A Short History Of Myth

Since the dawn of humanity, we have created myths to make sense of our world. In A Short History of Myth, acclaimed author Karen Armstrong traces the arc of mythmaking from prehistoric burial rites to the rise of the modern novel, revealing how stories have always helped us navigate mystery, morality, and meaning. With clarity and depth, she explores how myths evolved alongside civilization, how they were challenged by science, and why they remain essential to our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Serving as both a sweeping overview and a compelling introduction to the Myths series—featuring celebrated authors such as Margaret Atwood, Philip Pullman, and Jeanette Winterson—Armstrong's book reminds us that myth is not a relic of the past, but a living force that continues to shape our lives and imagination.