The Myths We Live By

Mary Midgley argues in her powerful new book that far from being the opposite of science, myth is a central part of it. In brilliant prose, she claims that myths are neither lies nor mere stories but a network of powerful symbols that suggest particular ways of interpreting the world.

' An elegant and sane little book. Unusually for a philosopher, Midgley has a superb ear for the use and misuse of language .'

- Edward Skidelsky, New Statesman

'She has, perhaps, the sharpest perception of any living thinker of the dangerous extremism that lurks behind so much contemporary scientistic discourse ...Merely as anthologies of contemporary folly, Midgley's books are essential reading ...we have Mary Midgley among us. We should pay attention and be grateful .'

- Brian Appleyard, The Sunday Times