Moon: Nature and Culture [Paperback]

Long before a rocket hit the Man in the Moon in the eye in Georges M?li?ss early film?Le Voyage dans la Lune, the earths lone satellite had entranced humans. We have worshipped it as a deity, believed it to cause madness, used it as a means of organizing time, and we now know that it manipulates the tidesour understanding of the moon continues to evolve. Following the moon from its origins to its rich cultural resonance in literature, art, religion, and politics,?Moon?provides a comprehensive account of the significance of our lunar companion.
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Edgar Williams explores the interdependence of the Earth and the moon, not only the possibility that life on Earth would not be viable without the moon, but also the way it has embedded itself in culture. In addition to delving into roles the moon has played in literature from science fiction and comics to poetry, he examines how Elizabeth I was worshipped as the moon goddess Diana, the moons place in folklore and astrology, and humanitys long-standing dream of inhabiting its surface. Filled with entertaining anecdotes, this book is the kind of succinct, witty, and informative look at everything lunar that only comes around once in a blue moon.

Edgar Williamsis a reader in physiology at the University of South Wales, UK, and the author ofGiraffeandOstrich, also published by Reaktion Books.

“An enlightening and interesting account of the Moon and its continuing and expanding influence on mankind.”