Book Review
Review======
Title: Parallels: Mesoamerican and Ancient Middle Eastern TraditionsAuthor: Diane E. WirthPublisher: Stonecliff PublishingYear Published: 2003Number of Pages: 211Binding: Large paperbackISBN: 0-9602096-0-3Price: $17.95
Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle
Upon first hearing of this book from a friend at FARMS, I asked him whether he thought this kind of book would be beyond my ability to evaluate adequately. He assured me that it was indeed written at a level which I could understand. He was quite right.
Wirth’s book is a wonderful primer on a subject of so much discussion in Mormon circles — the parallels (hence the title) between traditions found in the ancient Middle East and those known of the ancient tribes of Mesoamerica. Mind you, there’s no shortage of books on this subject. The student wishing to learn can find a wide variety of such works. But Wirth’s book is unique in two ways: 1) the work speaks to a non-Mormon audience — there’s hardly a mention of Mormonism anywhere except in the bibliographical endnotes; and 2) it serves well as a primer for those wanting to dip into the subject of ancient cultures and history, but are either unable, or unwilling, to devote the time needed to study the more weight tomes.
The design of the book is very straightforward. Following some introductory thoughts, in which Wirth states her premises and lays out the design of her own thoughts, she treats the subject thematically, showing, through prose and illustration, parallels she perceives between the civilizations. In her opening words, she addresses directly the dispute between the “isolationist” and “diffusionist” schools of thought regarding the peopling of the American continent. It is beyond the scope of this review to explain this issue, other than to say that “isolationists” see a single source of population movement from the north accounting for the population of the continent, while the “diffusionist” sees the issue as more complex, involving more than one migration from more than one ancientcivilization.
It is clear that she comes down on the side of the diffusionists — it is sensible that a believing Latter-day Saint would find the isolationist viewpoint unacceptable. The issue becomes, what does the evidence indicate? Can either side show definitively that one or the other theory is true? I don’t think there is that kind of certainty. Wirth tries to show that the diffusionist theory is reasonable.
The chapter titles are as follows:
1. Bearded Foreigners?2. Osiris and Hun Hunahpu3. Creation and Re-Creation4. Fish Traditions5. Symbolism in Genealogy6. The King and the World Tree7. Mesoamerican and Egyptian Scribes8. Womb of Earth — Womb of Sky9. Mountain of Creation10. Miscellaneous Parallels
Each chapter centers around its theme by offering examples from both cultures and shows how parallels can be seen. Her attention to organization and detail is so helpful to the beginning learner. She opens each chapter with a brief introduction, and closes with a helpful summary of the data found therein. Using scripture, ancient writing, oral tradition and surviving symbology as her basis, Wirth takes the reader step by step through some of the more amazing parallels that exist between the civilizations.
At the end of the book, the author supplies us with helpful comparative charts. Also arranged thematically, one may quickly research ideas and methods, and instantly find their parallels in the ancient civilizations. As one begins a study in this area, such charts are invaluable. And for the more ambitious student, a lengthy bibliography is supplied.
It is important to note that Wirth does not assume a level of academic competence in her readers. Scholars may find the vernacular approach to be a bit put-offish, but most readers, I believe will find the common-sense approach to the subject both helpful and approachable.
“Parallels” should be considered by any student wishing to either get started, or to more fully organize, a study of the subject. My bookshelf has many books on this topic; some are quite weighty and intimidating. This book fills a need in the current atmosphere of Mormon life — the need for greater study versus the frantic pace of modern life that makes reading huge tomes impractical.
This is a book that can be enjoyed at every level, and deserves a wide audience. Some may quarrel with the parallels presented, but no Latter-day Saint who cares about this issue (and all should!) can deny that resources are available. “Parallels” is an example of an entry-level book that is both competent and readable.
Wirth is to be congratulated for taking the step of self-publishing. I hope that this book is eventually carried by Deseret Book and other independent LDS bookstores. I recommend it as a fine beginning text, and hope that it has wide circulation.
Stonecliff Publishing is located at:
P.O. Box 911060St. George, UT 84791435-652-8279stonecliffpub@aol.com
———————————–Jeff Needlejeff.needle@general.comjeffneedle@tns.net