When Zarathustra Spoke: The Reformation Of Neolithic Culture And Religion (Bibliotheca Iranica: Zoroastrian Studies) : Book Review

"When Zarathustra Spoke: The Reformation of Neolithic Culture and Cosmology" by Mary Settegast is a fascinating exploration of ancient Neolithic culture and its religious beliefs. In this thought-provoking book, Settegast takes readers on a journey to understand the life and teachings of Zarathustra, the prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, and the profound impact he had on the cultural and cosmological beliefs of that time.

One of the standout features of this book is Settegast's ability to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner. She breaks down the intricate concepts of Neolithic culture and cosmology, allowing readers to grasp their significance and relevance. Settegast's writing style is engaging and well-researched, making this book both informative and captivating.

Settegast offers a fresh perspective on the influence of Zarathustra's teachings, providing evidence and arguments to support her claims. By providing a comprehensive examination of the historical and cultural context of this era, she offers readers a deeper understanding of the significance of Zarathustra's teachings. Her meticulous research and attention to detail make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and religious history.

Throughout the book, Settegast skillfully connects various aspects of Neolithic culture, such as language, agriculture, and religious practices. She presents a compelling case for the transformative impact of Zarathustra's teachings on these fundamental aspects of human civilization. As a result, readers will gain a greater appreciation for the Neolithic culture and its lasting legacy.

In summary, "When Zarathustra Spoke" is an enlightening and engaging book that explores the reformation of Neolithic culture through Zarathustra's teachings. Mary Settegast's meticulous research, clear writing style, and ability to connect the dots make this book a valuable resource for scholars, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of ancient cultures and religious beliefs.

What are readers saying?

Mary Settegast's book, "When Zarathustra Spoke," has received a mixed response from readers. The book delves into the history and teachings of Zarathustra, the ancient philosopher and prophet. Some readers found the exploration of Zarathustra's philosophy and its influence on various religions to be fascinating and well-researched. They praised Settegast's extensive knowledge and thorough analysis, which they felt deepened their understanding of ancient religious texts. These readers appreciated the book's ability to connect different religious traditions and offer a fresh perspective on the development of spiritual beliefs.

However, there were readers who expressed disappointment with the book's writing style, finding it dense and academic. They struggled to engage with the abundance of technical terminology and felt overwhelmed. These readers believed that the book would be better suited for scholars or those already familiar with the subject matter - more accessible language would have been preferable.

Another point of contention among readers was the author's tendency to explore speculative theories and assumptions. While some appreciated Settegast's openness to presenting alternative viewpoints, others found these speculations to be unsubstantiated and detrimental to the book's overall credibility.

The structure of the book was also a point of criticism for some readers, who found it disorganized. They struggled to follow the author's arguments and the flow of ideas. A clearer and more coherent structure would have improved the reading experience and made the book more accessible.

In conclusion, readers with an interest in Zarathustra and the intersection of different religious traditions may find "When Zarathustra Spoke" to be an insightful and thought-provoking read. However, those seeking a more approachable and well-structured exploration of the subject should approach the book with caution. The book's dense writing style, speculative theories, and disorganized structure may be deterrents for some readers.

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