and line drawings of European and Indian art, The Phallus celebrates the expression of the masculine in the religious traditions of East and West.
Phallic imagery, in one form or another, may be found in the artistic traditions of virtually every world culture since prehistoric times. Alain Danielou here unveils the religious impulse underlying art that at first glance seems to have no purpose beyond the erotic.

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Fantastic & Informative!:

There is a lot of information packed into this 113 page book...and a LOT of pictures! Danielou provides a strong overview of the phallus as a symbol and an object of worship. The Phallus is well researched and chock full of interesting details and myths from around the world relating to the importance of the phallus. One of the most powerful messages I got from this reading is that the phallus was seen as the object of power (a source of life/energy), not the man...the man (according to the text) was the... more info

The Magnificent Male Symbol:

Of all the disputes of modern times, the most difficult to reconcile in a dual gender world is the grandeur of the male phallus and its idolization as a symbol of male strength and power. In the Bible, it dons the symbolism of all creation for its functionality and unique character, making it the tool of civilization. Oddly, within that burden rests a world unduly concerned with its exposure and exhibition, particularly in its moments of swollen pride reserved for times of sexual excitement. Contrast the... more info

The Phallus: Sacred Symbol of Male Creative Power:

I found "The Phallus: Sacred Symbol of Male Creative Power" to be a fascinating book, not only with respect to Alain Daniélou's well-researched explanations of the purpose of phallic symbolism and worship, but also for his inclusion of ancient legends, beliefs, and cultural customs. With so much history and religio-cultural reasoning underlying phallic symbolism and worship, I'm personally amazed, as the author appears to be, that Western civilization, for the most part, considers this such a... more info

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