Mythologies

A must have collection of essays . A few of them are not so comprehensible .but definite good work.

French philosopher Roland Barthes is universally hailed as the founding father of structuralism. 'Mythologies' is one of his best works.It features 29 essays about topics as diverse as the world of wrestling and the brain of Einstein. All the myths of mass culture have been nicely explored by Barthes. There is also a new translated essay called 'Astrology' in this book.

Simply superb! Mythmaking is something we all engage in, mostly unconsciously. To bring a clear insight into the process and analyse it for what it is requires a sharp and perceptive intellect, and that Barthes is! Though most of the essays may seem dated or culturally located in distant France, a little effort from the reader goes a long way in understanding his modes and approaches of thought. And that is irresistibly sublime.

Mythologies has a collection of essays that read every popular social element as a metaphor affecting society, ideology and the individual. The best essay in the collection, however, is the one titled "Myth Today" that relates how mythologies as a genre act upon a gamut of consciousness from the formation of language to politics.

Good book.

Not bad

A very thought provoking book on everyday issues.

Expensive.