When Souls Had Wings: Pre-Mortal Existence in Western Thought by Givens, Terryl L

Oxford University Press, 2012-04-01. Paperback. Used: Good.

Oxford Univ Pr, 2012. Paperback. New. 1st edition. 400 pages. 9.25x6.25x0.75 inches.

OXFORD UNIV PR. New. Special order direct from the distributor

Paperback / softback. New. The idea of the pre-existence of the soul has been extremely important, widespread, and persistent throughout Western history-from even before the philosophy of Plato to the poetry of Robert Frost. When Souls Had Wings offers the first systematic history of this little explored feature of Western culture. Terryl Givens describes the tradition of pre-existence as "pre-heaven"-the place where unborn souls wait until they descend to earth to be born. And typically it is seen as a descent-a falling away from a happier and untroubled state into the turbulent and sinful world we know. The title of the book refers to the idea put forward in antiquity that our souls begin with wings, and that only after shedding those wings do we fall to earth. The book not only traces the history of the idea of pre-existence, but also captures its meaning for those who have embraced it. Givens describes how pre-existence has been invoked to explain "the better angels… Read More

Oxford University Press. paperback. New. 147x13x98. Brand New Book in Publishers original Sealing