Strangers, Gods and Monsters

A highly original study of why we demonise other people in the forms of strangers, gods or monsters - how we construct stories and cultural myths about them, how these are told, and how we can understand them.

Range of excellent examples drawn from both historical myths to Shakespeare's Hamlet; Joyce's Ireland and films such as Apocalypse Now and Men in Black.

The book also discusses the events of September 11 and what it means to our perceptions of others in terms of strangers, gods or monsters.

Richard Kearney is a big name in philosophy. He is a prolific writer and successful novelist who is well known in literature, cultural studies and Irish studies on both sides of the Atlantic. He is currently based in the US where he has established himself as a major literary figure.

Kearney is also co-editor of our Thinking in Action series which has already established itself since publication in May last year as one o the most exciting, interesting and engaging works to be published in years. His On Stories has also just appeared in the series.