The Social Contract – Robert Ardrey – 1970, Atheneum (Original Edition)
A seminal 1970 work examining the biological foundations of human social behavior, arguing that our evolutionary past dictates our modern structures of order and disorder.
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The Shamanism of Southeast Asia – Carol Laderman, Marina Roseman, Kirk Endicott – Various Research Compendiums and Ethnographies
A scholarly exploration of the diverse shamanic traditions of Southeast Asia, focusing on the concepts of soul-substance, the aesthetics of ritual performance, and the survival of indigenous beliefs through syncretism.
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The Seven Basic Plots – Christopher Booker – 2004 (Bloomsbury Continuum)
A comprehensive scholarly study identifying seven universal patterns that underpin all human storytelling, exploring their psychological origins and their role in the process of human individuation.
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The Sky in Maya Literature – Anthony F. Aveni – 1980
This book explores the critical role of astronomical observation and celestial symbolism within Maya literature and cosmology. It highlights the intertwined nature of Maya science, mythology, and ritual practices.
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The Sky in our Hands – Clive Ruggles – 1999
This work examines the cultural significance of astronomical phenomena throughout history, emphasizing the diverse ways in which societies have interpreted and integrated the sky into their mythologies, rituals, and built environments.
It offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between humans and the cosmos. -
The Signal and the Noise – Nate Silver – 2012
This work examines the challenges of prediction and the importance of distinguishing between meaningful data and misleading information. It offers a broad exploration of forecasting accuracy across various disciplines.
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The Shorter Science and Civilisation in China – Joseph Needham, Colin Ronan – 1978, 3rd Edition
This book offers a condensed overview of the scientific and technological history of China, challenging Eurocentric perspectives and highlighting the interconnectedness of knowledge within Chinese culture.
It provides an accessible entry point into a vast and complex history.
It underscores the importance of understanding scientific thought within its specific cultural and philosophical context. -
The Shape of the Turtle: Myth, Art, and Cosmos in Early China – Sarah Allan – 1991, University of Hawaii Press
This book examines the central role of the turtle in the cosmology and worldview of the Shang dynasty, utilizing archaeological evidence to reconstruct early Chinese beliefs.
It provides insights into the development of Chinese cosmology and the relationship between religion and power. -
The Shaman’s Totem: Western and Chinese Astrology Compared – Richard J. Sterling – Details of the edition would need to be added.
This comparative study examines the shared symbolic language between Western and Chinese astrology, exploring their mythological roots and archetypal connections.
It bridges the gap between esoteric traditions and psychological frameworks, appealing to students of astrology, mythology, and comparative religion.
The work posits a common origin in ancient shamanic practices and a shared attempt to understand the cosmos. -
The Seven Pillars of the Chinese Calendar – Peter Noergaard – 1982
This book provides a detailed examination of the traditional Chinese calendar system, exploring its astronomical, astrological, and philosophical foundations.
It contextualizes the calendar within its long historical development and cultural significance.
The work is intended for those with a serious interest in Chinese culture and cosmology.