Ake Hultkrantz Livres

"In this scholarly but highly readable book, the famed anthropologist and historian of religions Åke Hultkrantz takes us on an in-depth exploration of Native American afterlife journey myths and shamanism. Anticipating the western “discovery” of near-death experiences by nearly 20 years, Hultkrantz recognized them as phenomena distinct from other extraordinary experiences such as dreams and vision quests. Equally remarkable, Hultkrantz found that Native American afterlife myths were actually influenced by NDEs and shamanic otherworld journeys. Weaving this discovery together with various cultural and psychological factors, Hultkrantz also delves into other supernatural beliefs and practices such as soul-retrieval, ghosts, funerary rituals, reincarnation, and the Ghost Dance religions in which initiates deliberately induced NDE-like experiences. Rounding off his study with comparisons to afterlife journey myths in ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, across Asia, and the Pacific islands, Hultkrantz crafted an unsurpassed masterpiece of comparative religion and paranthropology, many years ahead of its time. Originally published in a small edition in Europe, the book was never widely available to the general public and has been out-of-print for decades. Afterworlds Press is proud to now make this groundbreaking work accessible to a new generation of readers."--provided by publisher's website

Focusing on the religious and shamanic beliefs surrounding the concept of soul among North America's indigenous peoples, this study offers a profound exploration of these traditions. It is recognized as a significant contribution to the understanding of archetypal themes and is essential for those interested in neolithic cultures. The work stands out for its intelligence and depth, making it a valuable addition to any library dedicated to these subjects.

The collection features fifteen essays by Åke Hultkrantz, a leading authority on American Indian religions, showcasing his extensive research on the religious attitudes and practices of diverse North American Indian communities. Compiled over twenty-five years, these essays highlight significant insights into the spiritual beliefs and cultural expressions of indigenous peoples, reflecting Hultkrantz's scholarly contributions to the understanding of their rich religious traditions.

Exploring the diverse roles of drugs, this book delves into their use as stimulants for ecstasy throughout history. It examines various forms of substances, their effects on the human experience, and the cultural significance they hold. The narrative highlights both the allure and risks associated with these drugs, providing a comprehensive look at their impact on society and individual lives. Through a blend of historical context and personal stories, it offers insights into the complex relationship between humans and psychoactive substances.

Kniha švédského amerikanisty se zabývá rituálními a etnickými aspekty náboženství Indiánů Severní Ameriky. Soustřeďuje se především na žité religiózní projevy, se kterými měl autor možnost se seznámit i během svých terénních výzkumů. Hlavní pozornost je věnována dvěma základním modelům indiánského náboženství - loveckému modelu, reprezentovanému kulturou Šošonů, a zemědělskému, který zde zastupují Zuniové. Lovecký model prérijních Indiánů se zakládá na šamanismu, zvířecím ceremonialismu, uctívání nejvyšší bytosti mužského pohlaví a na obřadech kosmického omlazování. Hlavním obřadem je zde proslavený Sluneční tanec (obřad Sundance). Pro zemědělský model jsou naopak typické obřady plodnosti, slavnosti deště, při kterých významnou roli hrají místní kouzelníci, uctívání bohů a bohyň. Zajímavá kniha s cennými religionisticko-etnografickými informacemi.