Mythologies: The Complete Edition, in a New Translation

At first, you might think that Barthes’ Mythologies is simply an exercise in identifying metaphorical replacements for the gods and heroes of yore given the secularization of modern society. Thus, athletes replace warriors, pageant winners stand in lieu of Helen of Troy and leaders of nations conduct themselves like divinely chosen monarchs.But Barthes goes well beyond this. When he emphasizes identifying myths he is decrying the simplification of reality in which what is living and polymorphic is turned into a mere metaphor. Modern life is, for Barthes, irreducibly complex. Politicians, clerics, businessmen and other leaders of the bourgeoisie—who do often seem to be piñatas for the Marxist left—are charged with using myths, tautologies and maxims to maintain their grip on power.Barthes is certainly ingenious in dissecting these modern cultural memes. However, I couldn’t help but feel that the work was trying to strike down, pillar by pillar, everything on which Western society stands.Not being a Marxist, I can’t really sympathize with this goal. But it is an example of the creative power of the Marxist tradition even as late as the 1950s. And I did find it insightful despite having deep underlying philosophical differences.It’s a classic of modern thought and needs no recommendation from me, but perhaps I can recommend it even if you, like me, are a willing participant in capitalism and do not wish to see the state, religion and free market all destroyed. In my opinion, Barthes’ Mythologies is a case of a deeply flawed tradition able to stimulate a work of perennial philosophy. It’s worth considering devoting some of your limited leisure time to reading through this, whatever else it may be, remarkably original book.

"Milk is the anti-wine." How could an examination of cultural values expressed in popular media get any better than this?

I bought this for my daughter who's at university. She loves the book, but unfortunately she over enthusiastically tore the dust cover whilst unwrapping it.

An in-depth look at mythological and arts theory.

Another gift for our son and he loves it!